Itinerary
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Sunday, 23 Feb 2020: Arrive Las Vegas; Welcome Dinner (D)
Welcome to Las Vegas! Schedule your arrival no later than 5:00pm and take local transportation to the hotel. The tour begins promptly at 6:00pm in the lobby of our hotel. We will make introductions and then enjoy dinner together to get better acquainted. Overnight Las Vegas - 1 night
Monday, 24 Feb 2020: Travel to Death Valley; Rhyolite Ghost Town (B,L)
We depart this morning for Death Valley. Our first stop is Beatty, Nev., the Gateway to Death Valley National Park and once the historical railroad service center for the Bullfrog Mining District. We'll stop at Rhyolite, a ghost town that first popped up in August 1904 after prospectors struck gold in the area. By 1907, Rhyolite was booming with a population of more than 4,000 before declining and eventually shuttering the entire town when mining dried up. This is an interesting stop, not only for the buildings that still stand, but also because there are a number of works of art strewn about town. Later this afternoon we check into our hotel. This evening, we will visit Dante's View, which offers a stunning panoramic view, especially at sunset. From the summit, one can see north and south along many miles of salt flats and sand dunes, and also west across the valley to several mountain ranges. It is therefore theoretically possible to see both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous US from one place.
Tuesday, 25 Feb 2020: Golden Canyon Trail; Ubehebe Crater (B,L,D)
Death Valley National Park is known for unusual and striking geographical features, such as canyons, salt flats, volcano craters and sand dunes. Today we'll explore each of these, beginning with an easy 3-mile walk through the colorful Golden Canyon and a walk along a boardwalk trail through the salt marsh. We'll spend our afternoon at Ubehebe Crater, site of a volcanic eruption that left a pit in the earth over 500-feet deep and a half-mile across. Here we'll take a short and easy 1.5-mile walk along the rim of the crater. Later, we'll forge a path through the silky, rippled dunes of Mesquite Flat and then head back to the Ranch to have dinner together.
Wednesday, 26 Feb 2020: Artist Drive; Artist Pallete, Devil's Golf Course; Free Afternoon (B)
We venture our today on a scenic drive through the National Park to the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, Badwater Salt Flat, sitting 282 feet below sea level. We can take a level one-mile walk to the edge of the salt crystal flats to view this unique and peculiar landscape. We'll also meander along Artist Drive, an impressive drive with fantastic views through canyons and past mountains. We'll stop at Artist Palette, with its rich array of color, and Devil's Golf Course, an immense area of rock salt that has eroded into jagged spires. Then it's back to the Ranch for a free afternoon and evening. Take your pick: go for a horseback ride, relax poolside or explore a trail looking for wildlife.
Thursday, 27 Feb 2020: Return to Las Vegas; Free Time; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
This morning we leave the valley and return to Las Vegas. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Las Vegas. Perhaps you'll want to walk the Strip and watch the fountains at the Bellagio or stop in and try your luck at the gaming tables. The choice is yours. We will get together this evening for our Farewell dinner. Overnight Las Vegas - 1 night
Friday, 28 Feb 2020: Return Home from Las Vegas (B)
Sadly, our time together has come to an end. Make your return flight at your convenience. Based on the departure time you provide WTT, your Tour Leader can assist with organizing travelers into small groups so you can ride-share to the airport if you wish.