Death Valley Biking
- Revel in the peacefulness of the desert
- Dramatic Dante's View, offering a red-tailed hawk's perspective on Death Valley
- Bike across salt flats to the lowest point in the U.S.
- Zabriskie Point, with an extraordinary panoramic view of the Panamint Range
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California's Mojave Desert
The names are ominous. Death Valley. Dante's View. Badwater. Yet there's striking beauty. And opportunity for great pleasure. It's almost as if someone wanted to keep it to themselves. Make you believe it's just a mirage. But you know better. So you soak it in. The rippling sand dunes. Brilliantly colored mountains. Isolated valleys. Plants and animals thriving amid the topographic extremes and ever-changing weather. Now you're one of them. Savoring unforgettable views. Tackling steep bike rides. And basking in the warm rays of the sun. With nothing but good omens in sight.
Day 1 Revel in the peacefulness of the desert 
In Death Valley National Park, explore Scotty's Castle, a flamboyant Moorish-style hacienda with an indoor waterfall, 18 fireplaces and a pipe organ What's that shimmering in the distance? The Great Salt Flats play tricks on your eyes as you ride to Mud Canyon on mostly level terrain.
Day 2 Dramatic Dante's View, offering a red-tailed hawk's perspective on Death Valley It's a challenging climb to get there - more than 5,000 feet in less than 30 miles (you can always get a lift in the van) Relish the breathtaking 360-degree panorama, featuring snow-kissed Telescope Peak framed by Devil's Golf Course and the spectacular Panamint Mountains In the mood for a fast technical descent? Then brave the downhill to the desert floor.
Day 3 Bike through badlands, conquering iconic Hell's Gate 
Marvel at sand dunes surrounded by the Panamint Range An optional hike leads through otherworldly rock formations that resemble Neapolitan ice cream.
Day 4 Bike across the giant Salt Playa to the lowest point in the U.S. and see if you feel any different at 282 feet below sea level Desert illusions of water might just mesmerize you.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
Every facet of the trip was first class! I arrived home with that feeling of satisfaction and rejuvenation that only the best vacation experiences can yield. Thank you, Backroads! My husband, Pat, and I enjoyed every single nano-second -- truly, we did!- Laguna Niguel, CA
One of the best trips I've ever been on. I'll never forget the amazing scenery and beautiful sunsets.- London, United Kingdom
This was a well planned and well executed trip. We chose it on a whim (it was the only trip that fit into spring break). It was our first time in Death Valley. We just loved it. Furnace Creek Inn was such a nice comfortable place. The food was great too.- Clayton, MO
Premiere Inns
Furnace Creek Inn
Furnace Creek (3 nights) Nestled at the foot of the Funeral Mountains, this Mission-style hotel sits almost 200 feet below sea level. (pool, tennis, golf)
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This Trip Is Rated Level 2-4
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 24, 36, 54 miles
- 300 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 21, 36, 48 miles
- 3000 - 5700 elevation gain; 2000 - 5700 elevation loss)
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 5 5 Route Options Available
- 25, 36, 47, 57 miles
- 300 - 3000 feet elevation gain
- Optional Hiking 2.8 miles
- 950 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 17, 29, 33 miles
- 300 -1800 feet elevation gain
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the California tour experts. See our award-winning USA biking tours, USA walking and hiking tours and USA multisport tours.
