Our March 1st - 4th Desert Running Retreat is for anyone who enjoys running and being outside. All levels are welcome! The Lead Guide for this trip is RMHC Founder & CEO Carly Moree. The trip takes place in Timbisha, also known as Death Valley National Park. 

Trip Highlights

• Dark Sky Fest takes place the same duration as our trip, which means we'll have the opportunity one night to look through fancy telescopes and talk with people who can point out the stars in the sky
• Visiting Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America
• Camping under the night sky
• Eating dinner on sand dunes
• Running in a truly special place
• Going over 5,000 feet high (Mt. Perry)

Itinerary

After booking your trip, we'll answer any and all questions you have, including providing a detailed packing list. You will need to fly into Las Vegas, NV the day before the trip begins. Each day we will run up to 10 miles, and if there's time in the evening we'll hike or run extra bonus miles :)  

Day 1, March 1st: We'll depart Las Vegas at 7 am and drive 2 hours to Death Valley National Park. We’ll head straight for Golden Canyon for a 6-mile loop that takes us up and over badlands and down into canyons. After our run, we’ll head to our campsite to set up camp and have lunch. Just before sunset, we'll visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the U.S. at 282 feet below sea level.
Total Minimum Mileage: 6 Miles

Day 2, March 2nd: Today we'll run Mt. Perry, which provides 360-degree views the entire time and gets us above 5,700 feet overlooking Badwater Basin. For sunset, we’ll have dinner and hike at Mesquite Sand Dunes (and get really incredible photos). 
Total Minimum Mileage: 9 Miles

Day 3, March 3rd: Our last full day leaves us with Mosaic Canyon, a 4-mile run that meanders through marble walls. After we’ll head to Desolation Canyon for a 3-mile run. If we have time, we'll drive out to Ubehebe Crater and run around it (a large volcanic crater that is 600 feet deep and half a mile across). 
Total Minimum Mileage: 8 Miles

Day 4, March 4th: For those interested, we'll do an early morning run and be on the road by 9 am to make our way back to Las Vegas (arriving there by 12 pm at the latest).

Please note this is a general itinerary. While we expect to visit the above-mentioned trails and places, we often change the days we run specific trails based on how everyone feels, the weather, road conditions, and other factors. We also might add additional trails to the itinerary if time allows. Please use the itinerary provided here as a general guide of what to expect. 

Accommodations

We'll camp at Furnace Creek Campground. This is a drive-in campground. 

What's Included

• Transportation 
• All meals for the duration of the trip (this includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner for March 1st through 3rd, and breakfast is provided on the last day March 4th)
• Snacks for the duration of the trip
• 3-nights camping
• Tea and coffee
• Expert Guide, Certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR
• Detailed list of what to bring
• Death Valley National Park entry permit and campsite permit
• 2-way GPS communication & First Aid Kit
• Communication between you and your guide from the moment the trip is booked to when you arrive in California/Las Vegas. We are available to answer any and all questions leading up to the trip. 

What You Need To Bring

• Running vest
• Water bottles for running and hiking
• Hiking poles (if preferred)
• Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, ear plugs)
• Any personal medications or personal items you need
• Tent (for camping each night)
• Sleeping bag (we recommend a 30-degree or 20-degree bag)
• Sleeping pad
• Headlamp
• Running shorts and running shirt
• Shoes for running trail
• Sun hat
• Leggings
• Warm jacket
• Warm hat
• Shirt and shorts for sleeping
• Socks (we recommend 2 pairs for running and 1 pair for sleeping)
• Camp shoes (sandals for wearing around camp in the evening)

Camping gear can be provided at an additional cost of $275 per person. 

Cost

$1,899 per person
Capacity: Up to 6 people
This trip requires at least 4 people to book in order for it to run. 

Weather

March temps can range from 70 degrees to 80 degrees or warmer during the day to 50 degrees or cooler at night. Clients are encouraged to bring both summer clothing and cold-weather clothing. We'll provide you with a summary of the weather in the weeks and days leading up to the trip. 

Book This Trip

To book this Desert Running Retreat, please email us by selecting the "Book Now" button and we'll be in touch to schedule your trip reservation.

Book Now 

Questions? 
carly@rockymountainhikingco.com 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a fast runner to join this trip?

Nope! This trip is for all levels or runners. Whether you are new to running on trail or are experienced, this trip is for anyone who enjoys running outside. 

Where do I fly in for this trip? 

You should fly into Las Vegas. Once you book this trip, we'll have a call with you to share more details on where you can stay the night you fly in. 

Do I have to run the entire time? 

Definitely not. Some miles will be easier to hike (like when we visit the sand dunes), as well as other sections. If you want to hike parts that is fine. Please note we plan to cover up to 10 miles each day. 

What will we eat? 

We get to have fresh fruit and vegetables, since this is a car camping trip (we bring a cooler with ice). Snacks will include things such as hummus, carrots, cucumber, chips, nuts, and many other special treats. Other examples include granola and oatmeal, bagels with avocado and prosciutto, ramen with veggies, or dehydrated dinners such as Good-To-Go meals, and much more. There will be plenty of food :) We'll also have a campfire each night with s'mores. We can accommodate any dietary restrictions. 

Will I be able to shower before getting on the plane?

Yep! We provide you with a pool and shower pass on the last evening of the trip (the pool and showers are located near our campground).

Is there cell reception?

No, thank goodness :) 

Where is Death Valley National Park?

It's an easy 90-minute drive from Las Vegas and is located in California.