Death Valley – Hiking and Exploration – April 3-10, 2022

Activity Notes

Take an early spring 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, Furnace Creek Inn, abandoned mines and ghost towns.  Wildlife viewing, including desert pupfish, bighorn sheep, reptiles, birds and insects is possible. This 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 Dark Sky Park, and we will have some nearly 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. Participants should be able to handle Mazama level “B” hikes.  We will camp seven nights at the Furnace Creek group campground.

Covid-19 vaccination, the Mazamas Covid-19 Badge, is required of each team member for safety of the group.

Signup deadline is March 15, 2020.

Contact leader Bob Breivogel (503-292-2940) or breivog@teleport.com 

COSTS:  

Participants should plan for two charges relating to this Outing: the deposit (as listed below and charged automatically upon acceptance) and the final invoice (remaining balance dependent on team size to be billed via emailed invoice).  The team size, Leaders and Participants, could range from 8 to 20 members.

For Mazamas members, the deposit is $70. The total cost range (including deposit) for the 7-day Outing is $120 to $220.

For non-members, the deposit is $140. The total cost range (including deposit) for the 7-day Outing is $190 to $290.

Participants are responsible for their transportation (flying to Las Vegas and car rental, or driving from Portland), food, and other incidentals. In addition, each vehicle will be required to have a National Park entrance pass.   

ITINERARY:

Day 1, Sun, April 3

Furnace Creek - Set up camp - Group site #2, orientation, Sunset viewing

Day 2, Mon, April 4

Various Hikes – Badwater area, Artist’s  Pallet

Day 3, Tues, April 5

Various Hikes – Zabriski Point Sunrise, Dantes View

Day 4, Wed, April 6

Various Hikes -  Sand Dunes, Mosaic Canyon

Day 5, Thurs, April 7

Various Hikes - Ghost towns

Day 6, Fri, April 8

Various Hikes – Wildrose hike

Day 7, Sat, April 9

Furnace Creek - Various Hikes

Day 8, Sun, April 9

Depart