Full-Day Death Valley Mojave Desert VIP Small-Group Tour from Las Vegas
Leave the Strip before sunrise and travel into the raw heart of Death Valley on a small-group VIP tour. This full-day trip covers dunes, salt flats, and Badwater Basin with guided geology and history, plus lunch and bottled water included.
The Experience
Before You Go
Hydrate early and often
Bring a refillable water bottle; the tour supplies bottled water but drinking proactively prevents heat-related issues in the desert.
Sun protection is non-negotiable
Wear a wide-brim hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses — the salt flats amplify UV exposure and midday sun is intense.
Wear sturdy shoes
Trails and dune edges are uneven and salt crusts are sharp; closed-toe shoes with tread make short hikes safer and more comfortable.
Start early for best light
Pickup is before sunrise — this avoids midday heat and gives the best photographic light at Zabriskie and the dunes.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Short scramble trails near mosaic canyon offer layered rock close-ups
- •Quiet roadside pullouts east of Furnace Creek often show unexpected wildflowers in spring
Wildlife
- •Desert bighorn sheep
- •Kangaroo rat
Conservation Note
Stay on designated paths and pack out all trash — water sources are rare and the cryptobiotic soils are easily damaged by foot traffic.
Death Valley’s mining era and borax wagons left visible artifacts and place names; the Timbisha Shoshone have ancestral ties to parts of the park.
Photographer's Notes
- • Zabriskie Point for layered badlands
- • Badwater Basin for salt-crust patterns and reflections
- • Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for scale and footprints
What to Bring
Wide-brim hatEssential
Shields face and neck from intense sun and reflected glare from salt flats.
Sunscreen SPF 30+Essential
Protects skin from strong UV exposure in the high-desert environment.
Sturdy closed-toe shoesEssential
Required for walking on salt crust, rocky viewpoints and shifting dunes.
Light layersEssential
Mornings are cool and midday hot; breathable layers handle rapid temperature swings.
Common Questions
What time is pickup and where?
Pickup is typically between 5:00–5:30 AM from Las Vegas Strip and Fremont Street hotels; exact pickup details are emailed 24 hours before departure.
How long is the tour?
The tour is approximately 7 hours total (420 minutes) including transit and stops around Death Valley National Park.
Is food and water provided?
Yes — lunch is included and the tour provides unlimited bottled water during the trip.
Is the tour suitable for children and seniors?
Yes; the tour is marketed as suitable for all fitness levels, but it is not recommended for those with serious heart or spinal conditions.
Will we walk long distances?
No; most stops involve short walks from parking areas to viewpoints or across salt flats and dunes — moderate mobility is sufficient.
Can the tour be canceled for weather?
Yes; the operator may cancel in extreme weather or if there are insufficient travelers; full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours prior.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
7 hours
Location
Furnace Creek, California
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Light fitness; able to stand and walk short distances on uneven ground and sand.
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