DEATH VALLEY DELIGHTS MARCH 7-11, 2018 TRIP SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS Learning all about the fascinating geology of Death Valley Visiting our hottest, driest, and lowest National Park Hiking across badlands, through canyons, and around an old volcano Visiting eerie and dramatic Rhyolite Ghost Town Stargazing in one of the darkest skies you'll ever see Wearing shorts in March! Phone: 877-439- 4042 Outside the US: 410-435- 1965 Fax: 410-435- 3084 Email: info@goodadventure.com
TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Mar 7-11, 2018 Location: Death Valley National Park, CA Cost: $1,725.00 Activities: Hiking Arrive: Arrive Las Vegas (LAS) any time before 5 pm on March 7 Depart: We will be back at the Las Vegas airport by 3:00 pm on March 11 and you can fly out any time after 5 pm TRIP OVERVIEW A Death Valley hiking tour is the perfect antidote to the winter blahs and one of the best warm winter vacations in the United States! In March the skies are clear and sunny (but not too hot!) and the hiking is excellent. In addition to unique ecology and engaging human history, there is fascinating geology that our guides will help us understand. We'll visit Rhyolite Ghost Town with its deserted ruins and famous 'bottle house'; a salt water river in the desert; the lowest point in the whole US; and an old volcanic crater. If you long to put away your down jacket and put on your shorts, feel warm sun on your deprived skin, and be totally immersed in a place that has a mythic status for many of us, join us for five days as we explore one of our newest National Parks. By the end of the trip you'll have higher Vitamin D levels and a whole new appreciation of this unique landscape. Maximum group size: 12 RATING This trip is designed for any active woman who wants to explore Death Valley. This is an excellent trip for novice hikers: the hikes, while providing both variety and challenge, are moderate in length, and the guides will provide tips and instruction so that by the end you will be a confident hiker. A rating of 2 is suitable for any woman who regularly walks at a brisk pace 3 to 4 days a week for 35-45 minutes. Rating: 1 [2] 3 4 5. WHAT'S INCLUDED Two experienced AGC guides Four nights of double occupancy accommodation All meals from dinner on Wednesday to lunch on Sunday, except for one dinner Round- trip transportation from Las Vegas to Death Valley, all transportation during the trip as noted on the itinerary and transportation back to the Las Vegas airport National Park entry fees Not included: travel to/from Las Vegas and to the trip hotel, alcoholic beverages and guide gratuities.
OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. DAY 1 MARCH 7, WEDNESDAY March is typically excellent hiking, with temperatures in the high 70s. The following itinerary may be adjusted because of weather, availability of ranger talks, group wishes, etc. Our trip starts today in Las Vegas. Arrive any time before 5 pm. Catch a convenient shuttle to our hotel, where we will meet at 5:30 pm. We'll start getting to know each other and review our plans for the trip, before sharing our first dinner. The evening is free for you to get to bed early or wander the strip. (D) DAY 2 MARCH 8, THURSDAY Today we will make our way to Death Valley National Park, a drive that takes about 2.5 hours. After our personal professional geologist gives us an orientation to the geology of the Park and we enjoy the first of many sumptuous picnic lunches, we'll start our exploration with the Mosaic Canyon Hike. This delightful out and back hike is a perfect introduction to the complex geology of the area. We will hike 1 to 2 miles into Mosaic Canyon, so named because of the small rocks cemented into rock beds. There is fun scrambling in a few places but if that isn't appealing, sitting and soaking up the sun, surrounded by soaring canyon walls, is also delightful. We'll then go to our lodging, Furnace Creek Ranch, where we spend the next three nights. Overnight Furnace Creek Ranch. (B, L, D). DAY 3 MARCH 9, FRIDAY This morning we hike the Golden Canyon- Gower Gulch Loop. This 4.5- mile loop trail first takes us through colorful Golden Canyon and then up and over a ridge, passing beneath Manley Beacon. The trail then drops into Gower Gulch, another canyon but with a completely different feel and footing than Golden Canyon. The loop ends with a traverse along the base of the cliffs that rise abruptly from the flatter plain below. If you want some time on your own during this trip, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to do as you choose. For example, you might want to fit in lounging by the outdoor swimming pool or choose to visit the Borax Museum, which is focused on the history of Death Valley. Toward sunset, we ll make our way to the Dunes and dinner in Stovepipe Wells - a great way to end the day! (B, L, D).
DAY 4 MARCH 10, SATURDAY Death Valley is a huge park; a fact we will appreciate more fully after today. We'll begin our day a bit earlier to make sure we have time for everything! After driving an hour into the northern part of the Park, our first stop will be the 600- foot deep Ubehebe Crater, the remnants of a massive hydro volcanic explosion 300 years ago. We will 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 to the ranch for lunch, we'll 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. After lunch at the ranch on the 'back lawn' we'll hit the road again and visit the lowest point in the U.S. - it's actually lower than sea level - Badwater Salt Flat. We will walk at least a half mile to the edge, and perhaps further if we're so inclined. Returning to the ranch we'll drive through Artist Loop, stopping at several viewpoints and enjoying the changing colors as the sun lowers in the sky. We finish our very full day with our final farewell dinner back at the ranch. (B, L, D) DAY 5 MARCH 11, SUNDAY Today we have to head back but not before we visit Rhyolite Ghost town. We'll say farewell to the ranch and make our way through a different section of the park, thru 'Hells Gate' and on to Rhyolite. Rhyolite, a ghost town in the truest sense of the word, is a collection of well- preserved remnants of buildings, all that remain of a town where the population once reached over 3,500. We'll spend time exploring the town, hearing about the people of Rhyolite, enjoying the creativeness of the bottle house, and hearing from our geologist about Rhyolite (and gold), and having our picnic lunch outside the train depot. After lunch we will return to Las Vegas getting you back by 3:00 and you can either plan to fly out after 5:00 or stick around and try your luck. (B, L)
ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE If you are flying: The airport in Las Vegas (LAS) is the closest airport to fly in for the Death Valley trip. All major airlines as well as many of the lower cost competitors fly into LAS. The hotel we are staying in (along with the majority of Las Vegas hotels) does not have a dedicated airport shuttle. There are continuous and inexpensive shuttle services available just outside the baggage claims area of the airport. Check out: https://www.mccarran.com/go/shuttles.aspx for a current list of airport shuttles. Please note that some shuttles service only those hotels located on the strip (which ours is not). We recommend Bell Trans Shuttle.(http://www.airportshuttlelasvegas.com/airport- shuttle/) Reservations are recommended but not required. They operate 24 hours, 7 days a week. Their location is outside baggage claims and complete directions are on their website. Cost (as of 2017) is $7.00/person - - one way. You will only need a one- way shuttle to the hotel from the airport unless you are staying post trip to enjoy Vegas. Your trip cost includes transportation back to the airport on the last day of the trip. If you are driving: Please plan to arrive at the Tuscany Suites and Casino before 5pm. Please use 255 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV for your GPS device. You can leave your car at the Tuscany Inn and Suites for the duration of the trip. Upon check in, let reception know that you would like to leave your car for the week. They will give you specific directions regarding where to park. If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Sara Schuitemaker : You can reach her by phone at 800-727- 2157 or by email at sara@scaneastwest.com. ACCOMMODATIONS We'll start with one night at a hotel in Las Vegas and then spend three nights at Furnace Creek Ranch. We will be staying in the deluxe rooms, which have French doors leading to small patios adjacent to the park/pool area, two queen beds, air conditioning, hair dryers, in- room coffee makers, TV, phone, full private bath and mini refrigerator. WEATHER March is typically a great time to visit Death Valley with temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s during the day and the 50s at night. Sunny skies are the norm in Death Valley; winter storms can bring cloud cover and occasional rain. Wind is common in the desert, and dust storms can suddenly blow up with approaching cold fronts. The higher elevations in the Park also have cooler temperatures.
TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use 20-0016 as your location number on the Get A Quote page.
PACKING LIST FOOTWEAR 1 pair of lightweight hiking boots: boots need to be well broken in and comfortable 2-3 pairs of hiking socks (some people also like to wear liner socks) 1 pair of comfortable shoes: athletic shoes, Teva sandals, or crocs for after hiking CLOTHING 1 pair of comfortable long pants for hiking. Zip- offs work well 1 pair of shorts 1-2 lightweight, light- colored, long- sleeved shirt to protect you from the sun 2-3 synthetic or cotton T- shirts or short- sleeved shirts 1 medium weight fleece jacket or sweatshirt 1 rain jacket or poncho: coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore- tex Underwear/nightwear Swimsuit (optional, if you want to use the swimming pool) 1 wide- brimmed hat for protection from the sun 1 2 changes of comfortable (casual) clothes to wear around our lodgings and out to dinner 1 pair lightweight gloves 1 head band or lightweight stocking cap 1 pair rain or lightweight shell pants for windy days (recommended) TOILETRIES (small everything) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, shampoo, contact lens paraphernalia, and sanitary supplies Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 Personal patch kit and medications. See Notes on Packing List Please note: Individuals who have had or have the potential for a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, specific foods or medications must bring an epi- pen. Please consult your physician and tell your guide. ESSENTIALS 1 daypack large enough to hold your supplies for the day (water, snacks, sunscreen, raingear, personal patch kit, etc.) 1 pair Trekking poles (strongly recommended/required) Sunglasses (100% UV protection) Capacity to carry 2 quarts of water: 2 one- quart water bottles or a hydration system that fits in your pack Plastic sandwich box (i.e. a reusable square plastic container) Croakies or other sunglasses retainer OPTIONAL Bandanna (very multi- useful) Camera (extra battery or charger) and film/memory card Book, notebook, journal, pencil/pen Binoculars Ear plugs (for a good night s sleep!) Wrist watch/travel alarm clock
NOTES ON PACKING Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort. You may not use everything you bring; however, you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. At the same time, you must be able to carry your own luggage, sometimes up and down stairs Daypacks: Your daypack should be large enough to hold the following items: 2 liters of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks (for the day), sun screen, warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit, and personal items such as camera, etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between 1800 and 2400 cubic inches with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters. Line your daypack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry, or have an elasticized pack cover that fits snuggly over it. Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of your items. Footwear: Well- fitting, sturdy boots are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general trekking, lightweight cordura or leather boots work well. Leather boots may be waterproofed in various simple ways, and cordura boots will be waterproof if they are lined with Gore- Tex. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get leather boots or good quality cordura ones that come above the ankle you ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. Even boots billed as waterproof need to be treated with a waterproofing product. Personal First Aid Kit: Bring a small first aid kit with familiar medicine and first aid supplies you might need. Recommendations include the following: blister or foot remedies like moleskin, Compeed, blister bandages, or similar, a small role of duct tape (always useful!), remedies for respiratory ailments, stomach ailments, sore muscles or joints. The guides will have a first aid kit but having what you know works well for you is a good idea. Clothing: The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. NO COTTON for your active wear! It should all be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, down/down blends or wool/wool blends. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick Layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore- tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Lastly, the wind/rain pants. They should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full- length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots. An inexpensive plastic poncho will both leak and tear easily and is not recommended. Hydration: Being able to easily access your water without assistance, so that you can drink frequently, is important to your safety and enjoyment. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a HYDRATION SYSTEM such as CamelBak, Platypus, and MSR bladder bags, which are collapsible water bags with a hose attachment that you drink from. The bags fit inside or outside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder so that you can access your water as you hike. Bladder bags can hold 1-3 liters of water. Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are recommended for this trip. Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability, and to your health by saving stress on your hips and knees. If you are not familiar with trekking poles, read this blog post that addresses the most commonly asked questions: HTTP://BLOG.ADVENTURESINGOODCOMPANY.COM/BLOG- WOMEN- TRAVEL/BID/154714/TREKKING- POLES- FOR- HIKING- TRIPS- THE- 4- MOST- COMMON- QUESTIONS