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Are departures guaranteed?
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There is a minimum of two participants required for each departure to run. Wildland Trekking also operates with permissions from National Park Service, BLM, and other land agencies that govern the Commercial Use Authorizations, and those management agencies can deny access based on various factors in which your guides will have to oblige.
Additionally, all trip departure dates are pending permit availability. Departures are not guaranteed until permits are secured. Please wait until you receive confirmation from Wildland Trekking before making travel arrangements.
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Are private departures available?
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Yes, private departures are available. Additional costs may apply for private departures. Please contact our Adventures Team to explore pricing and check on availability.
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Are there any other conditions that may prevent this trip from running?
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All Wildland Trekking trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances beyond their control, including, but not limited to, permit or campsite availability, snowpack, river crossings, wildlife, park or land closures, and forest fires. Wildland Trekking reserves the right to cancel any trip because of internal reasons including but not limited to inadequate signups, loss of staff due to injury or illness, and significant damage/loss of inventory.
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What is the best way to get to the trip start location?
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It's best to fly into Las Vegas' McCarran Airport. Many major cities in the United States and internationally offer direct flights into Las Vegas. Airline Shuttle (1-888-554-1156) can help with economic transport to most hotels. Taxi cabs run about $40 to downtown and the city is also Uber- and Lyft-friendly. You'll be responsible for booking your own flights and transportation to the trip start location the day before the trip is set to begin on Day 1.
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What are the accommodations like?
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This is a camping trip and you'll be sleeping in tents. Single, double, as well as three or four person tents will be available to use. You'll also be provided with daily shower and pool passes for Furnace Creek Ranch which is walking distance from your camp. Here you can enjoy the wonderful hot spring-fed pool.
The following will give you an idea of the camping equipment used:
Sierra Designs, Kelty or Big Agnes tents: 1 person, 2 person, 3 person or 4 person
Sierra Designs, Kelty, Big Agnes and Mountain Hardware sleeping bags
Thermarest or Big Agnes sleeping pads
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Do you have recommendations on where to stay the day before the trip begins?
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Lodging options in Las Vegas are numerous and often fill up fast. The orientation the day before Day 1 will be held at the Tuscany Inn and Suites Casino. It’s off the strip and reasonably priced. If you choose to stay somewhere else, you'll be responsible for transporting yourself to the orientation hotel by 5:00 pm the day before the trip begins.
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Can solo travelers get their own room? Is there a single supplement fee?
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Solo travelers can have their own tent for no additional fee.
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What meals are included? What is the food like?
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All meals are included from breakfast on Day 1 to lunch on the final day. Guides are extensively trained on backcountry food handling and meal planning and each guide tailors the menu for the specific trip and group. All hiking and backpacking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Your guides carry foods that travel well in the backcountry – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola, and more.
For optimal taste and energy, all meals are supplemented with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables (fresh and dried). In addition, guests will be provided with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion during the hikes.
Vegan, vegetarian, kosher, and non-gluten diets can be accommodated and your guides will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
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What kind of transportation is provided between trailheads?
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Guests will be transported in a private 15 passenger van owned and operated by the tour operator.
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How large is each travel group?
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This trip has a maximum capacity of 10 guests and 2 Wildland Trekking guides.
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What is the minimum age required for this trip?
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Age restrictions are as follows:
For scheduled tours, the minimum age is 12 years old. However, for private tours the minimum age is 5 years old, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis.
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How much extra money should people budget?
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It's recommended that you bring an allotment of cash for anything additional you would like to buy during the trip (souvenirs). You should also budget for the industry recommended guide gratuity of 10-20% of the trip cost.
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What should people bring? Do you have a packing list?
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Year-round clothing:
•Sturdy hiking boots - mid-weight, lug-soled, above the ankle (for backpacking trips), and ideally well broken in (important note: buy your boots ½ to one-size larger than your street shoes to allow for feet swelling and thicker socks)
•Brimmed sunhat and bandana
•Rain shell or waterproof/breathable jacket
•Warm top, such as a long-sleeved sweater or fleece jacket
•One or two cotton shirts (may be long-sleeved) for protection from the sun (light colors are nice because they’re cooler than dark colors)
•One pair of leggings or lightweight trousers to block sun and give warmth at night
•One pair of shorts, nylon is nice for light weight and to substitute as a bathing suit
•Underwear
•Sport sandals like Tevas®, lightweight flip-flops, or tennis shoes for camp comfort
•Hiking socks, one pair for every two days of your trip (recommended brands include Bridgedale®, Smartwool®, or similar padded socks). Wearing a thin liner sock under your hiking socks is highly recommended). No cotton socks!
•A small duffel bag or backpack with extra hiking clothes and casual clothes
•Towel and wash cloth
Additional clothing (for October - April departures):
•Warm hat and gloves
•One pair of long underwear wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight (example wicking materials include capilene, polypropylene, etc.)
•Additional fleece jacket or insulated coat (warm, lightweight and packable fleece jacket or coat insulated with synthetic material)
•Rain pants (waterproof/breathable)
Gear:
•Water bottles or bladder (3 liters total capacity)
•Contact lenses and glasses (if you wear contact lenses, please also bring a pair of glasses - your contacts are likely to become dirty and may be difficult to clean)
•Sunglasses, sunscreen (30+ SPF), lip balm
•Headlamp and spare batteries (preferably an L.E.D. type that works with AA or AAA batteries)
•Toiletries and a small washcloth in stuff sack (bandana can serve as a washcloth)
•Vitamins (optional)
•Notebook, drawing supplies, or paperback book (optional)
•Camera and spare batteries (optional)
•Prescription medicine (please inform trip leader of any medications you are taking)
•Knee braces, if needed
•Money, for tipping your guide (generally 10-20% of trip cost based on your experience)
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What kind of physical shape is needed in order to successfully participate in activities? Is there any special preparation/training required for this trip?
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Once you have booked your trip with Wildland Trekking, they will send a trip packet with very detailed training instructions specific to your tour.
Death Valley is the largest national park in the United States and some of the trails are unmarked or not well maintained and require hiking over varying terrain in uncertain weather with the load of a pack. It cannot be stressed enough that the fitter you are the more fun you’ll have. A combination of cardiovascular fitness, strength in all muscle groups, and flexibility will help ensure an enjoyable experience. As such, it's recommended that you prepare for your trip with a moderate training program focused on walking and hiking, ideally in hilly terrain.
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Do you require or recommend travel insurance?
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We highly recommend you purchase trip insurance. It allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling. For travel insurance, we recommend VisitorsCoverage.
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Are there special requirements for entry into the destination I am visiting?
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We recommend you visit the local government websites where you plan to travel and review the required documentation for entry, current restrictions, and general recommendations for travel within the area. We encourage you to also visit your home country's embassy website if you are traveling to a foreign country. Requirements can change rapidly. Please be sure you stay abreast of the requirements and restrictions for anywhere you plan to visit. You can also enroll in the U.S. government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and you will be sent updates if the situation in your destination changes. You can find the program link at https://step.state.gov/.
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Can I cancel or modify the trip?
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Yes! Book confidently with Free Cancellations within 72 hours of booking. After 72 hours, cancellation fees will apply.
New For 2022 Departures: We’re providing more flexible booking options on this trip.
Up to 60 days prior to departure*
You may postpone your trip up to 60 days prior to departure with no fees or penalties.
You will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date and travel when you're ready, or
2) Receive a lifetime store credit toward a future trip. Standard cancellation fees will apply.
*Please note, you must choose a new date at the time of postponement to avoid any additional trip costs.
Between 59 and 30 days prior to departure
You may postpone your trip up to 30 days prior to departure, but fees will apply.
You will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date and travel when you're ready. Additional trip costs may apply and new dates are subject to availability, or
2) Receive a lifetime store credit toward a future trip. Standard cancellation fees will apply.
For more information on our Travel Cancellation Policy please Click Here.