On the Road: Saguaro, Joshua Tree & Death Valley National Parks

10 days
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4.3/5 Great
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
Explore the warmth of these great American deserts — the Sonoran and Mojave — and the National Parks of Saguaro, Joshua Tree and Death Valley on the journey of a lifetime.
From$2,299
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • I like to spend much of the day exploring
    • Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
    • Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group

What's this trip about?

    Explore the warmth of these great American deserts — the Sonoran and Mojave — and the National Parks of Saguaro, Joshua Tree and Death Valley on the journey of a lifetime.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 24 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityTucson, AZ
End CityLas Vegas, NV

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Culinary & Wine
  • Photography
  • National Parks
  • Yoga, Meditation & Wellness
  • Relaxing Retreats
  • Holy Land

Destinations

Activities

  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Yoga & Meditation

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 10

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 24

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Day 1 Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Tucson, AZ

Hotel check-in available after 3:00 p.m.

Program Registration: 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the hotel meeting room to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date...

Day 2 Saguaro National Park West, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Tucson, AZ

Driving approx. 20 miles each way; about 1.5 hours roundtrip. Walking approx. 1/2 mile total during group activities; periods of standing; level gravel stream bed, some rolling hills; opportunities for more walking dependent on personal interest.

Setting out fro...

Day 3 Yuma Territorial Prison Park, Colorado River Views Yuma, AZ

Driving approx. 245 miles from Tucson to Yuma; about 3.5 hours. Walking approximately 1 mile; about 1 hour; paved park trails.

Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll begin our transfer to Yuma, Arizona. Along the way, we’ll travel through the Sonoran Desert Nation...

Day 4 Algodones Dunes, Salton Sea, Arrive Palm Springs Palm Springs, CA

Driving approx. 175 miles from Yuma to Palm Springs; about 3 hours. Walking approximately 1 mile during group activities; about 1 hour; opportunities for independent walking dependent on personal interest on a sand dune at the Algodones Dunes and along the shore of th...

Day 5 Joshua Tree National Park Viewpoints, Hidden Valley Palm Springs, CA

Driving approx. 50 miles one way to Joshua Tree; about 2 hours roundtrip. Walking approx. 1 mile roundtrip in Hidden Valley; about 1 hour; gravel and exposed rock surfaces, gently rolling terrain, some stone steps, elevation gain/loss of approx. 20 – 30 feet at each l...

Day 6 Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Downtown Palm Springs Palm Springs, CA

Driving approximately 15 miles total throughout the day; about 1 hour drive time. Getting on/off tram. Walking approximately 1 miles total throughout the day during group activities; Long Valley Nature Trail is mostly level, part paved, part rolling dirt trail, some u...

Day 7 Death Valley National Park Through the Mojave Desert Death Valley, CA

Driving approx. 290 miles from Palm Springs to Death Valley National Park; about 5 hours, with stops.

This will be our longest travel day but we will break up the miles by taking the scenic back roads through the Mojave Desert en route to Death Valley National P...

Day 8 Explore Death Valley's Badwater, Zabriskie Point Death Valley, CA

Driving approximately 40 miles roundtrip; about 3 hours, with stops for field trips. Walking approx. 2 miles roundtrip along Golden Canyon Trail; about 2 hours; natural gravel trail, mostly level dry canyon floor.

Setting out aboard the motorcoach, we’ll explore...

Day 9 Explorations in Death Valley National Park Death Valley, CA

Driving approximately 80 miles total; about 2 hours, with stops. Walking less than 1 mile throughout the day; less than 1 hour; in sand at the Mesquite Sand Dunes.

Our first stop of the day will take us to the majestic Mesquite Sand Dunes where we’ll go on a sho...

Day 10 To Las Vegas, Program Concludes, Independent Departures Las Vegas, NV

Hotel check out by 7:45 a.m. Driving approx. 120 miles to Las Vegas; about 2.5 hours. Expected arrival time at the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport by approximately 11:15 a.m.

After checking out of the hotel and transferring to Las Vegas, we’ll arrive at...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,299
Price per day$230
Last Updated: 2/25/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Road Scholar Reviews & Ratings

4.3/5  Great
Excellent
236
Great
9
Average
2
Disappointing
9
Terrible
46
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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
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Meals Included
  • Number of Breakfast: 9
  • Number of Lunch: 8
  • Number of Dinner: 8
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
roadscholar-19054

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