Hiking Death Valley National Park and the Valley of Fire

I recently participated in the Hiking Death Valley National Park and the Valley of Fire trip (activity level: Spirited) and it exceeded all my expectations. This adventure was nothing short of spectacular—sometimes challenging, but always rewarding. A huge shout-out to our incredible hiking guides, Darrell and Paula McMahon, whose expertise, enthusiasm, and deep knowledge of the landscapes made every hike more meaningful. Their passion for the desert’s unique beauty was contagious, and they ensured that we were both challenged and supported every step of the way. A special thanks as well to Jerod Jeppson, our driver, who not only kept us safe on the road but also joined in as a hiking guide at times. His skillful driving, sense of humor, and willingness to go the extra mile made the journey even more enjoyable. Every aspect of this trip was carefully planned, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the breathtaking scenery of Death Valley and the Valley of Fire. If you love hiking and want an unforgettable experience with top-notch guides, I highly recommend this program!

Death Valley destination has been in my bucket list for years. I finally met my wishes to experience Death Valley this winter. Joining Road Scholars along with other friends was a dream come true. The experienced lecturer, group tour leader, the accommodation and the meals made the experience joyful, memorable and stress free. All I needed to do is be present to the experience. I totally enjoyed the hikes, the scenery and the other travelers in the group. I will do it again in the near future.

RS #7608...Hiking Death Valley National Park and the Valley of Fire The trip of a lifetime with exploration in an environment unlike any other. The tremendous resource we have with National Parks is a gem that we must not overlook or underestimate...Thank You Road Scholar for an enlightening and educational experience.

This program was great! I knew very little about geology and even less about Death Valley. Now, I can't wait to go back and have been recommending this program to many friends and relatives. Our on-board geologist/naturalist Janice is a superb teacher, Chris the group leader is kind and personable and made it his business to address everyone's concerns great and small, and our driver Mark was not only a great driver but a cheerful presence every day. Our group was super very friendly with one another; on many occasions I hiked not with my traveling companion but with one or more other participants, whom it was a pleasure to get to know. Accommodations at the Ranch at Death Valley were excellent and their spring-fed swimming pool a daily treat. Saying goodbye was sad.

more than a desert - fascinating

Exploring a beautiful area, far more diverse than I had thought previously, with excellent guidance and education. The hikes are short but more challenging than one might think-- and that was a good thing: we earned what we saw!

If you like Geology take the Road Scholar Trip to Death Valley! Its Geology laid bare and at your feet! Geologist Janice Hayden brought the rocks to life in all their splendor. Chris Weaver, an excellent organizer and facilitator added much interesting fact and amusing trivia. Mark skillfully maneuvered our 20+ ft long bus on all the narrow and curving roads. "Hurrah" to that team; but also, to us, the participants, a cohesive, interactive group sharing a common interest! I learned so much! Worth every penny!

I just got back from an outstanding experience at Death Valley in California and the Valley of Fire near Las Vegas. I love learning about geology. I cannot imagine going anyplace with more beautiful and interesting geology than these two locations, and Janice Hayden is an incredible geologist who makes them come alive.

Visiting Death Valley was on my "bucket list". I was amazed to learn how popular this trip is when I went to schedule a date. I am so glad I was able to do this program. From start to finish it was fun, fascinating and educational. Thank you Chris, Janice and Mark for all you did to make the experience great!

Experience in comfort the amazingly unique geological wonderland that is Death Valley National Park and its cousin the Valley of Fire.

I just completed my first Road Scholar trip to the Valley of Fire and Death Valley. It was a fantastic six days! I would highly recommend this experience and am looking forward to more Road Scholar adventures!

Death Valley offers an incredible vista of nature unavailable anywhere else.

Chuck and I enjoyed our first Road Scholar trip. The smaller group and the hiking experience were just what we looking for. The group leader was low key and fun to listen to, and made the geology and history of Death Valley fun to listen to. We're looking forward to booking another Road Scholar trip soon.

A four star (out of four stars) tour. The personnel were organized and accommodating. The tour itself provided an amazing overview of the variability that exists within Death Valley.

Death Valley has great hikes and vistas. It is breathtaking. I loved staying within the Park and having everything taken care off.

majestic the valley with its variety of colors and rock formations, talented leaders and driver,an explosion of emotions!

The scenery in the Valley of Fire and Death Valley is beautiful, but this is NOT a NO SWEAT hiking program. Do not sign up for this trip if you have difficulty descending or ascending over very rocky terrain with step heights above regular stair heights.

This was a great first experience with Road Scholar! The hiking was far more than the "no sweat" description indicated, but for us, that was perfect! We had a small group of 16 open-minded individuals who adapted to some of the minor glitches along the way. The scenery was more breathtaking than we would have expected - the hikes took us to several similar, but very different locations. Having a geologist describe the rock formations definitely added the intellectual insight needed to fully appreciate this strange terrain. Our bus driver was fabulous - helping in any way he could the whole trip. The lodging within Death Valley is very rustic and in need of upgrades, but overall it just added to the remote feeling of the park. Be ready to get dusty and thirsty and wear your hiking boots!

The Valley of fire/Death Valley trip was outstanding. The tour guide, Phil Moore, was outstanding and very knowledgeable regarding geology, astronomy, and the history of the region. He went out of is way to teach, even showing videos and slide presentations during the bus rides. The scenery was magnificent. The hikes varied from easy to moderately challenging, and included options for those who wished a less strenuous experience. Accommodations were adequate, and meals varied from just adequate to outstanding. Death Valley is a unique National Park and a land of extremes with an interesting history that is well worth learning about. As usual fellow Road Scholar travelers were a friendly, intelligent, curious group. This was a five star trip which compares favorably to other Road Scholar trips I have attended.

This trip is an excellent way to visit Death Valley with no worries. It is a remote location with limited lodging and eateries so being with a group who plans all that for you was great. They chose interesting hikes, knowledgeable leaders and made the trip very enjoyable!

Enjoyed the trip. Thank you. Suggest you tell scheduled participants of the following book for reading before arriving on the trip: “Across Death Valley: The pioneer journey of Juliet Wells Brier by Mary Barmeyer O’brien. It really gave me added insights when I was in Death Valley

Valley of Fire and Death Valley were spectacular in early December, the weather was perfect, and there even was water in the valley. I encounter people at their best on a Road Scholar program, free of everyday stress, engaged in outdoor activity, and enjoying the splendors of nature.

Fantastic trip. I would recommend this for everyone...knowledgeable leaders of the area for sure. Weather was perfect. Hiking was breathtaking, photos can't do it justice. Hotel out in Death Valley, The Oasis, was very cool and sitting out there in the middle of DV was phenomenal.

This was the most amazing program! It enhanced my knowledge and love of the desert. Every day was an additional geological treasure trove. Janice, Diana and Jerrod were an awesome team. I'd travel with them again any time.

If you're interested in geology and history, the Death Valley trip would be perfect for you. You can learn and explore for yourself with lots of group support in the largest NP in the continental US!

A typically great Road Scholar experience to explore and learn about locations new to me. The Valley of Fire is an intriguing place, and Death Valley was so different than I expected, and unlike any place I have ever gone to before. Especially enjoyed seeing the stars and planets at night. A great Utah Tech team facilitating the program!

A great trip with great group leaders. Geology, hiking, and history.

Outstanding program!!! The leaders, Paula and Darrell were not only knowledgeable in their field but ensured we had a great time. Harry, our driver was fantastic, ensuring we were on time for every event. The knowledge you will learn from this program will amaze you.

Great trip with a great team. Be prepared for more hiking than described. I hiked more than 4 miles each day and I didn't hike as much as others in the group.

Darrell and Paula are professional and experienced. They have lead many programs and it shows. I would search out their programs before any others.

This program is the perfect introduction to desert desert geology, fauna, and geology.

Our trip to Death Valley was an extraordinary visit to an incredibly diverse part of our country. I want to go back. I learned a great deal about the geology of the region and had rewarding interactions with the other participants on the trip. It was our first Road Scholar trip and we plan to do more!

Awesome educational experience. Stunning scenery. Great hiking experience. Try this program even if you've never considered visiting Death Valley.

The hikes on this trip are incredible with a wide variety of terrain and sites to see, and winter weather in Death Valley and Valley of Fire is ideal for hiking. There also are a lot of interesting things to learn about these unique areas. However, if you are not a fast hiker or you like to take a lot of pictures you may feel rushed at times or may not have time to complete some of the hikes. Accommodations were comfortable and most of the food was very good, but the 1849 buffet at the ranch was disappointing with limited choices and inconsistent food quality.

This trip offers a good overview of Death Valley and Valley of Fire. Darrell shared so much of his vast amount of knowledge. Paula is very organized.Participants should have some experience hiking. There were some steep hikes as well as areas with loose footing. Both hotels were comfortable. There is room for improvement with the meals; unfortunately that has been the case for many years at many of the National parks.

death valley should get a better name. it's a beautiful area i am so blessed to have experienced. paula and darryl are the best leaders ever!!! they make the whole trip exciting...

Death Valley was a place I always wanted to visit. I found it very unique and interesting. It was very diversified in many ways. Sometimes one feels like your on a different planet. I'd like to go back someday. Like many others, I don't think it should be called Death Valley. Look close and you will find lots of life there. My husband and I met some very nice people and made new friends we hope to see again soon.

Great guides and bus driver! Lots of surprises! Highly recommend it!

We highly recommend this vacation. This "no sweat" itinerary was perfect for us, we kept up with our hike leader and learned so much from Darrell about the geology, biology, and history of Death Valley. Darrell's lectures were held on the coach so that we could look out the window to supplement the learning - and no after dinner lectures to put us to sleep. The hikes and nature walks were easy, and well spaced bathroom breaks were provided. While the food at the hotel "Oasis at Death Valley" was appallingly bad, the hotel room was comfy, and the location was ideal. Bring your hiking boots & walking poles, and your sense of adventure, this is a spectacular trip.

This trip was very good. Not the best, but not anything big to complain about. I do have some suggestions that would have made the trip more enjoyable for me. 1. There were multiple videos and lectures given while we were riding in the bus. I have hearing aids and could not hear a lot of the time. On day 1, I told the tour guides of my problem and they did turn up the volume, but after that they seemed to be turning it up and down. Most of the time it was too low for me to hear. I would suggest that those with hearing impairment and hearing aids not have to sit in the back of the bus where the engine noise is so loud. We are all adults here and I did not like that when I wanted to do something I was told not to, such as climb down a particular stretch of the trail. Although I am 70 yo, I am an avid hiker, biker and am in excellent physical shape. I know what I can and can't do. The arrangement for changing seats didn't work really well. For 4 of the days I was sitting in the back of the bus where the engine noise was very loud. That also meant that whoever was in the front of the bus on the first day, was in the front of the bus for 4 days. Finally, this will be my last RS trip. Please DO NOT SEND ME ANYMORE STUFF IN THE MAIL OR EMAIL. This is not because of this trip, as I stated above, the trip was okay. It is just that I prefer more independence and more active trips. Thank you, Shirley Lowe

This trip was an outstanding opportunity to exercise both body and mind in a varied and challenging environment. One also gains an appreciation for how Death Valley came to be and the beauty of the region.

Come and explore the "terrain wreck" that is the geology of Death Valley.

I learned so much about Death Valley from our Roadscholar Leaders. Janice, Marcia and Kelly were very knowledgeable of geology, history, flora and fauna. Even on the long bus rides, we watched educational movies and listened to historical events that happened in Death Valley. Everything I learned about Borax, I will take back to my special education classes, and reteach. We use Borax to make slime but I never knew where it came from. Our bus driver, Kelly, was wonderful, patient, caring and supportive of every participant. He led some of the longer hikes, always making sure everyone was safe. Janice's geological knowledge is above and beyond anyone can ever expect. I learned so much. Marcia was super organized, kind and caring, always making sure everyone was taken care of. What a wonderful trip, Roadscholar!

Great trip to see a good part of Death Valley. Various activities in morning and afternoon made this interesting. Not very strenuous. Would of liked a longer hike on one day or have one leader take part of the group farther.

Death Valley (& the Valley of Fire in NV) are not to be missed with leaders Darrell and Paula McMahon! Outstanding program!

A great trip to a fascinating place. Outstanding leaders and a spirited group. Highly recommended for those looking for an active trip.

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Death Valley. This was my 10th trip with RS . Darrell, Paula, and Paul were all amazing in their own way. Darrell was so enthusiastic about the geology. Paula's administrative skills were put to the test on several occasions and she came through with flying colors. She also doubled as mother hen and problem fixer for some of our individual needs. Paul's driving skills were great, especially on the switchbacks to and from Artist's Palette. Paul was also great with hikers who were nervous on some of the narrow trails. The food and accommodations both in Las Vegas and Death Valley were top notch. We had total flexibility in food choices. Our final dinner at the Inn of Death Valley was a dining experience I will never forget, not only for the food, but also interesting conversations with people we had met during the week. However, I went for the hiking and I was not disappointed. The hikes were varied, both in length and type. Darrell's narration on board the bus as well as during some of the hikes increased my understanding of the region. People could go at their own pace, so different hiking abilities were accommodated. I liked all the hikes, especially when we climbed over rocks and through crevices(optional) and around the Ubehebe Crater and Titus Canyon. The blue sky and fresh air made me want to walk forever. I highly recommend this trip. It is definitely a 5 stars trip!

This was an amazing place to visit! I learned a great deal about the geology of Death Valley, and had some amazing hikes in places that I might not have gone to had I gone there on my own. From the sand dunes, the craters, and the salt flats to the stars in the dark skies, I loved it all!

This trip exceeded my expectations. I had no idea of the diversity and beauty of the desert. Through RS, I now have a greater appreciation of the desert and its many treasures. This trip was time well spent in an environment that many do not have an opportunity to experience.

For those who are prepared for hiking up to 5 miles (please review the itinerary!) this is an outstanding trip. The trip is well organized (thank you Paula!) and the instruction is truly outstanding. Darrell has an incredibly extensive and diverse fund of knowledge, and obviously works hard on his presentations. He really makes good use of the bus time to deliver information in addition to the trail instruction. His dry sense of humor is an added bonus!

Darryl McMahon was an incredibly knowledgeable instructor who showered us with his expertise in geology, botany, and wildlife. His deadpan sense of humor was a bonus to the experience. Paula, his wife, was a super organized coordinator; everything ran smoothly and on time.

An excellent first experience of Death Valley. Our guides were very knowledgeable and informative making the whole experience educational and enjoyable.

Thanks to the wonderful and enjoyable educational experience presented by Darrell, and the warm welcoming and fantastic organizational skills employed by Paula, this was an exceptional experience in a fascinating, beautiful part of our diverse country, The Mojave Desert.

What an amazing way to get to know another National Park! Great hikes, great sights and well paced for all. The leaders, Paula & Darrell, were so entertaining - that being aside from sharing their incredible knowledge of geology. It was fun to be "on the road again" in Death Valley, Amargoso River, etc...Willy's song will never be the same!!!!

Very interesting locality and incredible scenery. Our leaders, Daryl and Paula McMahon, did a great job working with several people with special needs, and rearranging the order of hikes because Death Valley got a year's worth of rain the first night we were there. A most memorable trip.

Another first rate program from Road Scholar and Dixie State. We attended the "Outdoor Spirited" version of this trip with Daryl and Paula, as our leaders, and 20 delightful fellow travelers. Death Valley is large so you will spend a lot of time on the bus, but Daryl fills that time with enlightened and well thought out lectures, slides and videos. We visited many of the Death Valley highlights with a variety of hikes/walking. We did not find any of the hikes challenging but they are rocky and there was some rock scrambling. The longest hike was 3 miles, but on many days we hiked several shorter hikes which easily added up to 5 miles or more. The visit to the ghost town was a delightful addition. The scenery is amazing 100% of the time. Without a doubt this trip fulfilled our goal of a well rounded introduction to Death Valley, focusing on geology, with some very active outdoor activity. Many thanks to our fellow travelers, Daryl, Paula, who handled the logistics flawlessly, Bus Driver Glenn who always hiked with us and Lois who is joining the Road Scholar Team.

This is probably the best Road Scholar trip we've been on. The narration of the landscape and instruction by Phil was excellent. Phil also instructed us on the stars and held a 2 hour star watch of the Death Valley sky one evening. Marcia and Kelly are excellent hosts and were always available for help and advice. We enjoyed the smaller group and the company of good people from all over the country. Humor and awe ruled during this trip. The "WoW" factor is Death Valley.

My experience was that it was a great trip if you can walk well on stones, hills, uneven services and climbing up and down rocks. I loved it but some participants found it more challenging. Some hikes were optional what level you would hike at, which was good.

If you enjoy learning about geology and pushing yourself on hikes, this is a great program. But the leaders made sure that everyone felt comfortable with the activity level, and there was plenty of opportunity to either do shorter hikes or go at your own pace. Most of the hikes are out and back, so you don't have to go all the way to the end. Death Valley has very minimal internet, and even in the rooms, you won't be streaming movies or uploading photos. When you are outside the accommodations, there is essentially no cell coverage, but it was great to have an excuse to unplug for awhile.

The amazing location and incredible leaders made this an outstanding adventure.

Death Valley is one of the places in the US that everyone interested in the outdoors should visit. It's unique, and fascinating, and rather like being on another planet. Weather the first week of March proved to be perfect.

A fun mix of hiking and science, with history, both ancient and recent woven in.

The leaders for this program really made Death Valley come alive. Especially recommended for anyone who has even the slightest interest in geology and earth history. Physical requirements for the outings were not too strenuous (in fact pretty light for some of us) but sufficient to get to the places that corresponded to the educational component and some options were offered for those who may not have been able to complete a hike or outing. (but everyone did everything!)

This was my first hiking trip through RS and I was able to manage most of time with walking pole. It was rated outdoor: Spirited and changed to "Varies by date "after our trip.. People were complaining they did not hike enough. We spent long hours in bus because park was so huge. People were very nice and friendly. I was solo traveler and felt welcomed. I am looking for more hiking trip in the future. I was well informed about geology and got to see stars at night. I got to swim at the hotel outdoor swimming pool and food were plenty. Death Valley sounds awful, but it was a great tour. I would like to see group leaders hike with us. They preferred to stay at the bus.

Before our recent Death Valley program, we were concerned with the renovations occurring at the Oasis and the resulting lack of places to eat. The providers assured us that they would find alternative locations, but fortunately the renovations were completed prior to our arrival. Then we wondered how much the program’s schedule would be affected by the partial Government Shutdown. However, our marvelous guides, Darrell and Paula, revised the schedule to include excellent substitutions for those park sites that were closed. They revised the schedule for a second time when some previously closed parts of the park were reopened. They were always positive, flexible, and enthusiastic. The day in the Valley of Fire outside of Las Vegas was an excellent introduction to the geology of this area of the country, and the short hikes were a good introduction to what we could expect in Death Valley. Darrell showed us petroglyphs that are not obvious from the trails and gave us fascinating interpretations of this rock art. Our field trips in Death Valley including an amazing variety of sites, ranging from a short walk onto the salt flats at Badwater Basin to the breathtaking scenes at Dantes View to the hikes among the rocks of Gower Gulch and Golden Canyon. Our guides (and also our bus driver, Paul) were always ready to give assistance and encouragement. Some bus rides were fairly long, but Darrell made the travel time go quickly with his presentations on the history and geology of the park. The accommodations at the Oasis were adequate, clean, and comfortable, and we definitely never went hungry! Our final night dinner at the Inn was particularly memorable and definitely 4 Star! As always the participants, from 13 different states, were a friendly and welcoming group. I have posted pictures of our trip at https://ellieknesper.smugmug.com.

This hiking trip is a wonderful way to learn more about Death Valley. Every hike was different and Darrell and Paula did a great job of making accommodations due to the government shutdown.