DEATH VALLEY ADVENTURE!
The Racetrack, Hot Springs, & Meteor Shower!
Beyond the pavement, Death Valley truly comes alive
Prepare to be captivated by a landscape of bewildering contrasts, from the towering, "singing" sand dunes of Eureka Valley to the mysterious moving rocks of the Racetrack, all culminating in the remote, palm-fringed oasis of the Saline Valley Warm Springs. This journey will immerse you in the raw, untamed beauty of Death Valley's most hidden corners.
You won't believe you're still in California!
 Your host, Brian, brings a wealth of experience to every adventure, having previously owned and operated an overlanding tour company and worked as a professional outdoor guide.
A certified Wilderness First Responder, he prioritizes safety while fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world. With a passion for teaching others, he especially loves empowering individuals to explore vast and challenging landscapes they might not otherwise experience on their own. Having spent countless days traversing Death Valley, a park nearly the size of Connecticut, your host possesses unparalleled knowledge of its hidden gems and ensures an unforgettable journey into its wild heart.
Itinerary:
What to expect:
This trip is a true off-road immersion into Death Valley's most remote and captivating landscapes. Expect to spend significant time on well-maintained dirt roads, traversing diverse terrains from the famous Racetrack to the serene Saline Valley Warm Springs.
Please note that this is dispersed camping, meaning there are no common campground amenities; we will be practicing strict Leave No Trace principles, so we will plan to pack everything in and pack everything out. Be prepared for stunning stargazing, unique geological formations, and the quiet solitude that only the park's backcountry can offer.
 
Thursday:
 It is a lengthy drive from the Bay Area (yet very worth it)! Please plan accordingly, and if you need carpool, please post a message on the event wall to find carpool easier.
Your host strongly suggests that you plan to arrive before sunset to make navigation easier. If not, do not worry, we will help you with directions! If you plan to arrive to camp after 7:30pm, please pick up dinner on the way, we will have the campsite set up and we can enjoy a desert campfire! Don't worry, our dispersed campsite is easy to find, and we will send you ample instruction before the trip.
Friday: 
We will start the day with coffee and breakfast made by your UD host! After we eat, we'll pack up camp.
Run around and explore Eureka Dunes which are the highest in California and second highest in the country. If you want to nerd out, make sure to look up the "Singing Dunes" video by National Geographic. These dunes have a voice of their own!
Then it is off to Ubehebe Crater: formed by a powerful volcanic steam explosion, making it a "maar volcano." This occurred when rising hot magma encountered groundwater, causing the water to flash into steam and explode, blasting out the massive crater you see today. Yes, you can hike all the way into the base of the crater!
We'll eat lunch along the way to the Racetrack, but before we get there, we'll stop at Tea Kettle Junction for unique photo op.
The Racetrack Playa is home to one of Death Valley's most enduring and captivating enigmas: heavy rocks that mysteriously slide across the flat, dry lakebed, leaving long, winding trails in their wake. For decades, the "sailing stones" baffled scientists and visitors alike, a perplexing natural phenomenon that remained unseen in action until its secrets began to unravel in 2014.
Camp on night 2 is just a short drive up from the Racetrack. We'll set up, eat a delicious meal prepared by your host, and then gaze up at the Milky Way.
Saturday:
Fuel up with a delicious breakfast and coffee. Well break camp before tackling Lippincott Pass. Recently graded and widened this past spring, this once-daunting, steep shelf road is now a manageable descent into the Saline Valley. We'll then drive north to the legendary Saline Valley Warm Springs. Prepare to be amazed by this true desert oasis, a vibrant haven of warm, clear pools offering the perfect reward to relax and soak amidst the arid beauty.
Immerse yourself in the warm, mineral-rich waters of these naturally fed pools, surrounded by swaying palms under a vast desert sky. It's an extraordinary blend of rugged wilderness and serene comfort, a place where time slows down and the stars shine with unparalleled brilliance. This truly is a unique desert escape, a perfect antidote to the ordinary. This natural oasis will be home for the night.
 
Sunday:
Our final day brings another scenic drive from the Saline Valley oasis back towards Big Pine. As we ascend from the valley floor, keep your eyes peeled for incredible vistas of the surrounding mountains. For those seeking one last thrill, an optional side quest awaits: venturing to an abandoned mine where you can actually drive your vehicle deep into the mountain, offering a unique glimpse into the region's rich, rugged history. It's an unforgettable way to cap off an epic journey through Death Valley's wildest heart.
 
Trip Includes:
- Fun and full itinerary curated by your UD host!!!
- Breakfast on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Trail lunch on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
- Dinner on Thursday, Friday, & Saturday (Please get dinner on your way down on Thursday if you are arriving late)
- Snacks - including S'mores of course!
- Adventures around Death Valley with a new campsite every night
- Visit to an awesome natural mineral hot spring
- Fun and exciting host!!
What to bring:
- 4 gallons of drinking water per person
- $$ for food you get along the road
- BYOB!!
- Personal camp gear
- Tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, mess kit, headlamp, etc.
- Complete gear list in the section below
- We have extra gear you can borrow, message the host for details! We also know the best spots to rent specialized gear :)
Vehicle Requirements:
This off-road adventure requires a vehicle with high clearance (minumum of 8 inches is required, think Rav4 height or taller) and at least All-Wheel Drive (AWD). While all-terrain tires are highly recommended for optimal performance and comfort on the varied dirt roads, regular mud and snow (M+S) rated tires will suffice. A full-size spare tire is mandatory, and if your vehicle has wheel locks on its lugs, please remember to bring the corresponding key. Vehicles like a Subaru Outback represent the minimum appropriate requirements. If you have any questions about your vehicle's suitability, please contact Brian directly. For those without a suitable vehicle, renting an SUV is also a viable option.
If you have a suitable vehicle and are willing to drive those without, please message us separately and we can offer you a co-host discount.
Stargazing in Death Valley:
Death Valley is known for some of the most extreme stargazing on the entire planet! It's been labeled a "Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park, the highest level of recognition for dark skies, according to DarkSky International," which means we will see TONS of stars! As the sun sets beneath the peaks, watch the night sky fill up with BRIGHT stars. Before you know it, you'll be able to see the Milky Way Galaxy with the naked eye! Sleep under a blanket of stars and wake up to the amazing hues of the sunrise, it doesn't get any better than that folks!
 
SEE YOU THERE <3
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