Death Valley
National Park:
Hiking &
Photography
4-Day Trip
This experience is for anyone who enjoys hiking + photography + adventure + having fun. Trip members will have the opportunity to take photographs in a truly breathtaking environment. We’ll hike between 6 and 9 miles each day, receive one-on-one and group guidance from Kevin Russ related to light and composition, sit around campfires under the stars, and enjoy being in the largest National Park in the lower 48 states.
You can bring your camera for this trip, or even just your iPhone or cell phone! All photography levels are welcome.
Maximum Capacity: 6 people
About Kevin Russ, Photography Instructor
Kevin’s photography has been featured in The Atlantic, VICE, Mashable, Society6, DailyMail, Huckberry, and many others. In Kevin’s words, he was born and raised in California, went to college, bought a camera, dropped out of college, and hit the road. Death Valley is one of his favorite places to photograph because of its distinctive landscape. Kevin has found getting on a trail is one of the best ways to find unique compositions.
About Carly Moree, Lead Hiking Guide
Carly is the Founder & Owner of Rocky Mountain Hiking Company, one of the few female-owned guided day hiking and backpacking companies in the country. She was the first woman to attempt a 3-day hike/run of the 223-mile John Muir Trail/Nüümü Poyo, is the co-author of the popular thru-hiking book Pacific Crest Trials, and has run thousands of miles around the U.S. including the Grand Canyon rim to rim to rim and the Pacific Crest Trail 1.5 times. Death Valley National Park is one of her favorite places to reset and reconnect.
Itinerary
Day 1, November 11th (6 Miles Hiking) We’ll depart Las Vegas at 6:30 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 hike, we’ll head to our campsite to set up camp and have lunch. Just before sunset, we’ll head to Zabriskie Point for pictures.
Day 2, November 12th (7 Miles Hiking) Today we’ll hike Mosaic Canyon, a 4-mile hike that meanders through marble walls. After we’ll head to Desolation Canyon for a 3-mile hike, followed by Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the U.S. at 282 feet below sea level.
Day 3, November 13th (6 to 9 Miles Hiking) Our final hiking day leaves Mt. Perry, which provides 360-degree views the entire time. There are some slightly exposed sections, so those who wish to stop below the summit and enjoy the views will be able to do so. For sunset, we’ll explore and photograph Mesquite Sand dunes.
Day 4, November 14th We’ll have breakfast, pack up, and drive back to Las Vegas at 8 am.
*Please note the trip itinerary is subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen occurrences.
Accommodations
We'll camp at Furnace Creek Campground in Death Valley National Park. This is a drive-in campground.
What's Included
- Transportation (we pick everyone up in Las Vegas and drive to Death Valley National Park)
- Photography guidance by Kevin Russ (specifically around light & composition)
- All food for the duration of the trip (includes 3 breakfasts, lunches, dinners, & snacks)
- Pour-over coffee & tea
- 3-nights camping
- 2 Expert Hiking Guides, Certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR
- Detailed list of what to bring
- Death Valley National Park Entry Permit
- 2-way GPS communication & First Aid Kit
- Communication between you and your guides from the moment the trip is booked to when you arrive in California/Las Vegas. We are available to answer any and all questions
Cost
$2,000 per person
Capacity: Up to 6 people
Gear can be provided for an additional $250
Weather
November 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.
Book This Trip
To book this 3-night, 4-day trip to Death Valley National Park, please email us at the below and a member of our team will be in touch to schedule your trip reservation.
Questions?
carly@rockymountainhikingco.com
Cancellation Policy
Trip cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Your trip can be canceled up to 6 weeks before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% fee). We do not issue refunds if you cancel your trip within 6 weeks before the trip start date. There is always the chance that Rocky Mountain Hiking Company cancels the trip due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If either of these instances occurs, you will be fully refunded the trip cost of $2,000. This will not include any personal costs such as flights and/or hotel accommodations.
We recommend flying in at least one day before the trip begins. If your flight is delayed or canceled and you miss the trip departure, we do not issue refunds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior hiking experience to join this trip?
We recommend everyone joining the trip enjoy hiking and feel comfortable hiking 5 to 9 miles per day.
Do I need prior photography experience to join this trip?
Nope! All photography levels are welcome. You can bring your camera if you have one, or even your iPhone/cell phone.
Can I drive my own car to Death Valley National Park rather than flying into Las Vegas?
Most likely, yes. But please check with us first as there is a limit on the number of cars we can have parked at the campsite.
Is this a backpacking trip?
This is not a backpacking trip. This is a camping & hiking & photography trip. We will camp at the Furnace Creek campground and during the day we will drive to various trailheads and hike and take pictures.
What type of food will we eat?
Some examples of food will include oatmeal with flax seed, prosciutto & avocado bagel sandwiches, various types of jerky (salmon, beef, turkey), dried mango, apples, blueberries, chips, salad, dehydrated pad Thai dinner (and other various dinners made for camping), and dessert. We do our best to accommodate any dietary preferences. We bring plenty of food and treats to ensure everyone has more than enough for the duration of the trip.
