Death Valley Weekend Cycling
3 days from VALLEY ISLE RESORT to Great Basin
From $ 1499
Duration3 days
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Three days cycling in one of the West’s most remarkable national parks is an experience like no other. A land born of fire and steeped in history, Death Valley’s smooth, winding roads undulate above and below sea level, rolling through some of the most dramatic scenery in this 3.4-million-acre national park. The largest national park in the contiguous United States, Death Valley is known the world over as a geological and geographic treasure. Begin in the old mining camp and ghost town of Rhyolite. From there, ride into the park to get a first taste of the wonders of this awe-inspiring landscape. Mountains rise to 11,000 feet on either side of the park’s namesake valley and multi-hued rock formations jut out between salt spires and sand dunes. Some of the best rides of our adventure find us skirting the edges of the Badwater Basin salt flats and walk around the rim of the large volcanic Ubehebe Crater. A weekend spinning through Death Valley National Park will renew your spirit, fill you with exhilaration and introduce you to the exceptional beauty and majesty of this desert wilderness.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 3 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: VALLEY ISLE RESORT
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Great Basin
    Ages: 18+
Death Valley Cycling - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Meet your companions and transfer to Death Valley for our first ride.

Start place: VALLEY ISLE RESORT

Meet your guides and fellow travelers at 7am at our host hotel located in Henderson, Nevada (approx. 20 minutes from Las Vegas). A brief orientation ensures we're all prepared before we load into our private van and set out for Death Valley National Park, the largest national park in the contiguous United States. We drive to the far northern corner of Death Valley where we explore the ghost town of Rhyolite. Afterward we’ll be fitted for our bikes and begin our ride through the desert to Stovepipe Wells. We take in our first spectacular views of this vast national park and catch glimpses of the salt flats and sand dunes as we drop nearly 3,000’ in elevation. After reaching our hotel at Stovepipe Wells, we leave our bikes behind and venture out onto the nearby Mesquite Flat dunes for a memorable Death Valley sunset. We spend the next two nights in comfort at Stovepipe Wells. Lunch and dinner included.
Cycling: 31 miles with 1,033’ of elevation gain and 4,820’ of elevation loss. Drive time: 2.5 hours.
Meals: D
Day 2: Enjoy a ride down the valley from the Ubehebe Crater.
After breakfast, we shuttle to the start of today’s ride at the Ubehebe Crater. We will take a walk around the 1.5 mile perimeter rim of the 600’ deep crater. This Maar crater was formed as little as 300 years ago by steam and gas explosions of an active volcano. You will also see other lesser craters as well as cinder fields. After this brief walk and light snack, we will climb out of the crater region and start the nearly 300’ of descent down the valley toward Stovepipe wells. Those wishing to extend the day will have the option of climbing partially up daylight pass before rejoining the main route to a hard earned meal and a relaxing evening under the stars. All meals included.
Cycling: 46 miles. Elevation gain between 1461’ and 3205’; elevation loss 3416’; Walking: 1.5 miles with minimal elevation gain/loss. Drive time: 1 hour.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Ride to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.
Our memorable morning ride leads us to iconic Badwater Basin. At 282 feet below sea level, it’s the lowest point in North America. Our route is a dramatically scenic one as it slices through a landscape flanked by multi-hued geological formations that reflect dusty pinks, sea greens, ashy purples and moody browns. In springtime, roadside meadows are dotted with colorful wildflowers that add more pops of color to the surroundings. An optional 12-mile extension to Artist’s Palette along Artist Drive can be added to this day for those looking for additional climbing. The ride takes you through canyons and past mountains covered in fantastic colors. Once at the basin, we savor a tasty picnic lunch prepared by our guides. We walk out to explore the salt flats and unique salt formations and crystals formed as a result of evaporation and erosion. After our visit concludes, we jump into our van and begin the return trip to Las Vegas with a planned arrival time of 4:30pm. Please do not schedule a departing flight from Las Vegas prior to 6:30pm. Breakfast and lunch included​.
Cycling: 42 miles with 1238’ of elevation gain and 1,503’ of elevation loss. Optional 12 mile extension with 3019’ elevation gain and 3287’ of elevation loss. Drive time: 2.5 hours.

End place: Great Basin

Meals: B, L

Inclusions

Included

  • Lodging and meals as indicated on the daily itinerary

  • Accommodation

    Hotel: 2 nights

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