Highlights:
- visiting the
hottest, driest, and lowest National Park- and
finding it way more than we imagined
- hiking across
badlands, through canyons, and around an old volcano
- visiting Scotty's
Castle, the Borax Museum, and Zabriskie Point
- relaxing by the
pool and being glad it isn't July
Death Valley has a mythic
status for many of us, particularly those who grew up watching
Death Valley Days and wondered what 20 mule-team borax really
meant. More recently we may have heard about it when there was
an amazing wildflower bloom after a rainy winter. But how many
of us actually know anything about it? This trip is designed
to remedy that, as we explore its fascinating geology and
learn about its equally engaging human history.
This trip is for: any
active woman who wants to explore Death Valley. While we
will offer one optional strenuous hike (2200 feet
elevation gain), most of the hikes are moderate.
Accommodations:
- four nights at Furnace
Creek Ranch
Maximum group size: 10
/ Women Exclusive
Trip price: $1198-$1285
- (there is a $50 deduction for registration
prior to 11/1/08 and 3% of the trip fee if the balance is
paid by check). $300 deposit. E-mail Travlgrrl@aol.com
for more information.
Trip price includes:
- experienced
guides
- four
nights of double occupancy accommodation
- all meals from lunch
on Sunday to lunch on Thursday, except for one dinner
- transportation
from Las Vegas and during the trip
- National
Park and Scotty's Castle entry fees
Trip starts:
arrive in Las Vegas by 11 am on March 1
Trip ends: we will
be back at the Las Vegas airport by 4 pm on March 5 and you
can fly out anytime after 5:30
More information: will
be posted later
Itinerary
March is typically excellent hiking, with
temperatures in the high 70s. This can also be the beginning of
the wildflower season, depending on winter rains. The following
itinerary may be adjusted because of weather, availability of
ranger talks, group wishes, etc.
Sunday: We'll meet you at the Las Vegas airport at 11 am.
The drive to Death Valley National Park is about 2.5 hours.
We'll start our exploration with the Gower Gulch Hike. This 4.5
mile loop trail first takes us through colorful Golden Canyon
(there is also an interpretative trail here), over badlands to
below Zabriskie Point, and down Gower Gulch. We'll then go to
our lodging, Furnace Creek Ranch, where we'll spend the next
four nights. Overnight Furnace Creek Ranch. (L, D).
Monday: There will be two choices of hikes today. The
first is a climb of Wildrose Peak, one of the highest peaks in
the Panamint Mountains. This is a 4.2 mile climb, with an
elevation gain of over 2,000 feet and quite steep in places.
However the 360 degree view from the top makes it well worth the
effort. (B,L,D)
Alternatively there are a number of other
shorter trails that are also well worth exploring. One is
Desolation Canyon, a moderate 3-mile hike in a narrow canyon
through colorful badlands. Another is Dante's Ridge trail, which
is and out and back so you can go as far as you want.
Alternatively this could be a day to explore the Panamint
Springs area, including a short hike to Darwin Falls and a visit
to the ruins of Pete Aguereberry's camp and mine. Overnight
Furnace Creek Ranch. (B,L,D)
Tuesday: This morning we'll
hike 2 to 4 miles into Mosaic Canyon, so named because of its
polished marble walls. Millions of years ago this area was
covered by a vast sea, resulting in limestone formation. Add
magnesium and other sedimentary rock, and lots of heat and
pressure, and over the years the limestone metamorphosed into
today's marble. On this out and back hike we may even see
bighorn sheep. As long as we're in the Stovepipe Wells area,
we'll also visit the Sand Dunes where we can walk cross-country
to 100 foot high sand dunes.
The afternoon is free for you to do as you
choose. Options include lounging by the outdoor swimming pool
that is naturally heated by warm springs that keep the pools'
temperature at a comfortable 82 degrees; visiting the Borax
Museum, which is focussed on the history of Death Valley; and
checking out the National Park Visitor Center. Dinner is on your
own tonight. Overnight Furnace Creek Ranch (B, L)
Wednesday: Today we'll visit the
northern part of the Park. We'll start with a visit to Scotty's
Castle, a Spanish-style mansion that was built in the 1920s and
is completely out of place in this environment. From there we'll
drive to the 600-foot deep Ubehebe Crater, the remnants of a
massive volcanic explosion 300 years ago. We'll hike along the
west rim of the Crater to Little Hebe and several other craters,
before continuing around the rim for a total of 1.5 miles. On
the way back, we'll also stop at the Salt Creek Interpretative
Trail. An easy boardwalk takes us to the Creek, a stream of
salty water that is the only habitat of the endangered pupfish.
We'll finish the day with a drive to Zabriskie Point (remember
that awful movie?) to watch the sunset before returning to the
ranch for our final farewell dinner. Overnight Furnace Creek
Ranch.
Thursday: Want to pack in as much
as possible? Then join your guides for a drive to Dante's Point
to watch the sunrise. Need more rest? Then sleep in and join us
for breakfast. Whichever you do, we'll pack up after breakfast
and then go visit Badwater Salt Flat. It could be a high point
of your visit, but it's definitely the lowest point in the
entire United States. We'll walk at least a half mile to the
edge, and perhaps further if we're so inclined. We'll also walk
on the Natural Bridge Canyon Trail, an easy walk through a
narrow canyon to a natural bridge.
After a final picnic lunch we'll return to
Las Vegas. We'll have you back by 3:00 and you can either plan
to fly out after 5:00 or stick around and try your luck.
E-mail: Travlgrrl@aol.com
or call 1-800-842-4753
http://www.GAYTRAVELPROs.com
E-mail: Travlgrrl@aol.com or Call
Toll-Free 1-800-842-4753
