Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
Take a late winter getaway to warm, dry, and scenic Death Valley National Park in southern California. We will have a variety of hikes, from easy walks to moderately strenuous day trips up various canyons, washes, and peaks. There are cultural and historical activities - Scottie’s Castle (if open), Furnace Creek Inn, and abandoned mines and ghost towns. Wildlife viewing, including desert pupfish, bighorn sheep, reptiles, birds and insects is possible. March is around the wildflower bloom, which is very impressive in some years.
Those interested in photography should bring their camera gear. We have the opportunity to view sunrise, sunset, and wildflowers in different areas of the park, such as Zabriskie Point, Badwater, and the sand dunes. This is also a dark sky park, and we have some moonless nights for great views of the heavens.
The trip will be low key and non-regimented. Participants may go off on their own or be part of organized activities, as they desire. Be prepared for a variety of weather conditions, as it can be hot and cold the same day, as well as windy. We will camp seven nights at the Furnace Creek group campground. Participants responsible for their transportation (flying to Las Vegas and car rental, or driving from Portland.)
Activity Notes
The outing will commence mid-afternoon of Sunday March 8th and end the morning of Sunday March 15th 2020.
Participants are responsible for their transportation (flying to Las Vegas and car rental, or driving from Portland.) We will try to organize carpools for the group, as well as gear sharing. An SUV type of car with adequate ground clearance is desirable but not absolutely necessary.
It is expected that you have some prior car camping experience, as we will need tents and sleeping bags, and cook on camp stoves. We will camp seven nights at the Furnace Creek group campground. This has water and flush toilets ( but no on site showers). There is a general store and restaurant nearby if needed, and showers can be had at the nearby resort for a small fee.
Days are generally pleasantly warm and nights cool; but be prepared for a variety of weather conditions, as it can be hot and cold the same day, as well as windy.
We will have day hikes, mostly in the Level A to B and at a moderate pace. We may also possibly climb (strenuous) Telescope peak, if there is enough interest and if conditions permit . There are non-hiking activities - Scottie’s Castle (may reopen this year ), old mines and ghost towns, which largely involve scenic drives. Wildlife viewing, including desert pupfish, bighorn sheep, reptiles, birds and insects is possible. March is also a good time for wildflowers if the conditions are right.
The leader is an avid photographer with many years experience and several prior trips to Death valley.Those interested in photography should bring their camera gear. We have the opportunity to view sunrise, sunset, and wildflowers in different areas of the park, such as Zabriskie point, Artist Pallette, Badwater, and the sand dunes. This is a dark sky park, and we will have some moonless nights later in the trip for sky viewing.
The cost including Outing fees and campground is $115–190, depending on group size (8 min – 13 max, not including leaders). Signup deadline is February 15, 2020. Deposit is $80. Contact leader Bob Breivogel (503-292-2940) or breivog@teleport.com if you have questions.
