Death Valley
Death Valley: land of extremes. A wonderful and mysterious place, this valley supports nearly 1,000 native plant species on only two inches of rain per year. At Badwater Basin, desert winds whisper through the valley floor 282 feet below sea level, and 15 miles west the towering 11,000-foot Telescope Peak remains shrouded in snow and ice until late spring.
Pedal past sand dunes, hot springs, canyons, rock formations, and an incredible variety of plant and animal life. We’ll explore the maze of wildly eroded and colorful badlands that are Death Valley, and we’ll retrace the route of the rugged ’49ers and pioneers who arrived via ox-drawn wagons on the Old Spanish Trail to this special place in eastern California.
We’ll enjoy spectacularly clear nights and embrace desert solitude on this eight-day tour.
"This was a great tour. The mix of riding, scenery, hiking, and social opportunities on this tour plus great leaders made for a very special trip. This was my first tour, and it was excellent, and will undoubtedly lead to more."
Day 1. Pahrump, Nevada, 0 miles
We’ll convene as a group today in Pahrump. You'll have the option to meet the group at our start location or to take advantage of our shuttle from Las Vegas. Pahrump is a town blessed with both mountains and desert. Here you’ll have your first map meeting, get acquainted with your fellow riders and tour leaders, and enjoy dinner. Before bedtime, perhaps you’ll have time to take an evening spin through the streets, soaking up the muted desert hues and the grandeur of the nearby peaks.
Day 2. Pahrump to Stovepipe Wells, 34 miles
This morning, we’ll hop in the shuttle for a quick ride to Rhyolite Ghost Town, stopping at a candy store along the way. After checking out the sculptures, we’ll head to our camp in Stovepipe Wells. Be sure to check out the Mesquite Sand Dunes on the way before enjoying a beautiful sunset. Want a longer ride? Options are available for riding toward Emigrant pass and returning when you would like! .
Day 3. Stovepipe Wells to Panamint Springs, 31 miles
We hope you brought your climbing legs! We’ve got gradual uphill most of the day. Catch the shuttle in Panamint Springs for a ride to Darwin Falls — an oasis in the middle of the desert. Keep your cameras ready! This is sure to be a photogenic day with beautiful views of the park.
Day 4. Stovepipe Wells to to Furnace Creek, 57 miles
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll catch a ride in the shuttle up to Ubehebe Crater for an optional self-guided hike. After exploring this 600-foot-deep volcanic crater — formed explosively when rising magma struck ground water — we’ll cycle onward to Furnace Creek. Don’t forget to enjoy this beautiful downhill ride with amazing views!
Day 5. Layover day in Furnace Creek, 0 miles.
Today you’ll have several options: you could shuttle to the top of Emigrant Pass (5,218 feet) for a rowdy downhill on lightly traveled roads with brilliant views of the park, or you could shuttle uphill to Dante’s View, a mountaintop viewpoint often described as “the most breathtaking in the park.” If you’d like to stay closer to Furnace Creek, the Broax Mines and endangered pupfish are close to our camp. Of course, you could also relax around camp, or explore the park on one of the numerous hiking trails nearby.?
Day 6. Furnace Creek to Bad Water Basin, return via Artist’s Palette, 40 miles
From Furnace Creek, we’ll head out to Badwater Basin – the lowest point in North America – before heading to Artist’s Drive, where a challenging climb will be rewarded with views of Artist’s Palette, a colorful rock formation. After this nine-mile loop, you’ll head back to our camp at Furnace Creek.?
Day 7. Furnace Creek to Shoshone, 58 miles
Well-rested, you’ll head out and soon begin to climb toward the east main entrance of the park. Make sure you take in the view at Zabriskie’s Point for a rare range of earth-tone shades, and at the top of the hill, stop at the Amargosa Opera House, a great chance to cool down and step into history. If you prefer more of a challenge, you can ride the 78 miles from Furnace Creek through Badwater Basin, climbing up Salsberry Pass, before cruising down to Shoshone Village Campground
Day 8. Shoshone to Pahrump, 28 miles
Today’s route is along a section of the Old Spanish National Historic Trail. You will roll along the same path taken by thousands of Mexican and American traders as they transferred wool, California-bred mules, and other treasures back and forth between the U.S. and Mexico. You’ll be carrying your own brand of riches as you pedal back to Pahrump and shuttle back to Las Vegas with a group of new friends and a stellar week of cycling under your belt.?
