Death Valley & Joshua Tree: 5 Day Camping Adventure

As I leaned back in Joshua Tree's iconic desert landscape, the stargazing here felt truly otherworldly. The twisted, surreal shapes of Joshua trees framed the scene, adding an almost dreamlike quality as the sky deepened to velvet black. Without city lights for miles, the stars dazzled in clusters I'd never noticed before—Orion was so sharp, and I could actually see the Andromeda Galaxy faintly with the naked eye.

@camillalxy, Your AAdventure Guide

Essential Information

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Las Vegas (LAS) -> Furnace Creek Campground

Arrive in Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and pick up your rental car. Stock up on supplies before a scenic 2-hr drive to Death Valley National Park, arriving at Furnace Creek Campground. Set up camp and prepare for an adventure-filled day ahead.

Day 2 - Sunrise at Zabriskie Point -> Photo Spots & Hikes -> Sunset at Dante's View

Start your day with sunrise at Zabriskie Point, capturing surreal landscapes. Next, explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, perfect for photography and short hikes. Afterward, drive to the famous salt flats at Badwater Basin for otherworldly views and a picnic lunch. Continue with a scenic drive to Artist's Palette, followed by a hike at Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral, a 3-mile round trip that showcases breathtaking rock formations. End your day watching the sunset at Dante's View, overlooking Death Valley's vast, rugged landscape.

Day 3 - Jumbo Rocks Campground -> Ryan Mountain Trail -> Keys View

Pack up and embark on a 4-hr drive to Joshua Tree National Park, stopping for supplies en route. Once at Jumbo Rocks Campground, settle in before heading out for an afternoon hike on the iconic Ryan Mountain Trail. This moderate 3-mile round trip offers sweeping views of the surrounding desert. Conclude the day with a stunning sunset at Keys View, overlooking the Coachella Valley, and then relax under the stars back at camp.

Day 4 - Cholla Cactus Garden -> Scenic Short Hikes

Start your morning at Cholla Cactus Garden, with its fascinating plant formations. Visit Arch Rock Trail for a short but rewarding hike and photo opportunities. Continue to Skull Rock and the Hall of Horrors, which offer fun rock scrambling. After lunch, hike the Cap Rock Nature Trail as well as the Hidden Valley Trail, a 1-mile loop showcasing Joshua Tree's iconic rock formations. Round off the day with dinner and stargazing at your campground.

Day 5 - Fire Wave Trail -> White Domes Trail -> Departure from LAS

Depart Joshua Tree early and drive to Valley of Fire State Park. Start with the colorful Fire Wave Trail, a 1.5-mile hike through swirling red and white sandstone. Then, explore the White Domes Trail, a 1-mile loop that offers stunning slot canyons and desert scenery, before heading back to Las Vegas. Don't forget to share your photos and experiences with us to be featured on Voyagers' social media. We'd love to hear your stories!

This Trip Is Best For

First-time visitors: "I've never been to Death Valley or Joshua Tree and want to see all the highlights."

Experienced hikers: "I'm in good shape and enjoy challenging hikes and packed schedules."

Outdoor adventurers: "I prioritize unique outdoor experiences over food and lodging conditions."

Independent explorers: "I prefer traveling without a guide and am comfortable with basic navigation."

Early planners: "I plan my trips at least 6 months in advance to secure reservations."

How To Autopilot

1. Pay a deposit to receive the full itinerary and secure your spot if you'd like to join a group.

2. Answer a few questions from us to be matched with compatible group members. 

3. Pay the balance to meet your group and get ready for your self-guided adventure together.

• Once you've met your group, no refunds will be issued for cancellations.
  
• Each additional participant you bring gets 10% off the balance for everyone in the same party, until your party size reaches the max group size of the trip.

For just $10 or less, you'll be ready to go with an actionable itinerary AND travel buddies you'll get along with.

That's like HOURS ⏰ of trip planning and HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS 💰 on travel agency SAVED ✅

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