DEATH VALLEY / MOJAVE DESERT SPRING
March
7-12, 2011, With a 2N pre-trip extension Las Vegas - its Natural Side, March 5-7.
Death Valley: this foreboding yet intriguing name belies the hidden wonders of this two million-acre national park. From the Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level, to the 11,049-foot height of Telescope Peak, this park and surrounding areas of the Mojave Desert offer a diverse and exciting world to discover. With adequate winter rains, spring wildflowers decorate the landscape with every color of the rainbow.
Nearly 1,000 different species of plants have been recorded in the diverse habitats of the Death Valley, including 19 species of cacti and 23 species endemic to the park. More than 380 springs in the park provide habitat to five species of Desert Pupfish, relict populations from a wetter time in the region’s long history. The valley is a geologist’s paradise, with nearly two billion years of history recorded in the rocks. Layers of sandstone and limestone tell of times of great inland seas while volcanic features bear testimony to centuries of dynamic change.
Walk amid sand dunes, water-sculpted canyons and salt pans remaining from ancient seas, lush hidden springs and cool mountain forests. Look for Ring-tailed Cats, Kit Foxes, Kangaroo Rats, Black-tailed Jackrabbits, and Desert Bighorn Sheep. Listen for sounds of desert birds in the clear morning air: Gambel’s Quail, Rock Wrens, Western Kingbirds, phoebes, and flycatchers. Photographic opportunities abound, particularly in the magical, subtle light of dawn and dusk. Blue skies frame the rugged Panamint Mountains of Death Valley, a sister range to the Sierras that reaches over 11,000 feet. On the mountain slopes ancient bristlecone pines cling to windy ridges and Desert Bighorns find refuge from summer heat.
We also take in some local culture and color – visiting local restaurants and the Amargosa Opera House. Miners, ranchers, and the Western Shoshone people all have left traces of their lives in the Mojave Desert Region; we pass by old mine sites and look for petroglyphs etched in rock walls on our hikes. The average temperatures in March are in the 70s to 80s (though cooler in the mountains)– so shed your winter gear and join us as we explore spectacular Death Valley National Park and surrounding areas of the Mojave Desert in this spring.
ITINERARY
Mon., Mar. 7 Arrival in Las Vegas / Mojave Desert / Red Rock Canyon
After arrivals at the airport (by 2PM please), we travel west to enter Death Valley National Park on the south end of the park, where Badwater marks the lowest elevation in the Western Hemisphere. The permanent spring-fed pool is not poisonous, but does contain large amounts of chloride, sodium and sulfate. The surrounding area may be the hottest place in the world with temperatures reaching over 120+ degrees for more than thirty days each summer. Walk out on the saltpan here, to marvel at the immense sense of space! We continue through the park's scenic landscape to the date palm oasis at Furnace Creek, where we have accommodations for the next four nights. Enjoy dinner tonight at the Ranch's Steakhouse.
Accommodations at Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley National Park (B,L,D)
Tue., Mar. 8 DVNP: Sand Dunes / Mosaic Canyon / Artist’s Drive
We start early in the morning with a walk among the park’s amazing sand dunes. At this time the light is dramatic, animal tracks are fresh and the world beckons us to explore. We then drive a short way to Mosaic Canyon to walk amid a tapestry of rock colors and patterns. In this cooler, shaded ravine we can learn about the complex geology revealed in the rock walls. This is a good place to find Rock Wrens which nest in the area.
We return to our lodgings for lunch, a mid-day break, and – if you wish – a swim in the pool. Trees around the facility may harbor Northern Mockingbirds, wintering Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Hermit Thrushes, and more. Later in the afternoon we take in the exhibits of the park’s main visitor center and then drive a scenic drive to Artist’s Point, stopping for photos and to enjoy the cooling air and the spectacular late afternoon light. This is a great opportunity to learn some photo tips from your guide. American Pipits, Horned Larks and Common Ravens may be visible in this open habitat, as well as a variety of lizards.
Dinner tonight is at your leisure.
Accommodations at the Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley National Park, CA (B,L)
Wed., Mar. 9 DVNP: Salt Creek / Mountain Vistas / Wildrose Canyon
Salt Creek, one of Death Valley’s major drainages, is home to the unique Desert Pupfish as well as a host of interesting birds and aquatic invertebrates. We take a boardwalk trail through the area. Those who wish for a longer hike can continue up the drainage, while photographers may want to linger to photograph on a macro scale. Raptors, migrants, and waders often frequent this small valley. With luck we may find Northern Harriers, Common Yellowthroats, American Avocets, and Greater Yellowlegs, as well as other species.
From here we continue to the mountains of Death Valley. The higher elevations offer a cool respite from our days on the valley floor. We visit points of scenic and biological interest as we gain elevation. Enjoy a walk on the scenic trail towards Wildrose Peak,where we find conifer-loving birds such as Juniper Titmouse, Red-naped Sapsucker, Townsend’s Solitaire, Mountain Bluebird, Red-breasted 
Nuthatch, and Mountain Chickadee. At this elevation in early March, we may encounter snow! Listen for calls of Clark’s Nutcracker, Pinyon Jay, and Common Raven, which may fly in to investigate our picnic lunch. Learn more about local mining history as we visit the picturesque remains of charcoal kilns left from the boom-and-bust endeavors in Death Valley. Dinner tonight is at another of the park’s restaurants at Stovepipe Wells.
Accommodations at the Furnace Creek Ranch (B,L,D)
Thurs., Mar. 10 Zabriski Point / Dante’s View / Titus Canyon
We start the day with a trip to Zabriski Point and Dante’s View, where we can scan the entire panorama of DeathValley. In this dramatic setting, we outline the geologic events that created this stunning environment and you’ll have time to take some spectacular photographs in the morninglight. In patchy desert shrubs we look for wintering White-crowned Sparrows, and 
newly arrived Ash-throated Flycatchers, Western Kingbirds and Green-tailed Towhees. Gambel’s Quail and possibly another quail relative, the Chukar are year-round residents which should make an appearance.
After a mid-day break, we head to the mouth of Titus Canyon which is cut deep into the Amargosa Mountains. We then walk into this remote and boldly sculpted canyon where we read the geologic story in the rock walls and, for those who wish to hike up a way, look for the rock art of early cultures along the waterways. Plants in this canyon exhibit many adaptations to the environmental extremes.
We pass by the Sand Dunes area en route back to our lodgings, if the light is great we stop for photographs and a wander! Dinner is at your leisure.
Accommodations at the Furnace Creek Ranch (B,L,)
Fri., Mar. 11 Wild Card Day - Tecopa / China Ranch Date Farm
Today we have several choices available to us, depending on the interests of our group. We can do another canyon hike, or we can venture to the outer edges of Death Valley still very much within the fascinating realm of Mojave Desert. We like to leave this day open so we can catch up to a particularly good wildflower area. We may want to visit Scott’s Castle, or venture east to community of Tecopa, which is known for its hot springs. The hot springs are part of the geothermal complex found in Death Valley and provides habitat for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. In a small wetland we may see Wilson’s Phalarope, Spotted Sandpiper and American Avocet.
Tecopa is also home to the extensive China Ranch Date Farm where, in addition to looking for birds, we can try their famous Date milkshakes. This family-run farm has built nature trails that wind amidst large cottonwood and willow trees. Geology, botany and birds are all present here. If time allows, we’ll walk down a trail to colorful Amargosa Canyon, where an underground river creates wildlife habitat. Enjoy local art and lunch at a fun restaurant in Tecopa or Shoshone, the location determined by the luck we’ve had with our birding and when we leave China Ranch. Surprisingly there are several fun local establishments for us to choose from! In Shoshone, there is also a small museum which chronicles local Death Valley history and displays the remains of a young prehistoric Mammoth.
We return to our accommodations in the late afternoon to enjoy sunset over Telescope Peak, followed by our farewell dinner.
Accommodations at Furnace Creek Ranch (B,L,D)
Sat. Mar. 12 Departures
We return to the airport in Las Vegas today, a drive of about 3 hours. We plan to arrive by 10:30 AM so please plan on flights out after 11morning we’ll provide group transport to the airport at approximately 8:00 and 10:00 o’clock for flights out Noon and later. (B)
PRE-TRIP EXTENSION: Las Vegas – Discover its Natural Side!
Sat. March 5 Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
If you have come all the way to Las Vegas, let us show you its natural side. Join us for a pre-trip extension to visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Desert National Wildlife Area and Mt. Charleston. Red Rock Canyon is a geologic wonderland known for its fanciful red, gray and cream colored rocks. The multi-colored layers are part of an escarpment where uplift forces have lifted the range to 8000 ft. in elevation. Six hundred million years of Earth’s history are here on display. Arrive by 2PM today and join us for a 13-mile loop road leads us to scenic highlights and an excellent Visitor’s Center where displays give you an excellent overview of the region. We’ve chosen a hotel west of the Las Vegas Strip to close the park and without all the hype!
Accommodations at Marriot Courtyard (D)
Sun. March 6 Desert National Wildlife Refuge / Mt. Charleston
Desert National Wildlife Refuge was set aside to protect Desert Bighorn Sheep. Rugged mountains provide habitat for this magnificent species, which remains elusive but may be possible to see. Birders flock to this refuge to spend time exploring Corn Creek, often described as the top birding area in the Las Vegas region. Corn Creek is an oasis with lush trees and ponds and the remains of an old orchard, a great place to find Red-naped Sapsucker.
The refuge is extensive, comprising 2200 square miles and six desert mountain ranges. Mule Deer, prey for the refuge's healthy population of Mountain Lions, share the rugged terrain with Bighorn Sheep. Roads in the refuge are primitive and we remain on its edge, but find inspiration in witnessing expansive wilderness so close to the bright lights of Las Vegas!
In the afternoon we change habitats radically, driving up the Mt. Charleston road towards the local ski area, where we may encounter snow at this time of year! We are on the look-out for typical birds of the Mountain West. Almost 12,000 ft. Mt. Charleston is the centerpiece of the Charleston Mountains; Bristlecone Pines grow on its flanks as do White Firs, Limber and Ponderosa Pines. Some 30 endemic plant and animal species have been described here to date; biologists are censusing this Nevada Important Bird Area to catalog additional species as this 'island' mountain range has likely been isolated from similar habitat for 30,000 years. Steller's Jays and Clark's Nutcrackers check us out as we explore several picnic areas.
This is also the realm of the Northern Goshawk which we hope to find. If the group wishes to , we may stay on the mountain to enjoy dinner at a ski area resort. The bright lights of Vegas are impressive as we descend.
Accommodations at Courtyard by Marriot, Las Vegas (B,L)
Mon., Mar. 7 Red Rock Canyon / Death Valley National Park
This morning we return to Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area to explore some of its trails and some interesting rock art panels. There are several oases here where water attracts birds such as Western Scrub-jays, Greater Roadrunners, Gambel's Quail, Ladderbacked Woodpecker and Lucy's Warblers are a few of our likely finds. Rock Wrens and White-throated Swifts are present on the cliffs that frame our view. Lizards we may find include the Desert Spiny Lizards, Side-blotched Lizards, and Western Whiptails. Enjoy lunch at the Hard Rock Café as your guide meets those coming in for the main tour, then head out to Death Valley as the main tour begins. (B)
PLAN AHEAD!
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COST
OF THE JOURNEY
Cost of the journey is $1995.00 from Las Vegas is based on double occupancy. This cost includes all accommodations, meals as specified in the itinerary, professional guide services, other park and program entrance fees and miscellaneous program expenses. Pre-trip extension $445.00, single supplement $165.00.
Tour cost does not include: round-trip transportation from your home city to Las Vegas, porterage, personal services such as laundry, telephone, or beverages from the bar.
Single supplement (as available) is $545.00
Group Size: Maximum of 12, minimum of 4. Tour price is based on 6 persons,
with fewer than 6 a small group surcharge (typically $100-$300) may apply.
TRAVEL
PLANNING
We have left the weekend days open on either side of your tour if you wish to sample the vibrant life of Las Vegas! Or, arrive us in time to see other scenic and wildlife highlights of the region on our 2N pre-trip extension. Note that almost all major airlines have flight routes to Las Vegas, and some carriers such as Sun Country often have service as well. Plan to arrive (or be back at the airport) by 2PM on Monday, March 7 (Or 2PM Sat. March 5 if on extension) and plan to depart after NOON on March 12th or later.
Naturalist Journeys, LLC is an equal opportunity service provider and committed to the goal of ensuring equal opportunity for all in employment and program delivery.
Photo Credits:
Mojave Sunrise, sunset Washington palms, Zyzzx Pond, yucca night lizard, Death Valley Overlook and group of three, Greg Smith - to see more of his images, go to: www.flickr.com/photos/slobirdr/; Common Yellowthroat, William McDougal Jr.; Black throated Sparrow, Evelyn Earlougher; Gambel Quail, Lynn Feryus; Roadrunner in flowers and Yellow-headed Blackbird, Tony Beck - to see more of his images, go to: www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/; Peg in flowers, Gary Conover; all other photos by Peg Abbott. |
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