Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!
The Wildland Trekking
Company, LLC
Death Valley:
Death Valley Basecamp
"Moonlight anywhere is a
delight. But there's no
moonlight in the world
that can compare with the
moonlight in Grapevine
Canyon, our desert
canyon, where the Castle
stands."
-quote by Mrs. Bessie
Johnson from Death
Valley Scotty by Mabel ©
1932 Scotty’s Castle is in
Death Valley
www.wildlandtrekking.com
1-800-715-4453 (HIKE)
The Wildland Trekking
Company is committed to
delivering outstanding hiking
adventures to the best desert
and mountain regions of North
America. Our commitment to
this is reflected in our
mission statement: To
provide exceptional
hiking adventures in
North America’s most
beautiful and wild
landscapes, and to
contribute significantly
to the conservation of
these special places.
We have over 25 years
experience leading unique
journeys that have lasting
positive impact on people's
lives and, as importantly, on the
regions and cultures we visit.
- Brad, Steve & Scott
[email protected]
page 1
Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!
Death Valley Basecamp
With six mountain ranges, 3,000 square miles and 93%
wilderness, Death Valley National Park is best discovered in a
pair of hiking boots.
Twenty Mule Teams gained enduring fame in the
iconographic landscape of the Old West. Hiking up Twenty
Mule Team Canyon, we’ll pass through the ruins of the
impressive Monte Blanco Borax Mine before continuing upcanyon though the scenic badlands.
Death Valley is a place like no other. Discover purple lava
flows, lush waterfalls, and red rock amphitheaters. Explore
spooky ghost towns, experience a fun, four-wheel-drive
excursion through secluded Titus Canyon, and savor
delicious, camp-cooked meals – all in the largest National
Park in America’s lower-48.
We’ll spend our days hiking the park’s most incredible
mountains and canyons. And at night, we’ll rest easy in
comfortable basecamp tents under a stunning blanket of stars
that adorns some of the darkest skies in the United States.
Join us for this Death Valley Tour of a lifetime.
Day 1
Shuttle to the trailhead: 3-hour drive from Las Vegas, NV
Mileage: 3.4 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 680 feet
Accommodations: Furnace Creek Campground (or
equivalent in same area)
This multi-day Death Valley hiking trip begins with pick up
in the morning from your Las Vegas hotel. From there we’ll
embark across the open desert on our drive into Death Valley
National Park. Our first hike of the trip will be into fabled
Twenty Mule Team Canyon. In the late 19th century, these
ridiculously large mule teams hauled incredible ten-ton loads
of borax some 165 miles across the desert to the nearest train
depot. These were perhaps history’s largest loads ever pulled
by animals. And while the operation lasted just 6 years, the
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After our introductory hike, we’ll drive back into the center
of the park to famed Badwater Basin. At 282 feet below sea
level, this is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, the
hottest, driest place in North America and a Death Valley
must-see. In this surreal environment, we’ll take a stroll onto
the fabled salt flats and enjoy fantastic views of the
surrounding mountain ranges.
Badwater Basin is also a supreme sunset spot. As such, we’ll
enjoy a relaxing picnic dinner here while watching the colors
and shadows of the desert come to life. Enjoying our first
meal together in this striking landscape is a wonderful chance
to reflect in anticipation of our journey and take-in the
beauty of our first night in Death Valley.
1-800-715-4453 (HIKE)
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page 2
Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!
Day 2
Driving Time: 4 hours
Mileage: 6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,000 feet
Accommodations: Furnace Creek Campground (or
equivalent in same area)
With hikes of both a peak and a canyon, a scenic four-wheeldrive excursion and a ghost town, today is certain to be an
exciting day!
We’ll start our morning with a drive down primitive Titus
Canyon Road. An adventure in itself, this four-wheel-drive
track is a wonderful way to experience the incredible geology
and pre-historic rock art of the surrounding Grapevine
Mountains. We’ll stop along the way to check out the
Leadfield ruins -- a ghost town -- and then enjoy a hike at
least partway up Thimble Peak. As we crest the narrows near
the top of Titus Canyon Road, we’ll enjoy expansive views of
the Grapevine Mountains and, on a clear day, be able to see
all the way to the Sierra Nevada.
Waking up early, we'll enjoy a quick café breakfast then make
the short drive to embark on the famed Golden Gulch
Golden Canyon Loop. While this is one of the more popular
hikes in the park, our crisp morning departure will afford us
some solitude and will be the best time to enjoy the canyons’
fantastic color patterns. Hiking through rugged narrows and
along secluded washes, we’ll complete the four-mile loop back
to our vehicle and make the drive to the Panamint Valley and
the entrance to Darwin Canyon – an ecological island in an
otherwise arid environment.
For our final adventure of the day, we’ll embark on a hike up
secluded Fall Canyon, over its dramatic dry falls and through
its incredible narrows. After our hike we’ll retire back to
camp for optional swimming and/or showers and a hearty
dinner. Today is often considered the highlight of this Death
Valley tour, and our trip is just beginning.
As we make our way up the canyon, we’ll be greeted by an
overwhelming diversity of vegetation, including golden
evening primrose and prince’s plume. We’ll keep an eye out
for orchids along the shaded creek bank beneath the calming
willows.
Less than a mile in, we’ll come to the first, and most
spectacular waterfall. Darwin Falls plunges 18 feet from a
sliver in the rock above to the refreshing emerald pool at our
feet.
For those who are up for more adventure (optional), we'll
climb another 1/4 mile up the canyon to a stunning view of a
100+ foot waterfall snaking its way down a sheer cliff into
pools below. (This optional, additional climb is rugged and
very steep in places.)
After our wonderful day communing with the water, we’ll
drive back to camp for dinner, celebration and reflection on
our incredible journey.
Day 3
Driving Time: 3 hours
Mileage: 5 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 610 feet
Accommodations: Furnace Creek Campground (or
equivalent in same area)
www.wildlandtrekking.com
1-800-715-4453 (HIKE)
[email protected]
page 3
Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!
Trip Details
Trip type: basecamp
Difficulty: 2 (moderate)
Length: 4 days
Day 4
Mileage: 17-24 miles, 27-39km
Mileage: 7-10 miles
Elevation Loss: 700-1,200 feet
Shuttle to Las Vegas, NV: 4-hour drive
Group size: maximum 10 guests
Pack weight: 10-15 pounds
For our final morning in Death Valley, we’ll visit the southern
end of the park while we’ll hike to a spring and mining
settlement in one of the secluded side canyons tucked into
the stunning Black Mountains. Retracing our steps back to
the vehicle, we’ll drive back to Las Vegas and return you to
your hotel for celebration and reflection on an amazing
journey.
Price/start dates: see website tour page *
Meeting time & place: 5 p.m. the day before the
trip start date in the lobby of Tuscany Inn & Suites in
Las Vegas, NV
Trip conclusion: approximately 5:00 p.m. on the
last day
Trip fees include: transportation, park entrance
fees, permits, group gear, food (breakfast day 1
through lunch on last day), professional guide
Trip fees exclude: airfare, trip insurance, hotels,
gratuity for guide and services not specified
Trip itinerary note... all trips are subject to itinerary
changes based circumstances out of our control (e.g. flooding,
extreme weather, etc.). Payments are not refundable based on
itinerary changes, only on cancellations.
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*Utah is the only state we are based in that charges sales
tax to outfitters and guides. The sales tax is based on
the St. George, UT municipality rates, which are
adjusted occasionally but are in the 6-7% range. For all
of our hiking and backpacking tours that originate from
our St. George, Utah base (Utah and Death Valley trips),
the sales tax will be applied to your reservation.
1-800-715-4453 (HIKE)
[email protected]
page 4
Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!
Transportation To & From The Trailhead
Travel, Transportation,
Meeting & Lodging
We will pick you up at your hotel in Las Vegas, NV on the
morning of the first day of the trip, and provide
transportation back to your hotel in Las Vegas, NV on the
final day.
Travel
Arrival & Departure Dates
Travel to and from the trip starting point is not included in
the cost of our trips. Please plan on arriving in time for the
orientation meeting the day before the trip leaves and
departing the day after getting back from the field.
Gateway Cities: Las Vegas, Nevada
This trip originates in Las Vegas, Nevada. McCarran
International Airport offers a variety of airlines with many
flight options.
Shuttle
From Las Vegas Airport...Airline Shuttle 888-554-1156:
BellTrans Shuttle Service 800-274-7433 and Super Shuttle
800-258-3826
Car Rentals: Avis: 800-331-1212; Hertz 800-654- 3131;
National: 800-227-7368; Thrifty: 800-367-2277; Alamo:
800-327-9633
Pre & Post-Trip Recommended Lodging
Lodging options in Las Vegas, NV are numerous.
Below are recommended options based on
convenience, our experience, and reviews on Trip
Advisor. We do recommend booking early as Las
Vegas is a tourist destination. Per night may vary
based on time of year.
Tuscany Inn & Suites (Recommended hotel)
Clean off the strip hotel around $149/night.
Phone: 1-702-893-8933
Important note: Be aware that the vast majority of hotels
(including some of the hotels above) allow smoking within
their property. If this is a concern, we recommend booking at
a non smoking specific hotel. Due to the nature of Las
Veags traffic, we recommend staying at Tuscany Inn &
Suites. If you choose to stay at another hotel,
transportation to and from the pre trip meeting are
the guests responsibility.
Meeting Time & Place
We will meet in Las Vegas, NV for an orientation at 5 p.m.
the day before the trip starts in the lobby of Tuscany Inn &
Suites in Las Vegas, NV. If you are staying at a hotel other
than Tuscany Inn & Suites, transportation to the pre
trip meeting will be the guests responsibility.
The orientation includes introductions, a briefing on the trip
itinerary and a checking of personal gear.
Important note: Please bring all gear you plan on backpacking
with to this meeting.
www.wildlandtrekking.com
1-800-715-4453 (HIKE)
[email protected]
page 5
Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!
Hiker Notes & Equipment List
The following information includes conditioning
recommendations as well as clothing and equipment
requirements to help ensure a satisfying experience. All items
are designed to better prepare you for your trip and need to
be carefully read.
If you have any questions after reviewing this information
please feel free to contact our office. Also, please pay special
attention to any item marked “Important note.”
Training
The enjoyment received from any physical activity is largely
dependent on the shape you’re in. Death Valley is the largest
National Park in the United States and some of the trails are
unmarked or not well maintained and require hiking over
varying terrain in uncertain weather with the load of a pack.
We cannot stress enough that the fitter you are the more
fun you’ll have. A combination of cardiovascular fitness,
strength in all muscle groups and flexibility will help ensure
an enjoyable experience. As such, we recommend you prepare
for your trip with a moderate training program focused on
walking and hiking, ideally in hilly terrain.
Important note: Always consult with your physician before
commencing with a workout program.
Training by Hiking
If you have access to hiking trails and a schedule to
accommodate it begin walking and hiking in hilly/steep
terrain. Nothing prepares you for a backpacking trip better
than the activity itself!
Try to get out at least 3 days a week. Start with short hikes (1hour in length) with a light daypack. From week to week
build the length and difficulty of your hikes and gradually
increase your pack weight until you’re comfortably able to
hike 6-8 hours a day carrying the weight you’ll have on your
trip (refer to your trip packet for exact pack weight). Unless
you’re in great shape it is ideal to begin your training at least
12 weeks prior to your trip. Also be sure to use the boots
you’ll have on your trip to break them in. Following is how a
moderate program may look:
First week of training
Tuesday: 1-hour hike with daypack
Thursday: 1-hour hike with daypack
Sunday: 2-hour hike with daypack
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Gradually build to:
Two weeks before trip
Monday: 3.5-hour hike with 20-pound pack
Wednesday: 2-hour hike with daypack
Thursday: 3.5-hour hike with 20-pound pack
Sunday: 7-hour hike with the weight you’ll have on your trip
Supplemental Training Ideas
There are many other activities that are easily incorporated
into your daily life to build your overall fitness. Cross training
is also important to strengthen opposing muscle groups and it
helps to avoid over-use injuries. Supplemental training ideas
include:
• Climb the stairs at your office, house, park, or
neighborhood with a backpack. Stair climbing is a fantastic
way to simulate backpacking in hilly or steep terrain.
• Bike to work or when running errands. Bike around town
or on country roads outside of your town/city. Cycling is a
great way to build endurance and strength in your legs.
• Gym activities including step aerobics, treadmill, bicycling,
or elliptical trainers to name a few. A modest weight
training program focusing on the muscles that support the
ankles, knees, back, and shoulders is also beneficial.
• Swimming is a great way to build endurance and
cardiovascular fitness and is easy on the joints.
• Walk to work instead of driving. Run your errands by
walking and carry your groceries home in a backpack.
• Yoga and/or Pilates classes can build strength
throughout your body while also improving your flexibility.
• Intramural sports
• Jogging is another option, however if you are not a regular
runner it can easily lead to injuries that backpacking may
then exacerbate. Undertake a jogging routine with care.
Other Training Considerations
Flexibility is an important part of training, remember to
stretch before and after your workouts. For the two weeks
leading up to your trip cut your workouts in half to avoid
arriving fatigued. Also for a 72-hour period before your trip
commences, ensure that you are consuming sufficient
amounts of sodium and fluids. Doctors agree that hikers
increase the likelihood of experiencing problems if they are
sodium depleted (e.g., follow a low sodium diet) or are
dehydrated (due to travel or using diuretics such as coffee or
alcohol). If you have any questions at all about your
training feel free to give us a call at the number below.
Important note: Always consult with your physician before
commencing with a workout program.
1-800-715-4453 (HIKE)
[email protected]
page 6
Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!
What You Need To Bring
Gear Checklist
Clothing Checklist
Water bottles or bladder (3 liters total capacity)
Camp pillow, lightweight, packable camp pillow
Contact lenses and glasses if you wear contact lenses
please also bring a pair of glasses - your contacts are likely
to become dirty and may be difficult to clean
Sunglasses, sunscreen (30+ SPF), lip balm
Headlamp, spare batteries (preferably an L.E.D. type
that works with AA or AAA batteries, spare bulb)
Toiletries, and a small washcloth in stuff sack (bandana
can serve as a washcloth)
Vitamins (optional)
Notebook, drawing supplies, or paperback book
(optional)
Camera, spare batteries (optional)
Prescription medicine (please inform trip leader of
any medications you are taking)
Knee braces, if needed
Money, for tipping your guide (generally 15-20% of trip
cost based on your experience) and for any purchases in
Death Valley, CA.
The following items are required for your trip. They are a
must for your safety and comfort. When shopping, think
layered clothing systems that work together.
Brimmed sunhat and bandana
Warm top, such as a long-sleeved sweater or fleece
jacket
One or two hiking shirts (may be long-sleeved) for
protection from the sun, light colors are nice because
they’re cooler than dark colors
Long pants, one pair of leggings or lightweight trousers
to block sun and give warmth at night
Shorts, one pair, nylon is nice for light weight and to
substitute as a bathing suit
Underwear
Sport sandals like Tevas® or Chacos®, or lightweight
closed toe sandals or tennis shoes for camp comfort
Hiking socks, one pair for every two days of your trip
to wear underneath your neoprene socks. Recommended
brands include Bridgedale®, Smartwool®, or similar
padded socks (wearing a thin liner sock under your hiking
socks is highly recommended). No cotton socks!!
Sturdy hiking boots, mid-weight, sturdy, above the
ankle with a Vibram® sole, waterproof and ideally well
broken in
Important note: Buy your boots 1/2 to 1 size large to allow
for feet swelling and thicker socks
Online Store
Most of the items listed above are available in the Wildland
Trekking online store. The store is specifically stocked to
support you for your trip and is a convenient way to buy your
gear since you can do it from home!
Additional Clothing October - April
In addition to the clothing list above, these items are needed
if your trip is occurring between October 15 and April 15.
Warm hat and gloves
Long underwear, one pair of wicking tops and bottoms
that are lightweight to midweight, example wicking
materials include capilene, polypropylene, etc.
Fleece jacket or insulated coat, warm, lightweight
and packable fleece jacket or coat insulated with
synthetic material
Important note: NO clothing item should be cotton with the
exception of a bandana! Cotton does not insulate when wet
and takes longer to dry.
www.wildlandtrekking.com
1-800-715-4453 (HIKE)
[email protected]
page 7
Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!
What We Provide
Recommended Reading
Group Gear
We provide top-of-the-line backpacks, tents, sleeping bags,
sleeping pads, trekking poles, stoves, cookware, and personal
bowls, cups, and utensils.
For those interested, the following books provide an
excellent overview of the Death Valley National Park:
Food
We provide a diversity of foods containing the necessary
nutrition for sustained energy output. Meals are made from
staples that travel well in the backcountry - rice, pastas,
lentils, beans, couscous, oatmeal, granola, etc. Meals are also
supplemented with trail foods such as crackers, cheese,
granola, energy bars, fresh and/or dried fruit, and energy
drink mixes.
Lingenfelter, Richard E. Death Valley and the Amargosa: A Land
of Illusion 1992.
Aitchison, Stewart. Death Valley: Splendid Desolation 2004
Harder, Emmett C. These Canyons are Full of Ghosts, 2001.
We accommodate vegetarian diets and will make adjustments
for food allergies. Special dietary requests may require an
additional fee or other arrangements.
Important note: It’s critical that you include your dietary needs
in your registration - it’s too late once you’ve arrived!
Group Travel
If you're joining a scheduled hiking tour you'll be hiking with
fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Please carefully examine the trip
materials and difficulty prior to registering so that you can
select a trip that matches your ability level. We make every
effort to match the abilities of our group members however it
is inevitable that individuals will vary in this regard. Consider
that the trip may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for your
fellow travelers and it is important to respect each guest's
individual condition, needs, and desires. If you need
assistance selecting the right trip we are happy to help.
Interesting Facts about Death Valley:
-The average yearly rainfall in the area is 2.36 inches
according to the National Weather Service
-Death Valley was named by California gold seekers who had
to cross the desolate wasteland in order to reach the gold
fields in California in 1849
-It is the largest National Park in the contiguous United
States with around 3.4 million acres.
-Death Valley has an estimated 6,000-10,000 abandoned
mines.
-Badwater Basin is the lowest dry point in North America, at
282 below sea level.
-Over 1000 types of plants live in the park. Vegetation
include Joshua trees, creosote bushes and desert hollies.
-Death Valley is only 76 miles from the highest point in the
country, Mt Whitney, which tops out at an elevation of 14,
505 ft.
www.wildlandtrekking.com
1-800-715-4453 (HIKE)
[email protected]
page 8
Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!
Discounted American Hiking Society
Membership
Book a Trip
To join any Wildland Trekking Company trip,
simply call 1-800-715-4453 (HIKE) and talk to
one of our friendly guides. Alternatively, email us
at [email protected] and we’ll get
back to you in a timely manner.
Payment Schedule: A $500 deposit is required to
secure your spot. The trip balance is then due 60 days
prior to your trip start date. Final acceptance of any
participant is subject to receipt and review of all
required forms and documents, and payment.
Cancellation Policy: The Wildland Trekking
Company reserves the right to cancel any trip
because of inadequate sign-up or other causes that
make it infeasible for the scheduling of the trip. If
this is the case, we will inform you at least 30 days
prior to departure, and a full refund of the advertised
trip cost will be given, including the deposit. The
Wildland Trekking Company is not responsible for
additional expenses incurred by preparing for the trip
(for example: non-refundable advance purchase air
tickets, clothing, equipment, visa fees, medical
expenses, etc.). If you cancel or leave a trip for any
reason:
- 60 or more days prior to the trip start date, we will
grant you a full refund, less a $50 administrative fee
per reservation.
- Between 59 and 30 days prior to the trip start date,
we will retain 25 percent of the trip cost.
- Between 29 and 15 days prior to the trip start date,
we will retain 75 percent of the trip cost.
- Less than 15 days prior to the trip start date, or once
the trip has begun, there will be no refund.
Transfer Policy: If you transfer from one trip to
another:
- 30 or more days prior to the trip start date, there
will be a $25 processing fee per reservation.
- Less than 29 days prior to the trip start date,
regular cancellation and refund policies will apply.
Trip Insurance: For your protection, we strongly
recommend the purchase of trip insurance. It will
protect you against financial loss in the event of trip
cancellation or interruption, medical expenses, travel
delay, emergency evacuation or other circumstances.
Medical coverage secured with your policy will also
satisfy our requirement for health insurance. Travel
insurance is underwritten by International Medical
Group.
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As a guest of Wildland Trekking you’re
eligible for a discounted membership of
$30 to the American Hiking Society.
Benefits include:
Free subscription to Backpacker Magazine
American Hiker, AHS’s quarterly newsletter
Opportunities to join members-only Volunteer Vacations
Contribution to the establishment, protection, and
maintenance of hiking trails and the environment
• Read more on our website!
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Thank You!
The Wildland Trekking Company is dedicated to delivering
an exceptional travel experience that exceeds your every
expectation. We believe that travel is one of life’s great joys
and take seriously our role in helping you create a trip of
lasting memories.
In addition to our role as your travel partner and guide, we
are dedicated to the promotion of stewardship and
conservation in the regions we visit. One of our primary
goals is to use the business as a tool toward long-term
sustainability of the environment and its people.
If there is anything we can do to further inform or help you
in preparation for your upcoming adventure please do not
hesitate to contact us. Thanks for the opportunity to serve
you and we look forward to seeing you soon!
1-800-715-4453 (HIKE)
[email protected]
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v4 May 2017