California/Nevada

Hiking Death Valley National Park and the Valley of Fire

Program No. 7608RJ
Death Valley isn't as scary as it sounds. Join experts to learn about unique rock formations, local ecology and ancient petroglyphs as you hike and explore these two stunning parks.

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At a Glance

Tread the sands of time to discover Mother Nature's diverse palette of colorful rock formations in this stunning corner of the desert Southwest. Study geology, ecology and human history through lectures, daily walks and hikes with geologists and other experts in their fields. Travel in our own comfortable Road Scholar 30-passenger bus with an upgraded video/audio system allowing our instructors to teach while "on the go."
Activity Level
Varies by date
Varies by date. OUTDOOR: NO SWEAT - Hiking up to two miles per day over varied terrain. Elevations up to 5,500 feet. OUTDOOR: SPIRITED - Hiking up to five miles per day over varied terrain. Elevations up to 5,500 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Learn why the sun-lit rocks inspired the park's name "Valley of Fire" as you view fascinating petroglyphs.
  • Find a world of sand dunes, rugged canyons and landscapes carved from primeval rock in Death Valley.
  • Hike Badwater, White Dome, Mouse Tank, Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch and more.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Janice Hayden
Janice Hayden moved to St. George, Utah to work as a field geologist for the Utah Geological Survey after working as an oil and gas exploration geologist. For 20 years, Janice mapped eighteen 7-½-minute quadrangles of southwest Utah that delineate geological formations, structures, soils, water resources, mineral deposits, and geologic hazards. She is now full-time faculty at Utah Tech University and frequently leads local geology field trips as well as field trips to Utah's national parks.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Janice Hayden
Janice Hayden View biography
Janice Hayden moved to St. George, Utah to work as a field geologist for the Utah Geological Survey after working as an oil and gas exploration geologist. For 20 years, Janice mapped eighteen 7-½-minute quadrangles of southwest Utah that delineate geological formations, structures, soils, water resources, mineral deposits, and geologic hazards. She is now full-time faculty at Utah Tech University and frequently leads local geology field trips as well as field trips to Utah's national parks.
Profile Image of Diana Hawks
Diana Hawks View biography
Diana Hawks was fortunate to be able to work in a career she loved, as an archaeologist in both the southwestern United States and Mesoamerica. She completed a bachelor’s and a master’s in archaeology at Brigham Young and PhD courses in anthropology and law. She has worked most extensively as an archaeologist in southern Utah and northern Arizona specializing in ceramic analysis of Ancestral Puebloan cultures. She enjoys teaching and working with the public on archaeological projects, especially archaeological inventories and rock art recording.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Meals
17 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
6 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Dec 01, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024
  • Dec 01, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024
  • Oct 27, 2024 - Nov 02, 2024
  • Nov 03, 2024 - Nov 09, 2024
  • Nov 10, 2024 - Nov 16, 2024
  • Dec 01, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024
  • Jan 19, 2025 - Jan 25, 2025
  • Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 08, 2025
  • Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025
  • Feb 23, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025
  • Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 08, 2025
  • Mar 09, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025
  • Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025
  • Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025
  • Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025
2 nights
Las Vegas
A 7-minute walk from Las Vegas Premium Outlets South, this Las Vegas Strip hotel is 5 miles from the McCarran International Airport. All of the contemporary rooms offer custom-designed beds, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, desks, and free WiFi. Executive rooms and suites have separate living areas with pull-out sofas. Some have whirlpool tubs. A cooked-to-order breakfast is available (fee), and there's an American restaurant, a bar and 24/7 pantry. Guests can visit the fitness center, outdoor pool and whirlpool. Additional perks include meeting rooms, business center, plus a free Airport/area shuttle and parking.
4 nights
Death Valley
Oasis Ranch at Death Valley is family oriented 224 room facility situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park, California - just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. This resort presents a complete contrast to the desolate desert landscape and consists of an oasis 18-hole golf course (the world's lowest course at 214 feet below sea level), four restaurants, a saloon, a cocktail lounge, retail outlets, a Borax Museum, spring-fed swimming pools, tennis courts, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, massage therapy, a 3,000 foot airstrip, a service station and conference and banquet facilities for 10 - 120. (Some services are available only on a seasonal basis.) The Ranch at Death Valley is the perfect vantage point from which to explore Death Valley National Park!
2 nights
Las Vegas
A 7-minute walk from Las Vegas Premium Outlets South, this Las Vegas Strip hotel is 5 miles from the McCarran International Airport. All of the contemporary rooms offer custom-designed beds, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, desks, and free WiFi. Executive rooms and suites have separate living areas with pull-out sofas. Some have whirlpool tubs. A cooked-to-order breakfast is available (fee), and there's an American restaurant, a bar and 24/7 pantry. Guests can visit the fitness center, outdoor pool and whirlpool. Additional perks include meeting rooms, business center, plus a free Airport/area shuttle and parking.
4 nights
Death Valley
Oasis Ranch at Death Valley is family oriented 224 room facility situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park, California - just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. This resort presents a complete contrast to the desolate desert landscape and consists of an oasis 18-hole golf course (the world's lowest course at 214 feet below sea level), four restaurants, a saloon, a cocktail lounge, retail outlets, a Borax Museum, spring-fed swimming pools, tennis courts, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, massage therapy, a 3,000 foot airstrip, a service station and conference and banquet facilities for 10 - 120. (Some services are available only on a seasonal basis.) The Ranch at Death Valley is the perfect vantage point from which to explore Death Valley National Park!
2 nights
Las Vegas
A 7-minute walk from Las Vegas Premium Outlets South, this Las Vegas Strip hotel is 5 miles from the McCarran International Airport. All of the contemporary rooms offer custom-designed beds, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, desks, and free WiFi. Executive rooms and suites have separate living areas with pull-out sofas. Some have whirlpool tubs. A cooked-to-order breakfast is available (fee), and there's an American restaurant, a bar and 24/7 pantry. Guests can visit the fitness center, outdoor pool and whirlpool. Additional perks include meeting rooms, business center, plus a free Airport/area shuttle and parking.
4 nights
Death Valley
Oasis Ranch at Death Valley is family oriented 224 room facility situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park, California - just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. This resort presents a complete contrast to the desolate desert landscape and consists of an oasis 18-hole golf course (the world's lowest course at 214 feet below sea level), four restaurants, a saloon, a cocktail lounge, retail outlets, a Borax Museum, spring-fed swimming pools, tennis courts, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, massage therapy, a 3,000 foot airstrip, a service station and conference and banquet facilities for 10 - 120. (Some services are available only on a seasonal basis.) The Ranch at Death Valley is the perfect vantage point from which to explore Death Valley National Park!
2 nights
Las Vegas
A 7-minute walk from Las Vegas Premium Outlets South, this Las Vegas Strip hotel is 5 miles from the McCarran International Airport. All of the contemporary rooms offer custom-designed beds, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, desks, and free WiFi. Executive rooms and suites have separate living areas with pull-out sofas. Some have whirlpool tubs. A cooked-to-order breakfast is available (fee), and there's an American restaurant, a bar and 24/7 pantry. Guests can visit the fitness center, outdoor pool and whirlpool. Additional perks include meeting rooms, business center, plus a free Airport/area shuttle and parking.
4 nights
Death Valley
Oasis Ranch at Death Valley is family oriented 224 room facility situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park, California - just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. This resort presents a complete contrast to the desolate desert landscape and consists of an oasis 18-hole golf course (the world's lowest course at 214 feet below sea level), four restaurants, a saloon, a cocktail lounge, retail outlets, a Borax Museum, spring-fed swimming pools, tennis courts, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, massage therapy, a 3,000 foot airstrip, a service station and conference and banquet facilities for 10 - 120. (Some services are available only on a seasonal basis.) The Ranch at Death Valley is the perfect vantage point from which to explore Death Valley National Park!
2 nights
Las Vegas
A 7-minute walk from Las Vegas Premium Outlets South, this Las Vegas Strip hotel is 5 miles from the McCarran International Airport. All of the contemporary rooms offer custom-designed beds, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, desks, and free WiFi. Executive rooms and suites have separate living areas with pull-out sofas. Some have whirlpool tubs. A cooked-to-order breakfast is available (fee), and there's an American restaurant, a bar and 24/7 pantry. Guests can visit the fitness center, outdoor pool and whirlpool. Additional perks include meeting rooms, business center, plus a free Airport/area shuttle and parking.
4 nights
Death Valley
Oasis Ranch at Death Valley is family oriented 224 room facility situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park, California - just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. This resort presents a complete contrast to the desolate desert landscape and consists of an oasis 18-hole golf course (the world's lowest course at 214 feet below sea level), four restaurants, a saloon, a cocktail lounge, retail outlets, a Borax Museum, spring-fed swimming pools, tennis courts, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, massage therapy, a 3,000 foot airstrip, a service station and conference and banquet facilities for 10 - 120. (Some services are available only on a seasonal basis.) The Ranch at Death Valley is the perfect vantage point from which to explore Death Valley National Park!
2 nights
Las Vegas
A 7-minute walk from Las Vegas Premium Outlets South, this Las Vegas Strip hotel is 5 miles from the McCarran International Airport. All of the contemporary rooms offer custom-designed beds, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, desks, and free WiFi. Executive rooms and suites have separate living areas with pull-out sofas. Some have whirlpool tubs. A cooked-to-order breakfast is available (fee), and there's an American restaurant, a bar and 24/7 pantry. Guests can visit the fitness center, outdoor pool and whirlpool. Additional perks include meeting rooms, business center, plus a free Airport/area shuttle and parking.
4 nights
Death Valley
Oasis Ranch at Death Valley is family oriented 224 room facility situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park, California - just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. This resort presents a complete contrast to the desolate desert landscape and consists of an oasis 18-hole golf course (the world's lowest course at 214 feet below sea level), four restaurants, a saloon, a cocktail lounge, retail outlets, a Borax Museum, spring-fed swimming pools, tennis courts, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, massage therapy, a 3,000 foot airstrip, a service station and conference and banquet facilities for 10 - 120. (Some services are available only on a seasonal basis.) The Ranch at Death Valley is the perfect vantage point from which to explore Death Valley National Park!
2 nights
Las Vegas
A 7-minute walk from Las Vegas Premium Outlets South, this Las Vegas Strip hotel is 5 miles from the McCarran International Airport. All of the contemporary rooms offer custom-designed beds, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, desks, and free WiFi. Executive rooms and suites have separate living areas with pull-out sofas. Some have whirlpool tubs. A cooked-to-order breakfast is available (fee), and there's an American restaurant, a bar and 24/7 pantry. Guests can visit the fitness center, outdoor pool and whirlpool. Additional perks include meeting rooms, business center, plus a free Airport/area shuttle and parking.
4 nights
Death Valley
Oasis Ranch at Death Valley is family oriented 224 room facility situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park, California - just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. This resort presents a complete contrast to the desolate desert landscape and consists of an oasis 18-hole golf course (the world's lowest course at 214 feet below sea level), four restaurants, a saloon, a cocktail lounge, retail outlets, a Borax Museum, spring-fed swimming pools, tennis courts, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, massage therapy, a 3,000 foot airstrip, a service station and conference and banquet facilities for 10 - 120. (Some services are available only on a seasonal basis.) The Ranch at Death Valley is the perfect vantage point from which to explore Death Valley National Park!
2 nights
Las Vegas
A 7-minute walk from Las Vegas Premium Outlets South, this Las Vegas Strip hotel is 5 miles from the McCarran International Airport. All of the contemporary rooms offer custom-designed beds, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, desks, and free WiFi. Executive rooms and suites have separate living areas with pull-out sofas. Some have whirlpool tubs. A cooked-to-order breakfast is available (fee), and there's an American restaurant, a bar and 24/7 pantry. Guests can visit the fitness center, outdoor pool and whirlpool. Additional perks include meeting rooms, business center, plus a free Airport/area shuttle and parking.
4 nights
Death Valley
Oasis Ranch at Death Valley is family oriented 224 room facility situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park, California - just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. This resort presents a complete contrast to the desolate desert landscape and consists of an oasis 18-hole golf course (the world's lowest course at 214 feet below sea level), four restaurants, a saloon, a cocktail lounge, retail outlets, a Borax Museum, spring-fed swimming pools, tennis courts, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, massage therapy, a 3,000 foot airstrip, a service station and conference and banquet facilities for 10 - 120. (Some services are available only on a seasonal basis.) The Ranch at Death Valley is the perfect vantage point from which to explore Death Valley National Park!
2 nights
Las Vegas
A 7-minute walk from Las Vegas Premium Outlets South, this Las Vegas Strip hotel is 5 miles from the McCarran International Airport. All of the contemporary rooms offer custom-designed beds, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, desks, and free WiFi. Executive rooms and suites have separate living areas with pull-out sofas. Some have whirlpool tubs. A cooked-to-order breakfast is available (fee), and there's an American restaurant, a bar and 24/7 pantry. Guests can visit the fitness center, outdoor pool and whirlpool. Additional perks include meeting rooms, business center, plus a free Airport/area shuttle and parking.
4 nights
Death Valley
Oasis Ranch at Death Valley is family oriented 224 room facility situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park, California - just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. This resort presents a complete contrast to the desolate desert landscape and consists of an oasis 18-hole golf course (the world's lowest course at 214 feet below sea level), four restaurants, a saloon, a cocktail lounge, retail outlets, a Borax Museum, spring-fed swimming pools, tennis courts, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, massage therapy, a 3,000 foot airstrip, a service station and conference and banquet facilities for 10 - 120. (Some services are available only on a seasonal basis.) The Ranch at Death Valley is the perfect vantage point from which to explore Death Valley National Park!
2 nights
Las Vegas
A 7-minute walk from Las Vegas Premium Outlets South, this Las Vegas Strip hotel is 5 miles from the McCarran International Airport. All of the contemporary rooms offer custom-designed beds, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, desks, and free WiFi. Executive rooms and suites have separate living areas with pull-out sofas. Some have whirlpool tubs. A cooked-to-order breakfast is available (fee), and there's an American restaurant, a bar and 24/7 pantry. Guests can visit the fitness center, outdoor pool and whirlpool. Additional perks include meeting rooms, business center, plus a free Airport/area shuttle and parking.
4 nights
Death Valley
Oasis Ranch at Death Valley is family oriented 224 room facility situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park, California - just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. This resort presents a complete contrast to the desolate desert landscape and consists of an oasis 18-hole golf course (the world's lowest course at 214 feet below sea level), four restaurants, a saloon, a cocktail lounge, retail outlets, a Borax Museum, spring-fed swimming pools, tennis courts, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, massage therapy, a 3,000 foot airstrip, a service station and conference and banquet facilities for 10 - 120. (Some services are available only on a seasonal basis.) The Ranch at Death Valley is the perfect vantage point from which to explore Death Valley National Park!
2 nights
Las Vegas
A 7-minute walk from Las Vegas Premium Outlets South, this Las Vegas Strip hotel is 5 miles from the McCarran International Airport. All of the contemporary rooms offer custom-designed beds, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, desks, and free WiFi. Executive rooms and suites have separate living areas with pull-out sofas. Some have whirlpool tubs. A cooked-to-order breakfast is available (fee), and there's an American restaurant, a bar and 24/7 pantry. Guests can visit the fitness center, outdoor pool and whirlpool. Additional perks include meeting rooms, business center, plus a free Airport/area shuttle and parking.
4 nights
Death Valley
Oasis Ranch at Death Valley is family oriented 224 room facility situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park, California - just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. This resort presents a complete contrast to the desolate desert landscape and consists of an oasis 18-hole golf course (the world's lowest course at 214 feet below sea level), four restaurants, a saloon, a cocktail lounge, retail outlets, a Borax Museum, spring-fed swimming pools, tennis courts, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, massage therapy, a 3,000 foot airstrip, a service station and conference and banquet facilities for 10 - 120. (Some services are available only on a seasonal basis.) The Ranch at Death Valley is the perfect vantage point from which to explore Death Valley National Park!
2 nights
Las Vegas
A 7-minute walk from Las Vegas Premium Outlets South, this Las Vegas Strip hotel is 5 miles from the McCarran International Airport. All of the contemporary rooms offer custom-designed beds, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, desks, and free WiFi. Executive rooms and suites have separate living areas with pull-out sofas. Some have whirlpool tubs. A cooked-to-order breakfast is available (fee), and there's an American restaurant, a bar and 24/7 pantry. Guests can visit the fitness center, outdoor pool and whirlpool. Additional perks include meeting rooms, business center, plus a free Airport/area shuttle and parking.
4 nights
Death Valley
Oasis Ranch at Death Valley is family oriented 224 room facility situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park, California - just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. This resort presents a complete contrast to the desolate desert landscape and consists of an oasis 18-hole golf course (the world's lowest course at 214 feet below sea level), four restaurants, a saloon, a cocktail lounge, retail outlets, a Borax Museum, spring-fed swimming pools, tennis courts, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, massage therapy, a 3,000 foot airstrip, a service station and conference and banquet facilities for 10 - 120. (Some services are available only on a seasonal basis.) The Ranch at Death Valley is the perfect vantage point from which to explore Death Valley National Park!
2 nights
Las Vegas
A 7-minute walk from Las Vegas Premium Outlets South, this Las Vegas Strip hotel is 5 miles from the McCarran International Airport. All of the contemporary rooms offer custom-designed beds, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, desks, and free WiFi. Executive rooms and suites have separate living areas with pull-out sofas. Some have whirlpool tubs. A cooked-to-order breakfast is available (fee), and there's an American restaurant, a bar and 24/7 pantry. Guests can visit the fitness center, outdoor pool and whirlpool. Additional perks include meeting rooms, business center, plus a free Airport/area shuttle and parking.
4 nights
Death Valley
Oasis Ranch at Death Valley is family oriented 224 room facility situated in a lush oasis surrounded by the vast and arid desert of Death Valley National Park, California - just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. This resort presents a complete contrast to the desolate desert landscape and consists of an oasis 18-hole golf course (the world's lowest course at 214 feet below sea level), four restaurants, a saloon, a cocktail lounge, retail outlets, a Borax Museum, spring-fed swimming pools, tennis courts, horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, massage therapy, a 3,000 foot airstrip, a service station and conference and banquet facilities for 10 - 120. (Some services are available only on a seasonal basis.) The Ranch at Death Valley is the perfect vantage point from which to explore Death Valley National Park!





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