THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover the raw beauty of the Southwest on a six-day adventure through Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks. From iconic twisted trees to sprawling salt flats, this trip offers a diverse desert experience unlike any other.
Discover the raw beauty of the Southwest on a six-day adventure through Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks. From iconic twisted trees to sprawling salt flats, this trip offers a diverse desert experience unlike any other.
Book with Discovery Treks
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Discovery Treks · Scottsdale, Arizona
Embark on a six-day journey through two of the American Southwest’s most striking landscapes: Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park. This combined adventure offers travelers an unforgettable exploration of rugged desert scenery, diverse ecosystems, and iconic geological features that define this region of the Southwest. Starting near Scottsdale, Arizona, this trip plunges into the heart of two wildly different but equally captivating environments—one famous for its twisted Joshua trees and granite monoliths; the other, for its scorching heat and vast salt flats.
Joshua Tree National Park is where the Mojave and Colorado deserts collide, creating a unique botanical mix and extraordinary rock formations that attract climbers and nature lovers alike. Hikers will encounter the park’s signature Joshua trees, named after the biblical figure, which stand sentinel across the plains. Granite boulders like those at Jumbo Rocks provide excellent scrambling options, and quieter spots like Hidden Valley offer peaceful immersion into nature. This park, established in 1936, offers visitors a window into the Mojave Desert’s distinctive flora and fauna, including bighorn sheep and colorful phainopepla birds.
Transitioning to Death Valley National Park brings a change in scale and atmosphere. Renowned as the hottest place on Earth and one of the lowest elevations in North America, Death Valley offers astonishing contrasts—endless sand dunes, vast dry lake beds, and towering peaks like Telescope Peak. Highlights include Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Death Valley brings a stark beauty and a sense of solitude hard to find elsewhere. Visitors can also learn about the rich Native American history and early mining settlements scattered throughout the park.
This adventure is uniquely crafted to showcase two iconic national parks that together represent the immense diversity of the desert Southwest. From granite outcrops and Joshua trees to salt flats and sand dunes, you’ll experience expansive vistas and intimate desert moments in one cohesive journey. Having a base near Scottsdale means easy access to quality accommodation and dining before and after your desert immersion.
Whether you’re a seasoned desert traveler or a curious newcomer, this 6-day trek balances moderate hiking, scenic drives, and opportunities for photography, wildlife viewing, and cultural exploration. The guides bring expert knowledge of local ecology and history, ensuring you leave with a deep appreciation for these extraordinary protected landscapes. Prepare for sun-soaked days, cool desert nights, and terrain that invites both adventure and reflection.
moderate.
6 days.
Good cardiovascular fitness is recommended, as you’ll hike various terrain including rocky paths and dunes.
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures, avoiding extreme summer heat and winter chills.
No permits are needed for general entry, but some activities like backcountry camping require permits.
Yes, moderate fitness and basic hiking experience are sufficient, with guided support throughout.
You might see desert tortoises, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and various bird species native to these parks.
Restrooms are available at visitor centers and popular trailheads but limited in backcountry areas.
Cell service is sporadic; prepare accordingly and inform someone of your itinerary before heading out.
Joshua Tree was designated a national monument in 1936, reflecting its unique desert ecology, while Death Valley’s mining history dates back to the late 19th century with ghost towns scattered throughout the park.
Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile desert habitats and preserve clean water sources in both parks.
Discovery Treks specializes in guided hiking and backpacking trips across iconic U.S. national parks and coastal routes. The company coordinates experiences that range from day hikes to multi-day backpacking tours, including focused itineraries for the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Olympic Coast, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Grand Teton. Discovery Treks offers specific pre-permit lottery reservation services for Grand Canyon backpacking and Rim to Rim departures, allowing hikers to apply through the permit lottery process and adjust group details before application deadlines. Several listed departures include explicit pre-permit reservation language, and some trips note flexible booking without an upfront deposit during the pre-permit phase. Signature itineraries include Classic Hike to the River, a 3- or 4-day Grand Canyon hike with camping at Phantom Ranch, Rim to Rim options in both camping and priority/tour formats, Half Dome hikes and express options, and multi-park inn-based tours such as Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. Day hikes, overnight treks, and extended tours are represented across the calendar. All trip descriptions and reservations appear under the Discovery Treks listing on The Adventure Collective. Booking details, permit application options, trip duration, and specific route information are provided per individual trip listing. Prospective hikers should review each itinerary description for exact logistics, permits, and current availability. Safety information, packing lists, fitness requirements, and seasonal guidance are included with each trip listing so participants can prepare appropriately and confirm specifics such as meeting locations, gear recommendations, and required permits before booking.
Book with Discovery Treks