Are you an active person yearning to leave stress and deadlines behind to find peace and tranquility in one of the most beautiful and remote parks in America? Then this retreat is perfect for you! You will find a deep sense of relaxation and develop lasting friendships with fun and like hearted people as you explore the wilderness on this active 6 day adventure in Death Valley. You will marvel at the changing landscape from the hot valley floor to the cool breezes in the higher elevations as you journey through the rugged back country clothed in the colors of spring bloom.
Imagine standing strong in mountain pose, your lungs filled with the cool, refreshing morning air, and your chin lifts toward the mountains. Your gaze softens as the sun breaks above the peaks bathing your body in the warmth of first light and filling your soul with joy.
Your arms rise to touch the sky and with a deep exhale you leave the world behind and lose yourself in this vast and beautiful place.
With a deep sense of awe, your heart begins to understand the subtle beauty of this vast and seemingly desolate space. You smile as peaceful stillness creeps across your mind matching the quietness of the desert with perfect synchronicity. This is exactly where you were meant to be…
Engaged in this moment…
…Engaged with nature…
…Welcome to Death Valley!
Are you ready to feel inspired again?
Of course you are!
On this retreat, you will journey far from the frenetic pace of our modern world to bathe in the power and beauty of the desert. Your senses come alive as you walk among wildflowers in full bloom, through multi hued canyons and along ridge lines with breathtaking views. Discover creative inspiration in quiet and expansive sunsets, painting the sky in majestic colors before giving way to darkness so complete you gaze into countless stars and the clouds of the Milky Way. You’ll come home feeling energized and ready to take on whatever comes your way!
Do you long to set everything aside and just relax?
That would feel so amazing!
For six days there will be little or no access to cell service or wifi most of the time. You’ll truly unplug and be fully present in each glorious experience without any interruption or thought for doing something else. Each morning your yoga and meditation will gently set the day in motion as you spend little effort to find joy in each new adventure.
You’ll sleep deeply after grounding each evening with the stillness of the stars, and a meditative yin practice. Afternoons offer time to enjoy the desert, the hotel grounds or optional spa services to give yourself the gift of full rest.
Show Me The Itinerary!
On this active adventure you are going to experience some of the most exciting places in Death Valley on foot, horseback, and jeeps. You don’t have to be an avid yogi, hiker or even know how to ride a horse, because this itinerary has been curated to a maximum difficulty level of moderate and with experienced people who can teach you to safely participate in each activity.
Day 1: March 24th Arrive at Death Valley
You’ll meet at the Las Vegas International Airport by noon to head out for Death Valley. You’ll arrive at Furnace Creek where you’ll check into your amazing room and get settled in. We will gather late in the afternoon for a short yoga practice to stretch out from our day of travel. Then we’ll have dinner to get acquainted and go over the week ahead.
After dinner you’ll travel to Twentynine Mule Team Canyon where you will experience a famous dark sky night in Death Valley! As the sun sets you will enjoy the history of the canyon that was part of the route used to haul Borax out of the valley. But the best part of the night comes when the sun disappears and the sky grows dark revealing millions of stars, planets, and the cloudy spectacle of the Milky Way!
Day 2: March 25th-Hike Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop
You rise early not to miss the magical awakening of the desert as the sun rises over the mountains. After a refreshing and meditative sun rise, you’ll enjoy an invigorating yoga practice and your first hearty breakfast in Death Valley. Then you’ll grab your gear and head out for a spectacular hike from Zabriskie point.
Traveling though Gower Gulch and the beautiful Golden Canyon you begin to understand the stunning beauty of Death Valley, painted with layers of mineral deposits, and many different kinds of rock formations. During this time of the year, the spring bloom adds even more vibrant color to the landscape. This 7.5 mile hike is the perfect way to experience many different aspects of the region in one loop trail; including Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch, Red Cathedral, and the Badlands. You’ll finish the hike in awe, gazing over the afternoon shadows of Zabriskie Point.
You’ll return to the Ranch for some time to relax and enjoy the grounds. Later in the afternoon, we will gather at the stables to mount our horses for a sunset ride in the foothills of the funeral mountains. We will return for dinner and a grounding yin yoga practice to finish out the day.
Day 3: March 26th -Hike the Racetrack and Ubehebe Crater
You start your day with another amazing sunrise meditation and morning yoga practice. After breakfast, we will pack up our jeeps and head out for the Race Track. This mysterious area is deep in the back country and one of the most unique features in Death Valley. For thousands of years giant rocks have moved across the dry lake bed leaving trails behind them. We’ll enjoy lunch before heading back.
Our next stop is Ubehebe Crater where you will enjoy hiking around the volcanic craters in the light of the setting sun. You’ll return for a relaxing dinner and an evening on your own or enjoy a light yin practice to wind down for the night.
Day 4: March 27th -Hiking Marble Canyon
Your day starts with a sunrise meditation and yoga practice. After breakfast we will pack up the jeeps for another epic back country experience. Today you’ll hike Marble Canyon where you will experience beautiful slot canyons and ancient petroglyphs along the way. The drive in is more difficult than the hike which is relatively flat as it winds through the picturesque narrows. You’ll stop for lunch near the petroglyphs before turning back to the trailhead.
Returning to Stovepipe Wells you will hike out onto the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes to enjoy dinner and watch the sunset from this amazing place.
After the sun sets you will linger on the dunes to enjoy the night sky before you return to the Ranch to relax.
Day 5: March 28th -Badwater and the Devil’s Golf Course
You’ll rise early for sunrise meditation at Dantes View, one of the most picturesque overlooks in Death Vally high above Badwater Basin. Then return to the Ranch for breakfast, before we visit Badwater, the lowest point in the western hemisphere, and walk through the surreal Devil’s Golf Course. We’ll stop at a couple of other must-see spots before we head back to the Ranch to enjoy our last evening in Death Valley!
Day 6: March 29th Hiking Mosaic Canyon
You’ll rise early for sunrise meditation and a yoga practice on Mesquite Dunes. Then return to the hotel for breakfast and check out. Before returning to Las Vegas you have one more amazing hike into the beautiful Mosaic Canyon. This slot canyon is a fun hike featuring rock formations that have been polished over thousands of years by boulders being swept through the wash. What a perfect way to end your stay in this surreal desert paradise!
After the hike, you will return to the Ranch for lunch and then we will pack up and head back to Las Vegas. You will arrive at the Las Vegas International Airport around 4:30 for your flight home. One final goodbye before you head home relaxed and rejuvenated, filled up with memories and already missing new friends.
Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.
-John Muir
Show Me The Lodging!
The Ranch at Death Valley Oasis
You’ll be struck by the beauty of the Oasis at Furnace Creek. This historic area features two of Death Valley’s historic lodging properties. Opening in 1933 and recently renovated, the Ranch area includes includes the worlds lowest elevation golf course, an 87 degree spring fed swimming pool, horse stables and much more.
You will love the outdoor garden where you will be practicing yoga each day while gazing over the Oasis and Funeral Mountains. You will gladly make time to relax and soak in the sights and sounds of nature while filling your lungs with clean desert air! The restaurants, shops, and even the park office are all located in close proximity for you to enjoy as you stroll about the beautiful grounds filled with old, mature trees.
You will enjoy the beauty of the grounds right outside your window as you relax and unwind in your comfortable room. Each room features a private patio or balcony, two queen beds or one king bed, private bathroom, a mini refrigerator and other amenities. There are a limited number of king rooms at this property so if you are interested in a king room either for single or double occupancy please let us know at the time of booking and we will do our best to secure that configuration while supplies last.
If you are traveling solo and want to book the lower double occupancy rate, you may do so by checking the roommate request box on the booking form. We will do our best to match you with a same gender room mate who is also traveling solo. In the unlikely event we are unable to find a match you will not be charged a single occupancy surcharge.
Show Me The Meals!
Death Valley is located in the middle of nowhere and is one of the largest National Parks in the system, so the food options are limited to the restaurants in the Oasis. This adventure includes all of the meals listed in the ‘whats included’ section, but you are also free to grab food or snacks on your own at one of the other restaurants onsite.
We will have all of our breakfasts and two of our dinners at The Ranch 1849 restaurant. The 1849 features a high quality buffet with rotating entrees, and an extensive salad bar. Our opening night dinner will be at the Inn restaurant with an amazing selection of chef prepared entree’s and plenty of off-menu vegan options. The Last Kind Words Saloon will be providing one of our dinners and will be catering our dunes picnic.
Lunches will be prepared by catering and packed for you to bring on the trail. A menu selection including vegan lunch options will be available prior to the trip and during the trip to select your lunch for the next day.
If you are looking for an afternoon snack or an evening drink, the Ranch also features The Last Kind Words Saloon, the 19th Hole at Furnace Creek Golf Course, an Ice Cream Parlor, The Inn Pool Cafe and more.
We will make every effort to accommodate all dietary restrictions in advance. We have already ensured that Vegans and Vegetarians are accommodated. This is not easy in this remote location so please complete the dietary request form as far in advance as possible so we can work to met your needs.
Tell Me More!
What’s Included:
-Transportation to and from the Las Vegas International Airport and Death Valley.
-5 Nights hotel accommodations in The Ranch at Death Valley.
-15 delicious meals.
-all activities listed in the itinerary.
-Jeeps for back country travel.
-Horseback riding.
-Daily Yoga practice.
-Daily guided hikes 5-8 miles.
-NPS Permits.
-Stargazing.
-The most amazing sunsets on the planet!
-Peace and Tranquility.
Whats Not Included:
-Travel to and from Las Vegas from your home.
-Lunch on day 1 and Dinner on day 6.
-Spa services.
-Any items of a personal nature such as snacks, souvenirs, personal care items, etc.
-Tips
-Alcoholic Beverages
Who Are The Leaders?
Kevin Montgomery
When we retreat, we offer ourselves the opportunity to press the pause button on life for a time and give ourselves some much needed selfcare. It’s hard to think of anything more relaxing and grounding than spending a few days in nature, practicing yoga and meditation with a group of fun and interesting people.
This adventure combines all of that with some truly magical desert adventure experiences in one of my favorite National Park’s in the lower 48. Journeying into the back country will leave a positive, lasting impression on your life and I cant wait to share my favorite places in this incredible park.
I truly enjoy leading retreats, teaching yoga, and finding community with new people in new and always interesting places. I love to see the transformation that takes place between our opening dinners and our closing campfire, and the lasting memories that are created in between.
I am looking forward to sharing this adventure with you!
Catie Purcell
Catie’s passion for yoga began as a teenager leading her to study in both the US and India. She combines her passion for Music with yoga to create space that inspires a deep connection of mind, body, and spirit.
Catie holds a 500 hour yoga certification with continuing education in Ayurveda, Sound Healing, Yin and other healing modalities. On this retreat the musical offerings brought by Catie make the desert experience come to life with deep joy and inspiration.
The deeply immersive nature of a yoga adventure offers the perfect setting for Catie’s fun and joyful teaching style and will provide the perfect start and end to a day in Death Valley. Whether it’s a sunrise meditation overlooking the valley or practicing in the gardens of the Ranch, Catie looks forward do offering an experience that will have a lasting impact on everyone who journeys together.
Kyla Porcellini
Kyla came to her yoga practice while living in New Jersey as a tool for grounding during a tough time in her life. When she moved to LA she found her home in the Red Diamond Yoga community and decided to complete her 200HR teacher training in the Red Diamond Yoga School.
Kyla brings a lot of energy to her classes which feature a strong and creative flow. Kyla is also trained in Yin Yoga and loves to teach the cooler side of the practice as well. When she is not practicing or teaching yoga, Kyla can be found managing social media and hanging out with Sunflower…her cat!
We are excited to have Kyla on the team that is leading this retreat! Her kind nature and positive spirit are exactly what everyone needs to feel comfortable outside of their comfort zone. And she knows how to drive a jeep!
I love exploring the world, trying new foods, and spending time outside. Pair all of that with yoga and I can’t think of a better way to make the most out of being alive.
-Kyla
Details and Frequently Asked Questions
Is this adventure right for me?
This retreat to Death Valley is perfect for you if you are an active person ready to get out for an amazing yoga adventure with like-minded people. We will experience most places by hiking in a desert environment and you can expect daily yoga practices in the morning and evening.
We have planned the days to include plenty of downtime to relax enjoy the surroundings and hotel amenities. You don’t need any yoga, hiking or horseback riding experience, just an open mind, open heart, and a reasonably good fitness level.
This trip may not be right for you if you have conditions or injuries that limit your ability to participate in these kinds of activities as many locations do not have alternate points of access. Please consult with your physician to make sure these activities are safe for your body. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
Whats included in my registration?
What’s Included:
- Transportation to and from Las Vegas International Airport and Death Valley
- 5 nights hotel accommodation in the Ranch at Death Valley
- 15 meals
- All activities listed in the itinerary
- Jeeps for back country excursions
- Horseback riding
- Daily guided hikes 5-8 miles moderate level
- Star Gazing
- Daily Yoga/meditation practice
- NPS Permits
- The incomparable beauty of Death Valley in Bloom!
- The most amazing sunrises and sunsets on the planet
- Peace and tranquility
What’s Not Included
- Any items of a personal nature including souvenirs, personal care items, snacks etc.
- Lunch on Day 1 and Dinner on Day 6
- Spa Services
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Tips
- Travel to and from Las Vegas from your home city
Am I required to participate in all the activities?
Your trip, your time!
While we have planned this adventure to provide a good balance of activity and downtime, we understand that you may wish to ‘sit this one out’ occasionally. Maybe sleep-in instead of doing a sunrise meditation or spend time in the spa instead of on the trail. That’s fine by us as long as you let your trip leaders know your plan so we can work with you. Most of our retreats are lodging based so you can easily stay and relax instead of participating in an activity and we work to make sure we have alternatives for anything on a trip that might be more difficult than the rest of the itinerary. However, on trips where we have a moving base, transition day activities may be required to get from one point to another in the journey.
What is your cancellation policy?
A 10% deposit is required at the time of registration. Deposit is refundable up to 120 days from the start of the retreat. Cancellations between 90 and 119 days of the retreat will result in a 25% loss of the full trip price. Cancellations made between 60 and 89 days of the start date of the retreat will result in a 50% loss of the total trip price.
Any cancellation made between 59 days and the date of departure will result in the total loss of funds. Reservations made within any time window above will immediately subject to the cancellation policy for that time period. We reserve the right to cancel the trip at any time and for any reason including force majeure and in such an event we will refund the full price of the retreat.
We always recommend that you purchase trip insurance whenever making travel plans and strongly suggest you consider trip insurance that includes covid coverage. You can use our suggested insurance provider and choose a policy option that is best for you.
Payment Due Dates:
10% Deposit upon reservation prior to December 18th, 2023.
January 1st 2023: 100% of the balance due
I need a roommate-How do I arrange that?
If you are traveling solo and would like to book the lower double occupancy rate simply check the roommate request form. We will make every effort to match you with a same gender roommate, if we are unable to find a match, you will not be charged for the single occupancy surcharge.
Can I bring my partner and kids?
This trip is for adults only due to the nature of the activities involved. Your partner and adult children 18 years or older are welcome to participate.
Where do I fly in to?
We will meet at the Las Vegas International Airport. For those not flying in from Los Angeles we will work to coordinate flight times and transportation, however we are not responsible for any cost associated with early or late arrival should we not be able to accommodate. For example if you are flying in the night before and spending the night in Las Vegas you will need to coordinate to be at the meet up location at the designated time
Will I have transportation from the airport to Death Valley?
Yes we will provide transportation from the Las Vegas airport to Death Valley. We plan to leave by around noon. If you are staying in Las Vegas prior to the departure date for Death Valley please plan to make arrangements to meet at the designated location on Day 1.
Can you accommodate my dietary restrictions?
We make sure that every meal on every adventure is healthy and vegan friendly in keeping with our wellness adventure theme. This ensures that vegetarians can be accommodated and of course those who eat meat will find options during most meals on our journeys unless specified in the itinerary as “vegan”. Other dietary restrictions can usually be accommodated but we need to know these well in advance so that we can work with restaurants, chefs and other providers to ensure we have can take care of your needs. Please fill out the dietary restrictions section of the booking form at the time of booking and we will go to work to meet your requests.
What is the weather like?
March brings the spring bloom and near perfect weather in Death Valley. Expect high temperatures in the upper 70’s to low 80’s and low temperatures in the mid to upper 50’s at night. It will be much cooler in the higher elevations.
What should I pack?
Packing List:
Clothing: Pack layers for the desert.
- Comfortable clothes for travel days
- Base layer (“Cold” means different things to different people and we will be out in the cooler night temperatures so pack what makes you personally most comfortable)
- Jacket or fleece
- Pants and Shorts
- Hiking socks
- T-shirts
- Yoga Clothes
- Comfortable shoes/flip flops for hotel and pool
- Sturdy shoes for hiking (hiking boots are strongly recommended)
- Swimsuit
- Underwear and Socks
Note that this is a laid-back desert national park, you will not need to dress up. Even if you choose to eat at the most expensive restaurant in the area jeans and a shirt will be fine.
Gear:
- Day pack. A 20-30 liter day pack including water capacity should be sufficient, (Hydration pack is strongly recommended with a 3 liter reservoir)
- Containers for 3 liters of water (if you do not have a hydration pack)
- Hiking Poles (strongly recommended but not required; we have a limited number of loaners as well upon request)
- Yoga Mat (foldable travel mat recommended)
- Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, protective clothing.
- Headlamp. (Recommend one with red light option to protect your night vision)
- Camp/lawn chair for sitting in the desert (optional, foldable yoga mat works well)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Camera
Toiletries:
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Shampoo, conditioner, and soap
- Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes for backpack
- Medicines
- Deodorant
- Brush
- Travel first aid kit
Food:
- Snacks for hikes and road trips: Nuts, dried fruit, energy bars, trail mix, etc
- Electrolytes
- Food and snacks are available in the store and around the grounds at snack shops and restaurants but will probably be more expensive than what you bring from home.
Other:
- We will carry navigational and emergency equipment, communication devices, and a group first aid kit for the back country adventures.
- Your guides will pack the essentials and safety equipment for the group. If you are interested in building your own essential gear bag, check out our handy lists for recommended hiking, backpacking and travel gear.
What is the itinerary?
Day 1: March 24th Arrive at Death Valley
Arrive at the Las Vega Airport by noon for a 1pm transport to Death Valley
- Transport to the Ranch at Death Valley for check in
- Free time to get settled and explore the grounds
- Light yoga practice to stretch out from the trip
- Dinner/orientation for the week
- Star Gazing
Day 2: March 25th-Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop
- Morning yoga practice
- Breakfast
- Hiking Golden Canyon from Zabriskie Point
- Sunset horseback ride in the Funeral Mountain foothills
- Dinner
- Evening yin practice
Day 3: March 26th The Racetrack
- Sunrise meditation/yoga practice
- Breakfast
- Jeeps to the Racetrack passing Teakettle Junction
- Boxed lunch at Racetrack
- Visit Ubehebe and little Ubehebe volcano crater sunset
- Dinner
- Evening Yin
Day 4: March 27st Hiking marble Canyon
- Sunrise meditation/yoga practice
- Breakfast
- Hiking marble canyon/lunch (If Marble Canyon is closed, we will hike Mosaic Canyon instead)
- Dinner on the Dunes/Star Gazing
- Evening Yoga Practice
Day 5: March 28th- Badwater Basin
- Sunrise meditation/yoga practice
- Breakfast
- Visit Badwater basin, and Devils Golf Course and Dantes View
- .Dinner
- Evening Yoga practice and closing circle
Day 6: March 29th-Mosaic Canyon and Check Out
- Sunrise meditation/yoga practice
- Breakfast
- Check Out
- Hike Mosaic Canyon
- Lunch
- Return to Las Vegas
How many people are going?
10-12
What if I am not a yogi or hiker?
All of our adventures are accessible to people with different skill levels. You don’t need any yoga experience or hiking experience for this trip. However, like any other travel adventure, you will get more enjoyment out of the trip if you prepare. We recommend that you increase your level of activity prior to the trip to improve your stamina and cardiovascular strength. A weekly half day hike in nature, daily walks, and a yoga practice a few times per week will definitely pay off on the trail.
Trip at a glance.
Where:
Death Valley National Park located in California at the Nevada border approximately 2 hours north of Las Vegas and approximately 5 hours from West LA.
When:
March 24th-29th 2024
Arrival:
Transport from the airport will leave at 1pm on March 24th so plan your flights accordingly. We will coordinate individual specifics once you have booked your travel.
Departure:
We will return to the airport in Las Vegas around 4:30pm so plan to book your flights no earlier than 6pm. We will coordinate individual specifics once you have booked.
Activity Level: Moderate
Daily yoga will be adjusted to meet the needs of the group depending on the other activities for the day. Daily hikes will range from 5-8 miles in total. These hikes are ok for those new to hiking as there are no technical requirements on the planned routes. We recommend that you spend some time hiking prior to the trip and maintain a regular yoga practice so that you will be fit to maximize your enjoyment of this magical place.
Difficulty Level:
Moderate (this is an active trip with a daily yoga practice and 5-8 miles of hiking/walking per day)
Places Visited:
While the itinerary may change a bit depending on the weather, trail conditions and other factors when we arrive, we plan to visit the following sites in Death Valley National Park.
Furnace Creek
Funeral Mountains
The Racetrack
Ubehebe Crater
Marble Canyon
Badwater Basin
Devils Golf Course
29 Mule Team Canyon
Mesquite Dunes
Stovepipe Wells
Artists Drive
Mosaic Canyon
Meals Included:
Dinner on day’s 1-5
Breakfast on days 2-6
Lunch on days 2-6
Included activities:
Back Country Jeep excursion
Horseback Riding
Hiking
Stargazing
Sunset picnic
Sunrise meditation
Time to relax by the pool and enjoy the amenities at the Ranch
Daily yoga
Optional activities (not included in the price):
Spa Services
Golf and Tennis
There are some places so beautiful they can make a grown man break down and weep.
-Edward Abbey