Capture the Magic of Death Valley: Spring and Night Photography Workshop
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition to hike moderate desert terrain and handle carrying camera gear.
Overview
Join a six-day Death Valley photography workshop timed for spring blooms and new moon skies, capturing sweeping desert landscapes and the Milky Way in one of America’s darkest parks.
Death Valley Spring and Night Photography March 1-5, 2026
Six Days / Five Nights • March 1-5, 2026 • Ages 18+ unless accompanied by adult
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Embark on a six-day adventure through Death Valley, capturing breathtaking landscapes of sand dunes, salt flats, and badlands. Experience the magic of pre-dawn Milky Way photography during the new moon, and discover rare wildflower patches during peak bloom. Led by expert guides, this trip promises unforgettable photographic opportunities.
Come away with unique and stunning images!
Duration
- Six Days / Five Nights
About
- We’ll explore Death Valley’s sand dunes, salt flats, eroded badlands, and spectacular vistas. It also has sites with a rich history of gold, talc and borax mining. We like this timing to shoot the Park, before the worst of the oncoming heat. We also timed this to be close to the new moon date, so we will be able to shoot pre-dawn Milky Way in this “International Dark Sky Park” as well. While a “super bloom” is rare, we usually find a few decent patches of wildflowers. The timing peaked in late February into early March in 2016, so we’ll have good timing if there is another super bloom year. We watch where plants are growing in December and January, so we have a head start on where to look when we return in March.
Adventure Tips
Prepare for Cold Desert Nights
Temperatures can drop significantly at night even in early March; bring warm layers for comfortable night shooting.
Stay Hydrated in Dry Air
Death Valley is extremely arid—carry plenty of water throughout your explorations to stay hydrated under the desert sun.
Scout Locations Before Sunset
Arrive early at shooting sites to set up and find the best angles during golden hour lighting.
Respect Fragile Flora
Avoid stepping on rare wildflower patches and stay on marked paths to protect the delicate desert ecosystem.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Sidewinder rattlesnake
History
Death Valley holds a rich mining history, with significant gold and borax mining operations dating back to the late 19th century.
Conservation
As an International Dark Sky Park, Death Valley emphasizes preserving night sky quality through responsible lighting and visitor education.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Gardnerville
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
High-quality camera essential for capturing detailed landscapes and night sky shots.
Tripod
Necessary for stable long exposures during low-light and Milky Way photography.
Warm Clothing Layers
Keeps you comfortable during chilly desert nights and variable daily temperatures.
spring specific
Wide-Angle Lens
Ideal for capturing expansive desert panoramas and night sky vistas.