Desert Oases: Death Valley, Joshua Tree & Palm Springs
February 4, 2027 thru February 9, 2027
Surprising sights await on this tour of our beautiful Southwest deserts. We begin our journey in the Las Vegas and continue to Death Valley. We explore a wealth of geological wonders, awesome canyons, and mighty mountains in Death Valley National Park, which straddles eastern California and Nevada. Tour Joshua Tree National Park and enjoy highlights of Palm Springs during this scenic and serene desert experience.
Transportation
Roundtrip air transportation from ABQ
Depart to Las Vegas, Return via Palm Springs
Transportation
Motorcoach
Duration
6 days, 5 nights
Activity Level
Level 3: Moderate
Meals
10 meals
Availability
Available
Gratuities
All gratuities and taxes for included items
Tour Highlights
- Scenic drive through the spectacular red sandstone landscapes of Red Rock Canyon
- Three-night stay at The Ranch at Death Valley, a historic oasis in the heart of the national park
- Two full days exploring the dramatic beauty and iconic sights of Death Valley National Park
- Experience colorful canyons, salt flats, sand dunes, and breathtaking desert vistas
- Visit Joshua Tree National Park, famous for its unique desert scenery and striking rock formations
- Guided city tour of glamorous Palm Springs featuring celebrity history and mid-century architecture
- Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for unforgettable panoramic views from desert floor to mountain wilderness
- Relaxing stays and free time to enjoy the charm, scenery, and culture of Palm Springs
Inclusions
- Roundtrip economy air transportation
- Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
- 5 nights lodging
- 10 meals (5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners)
- Admissions as described
- Baggage handling
- Bus refreshments
- Services of a SUN TOURS Tour Director
- All gratuities and taxes for included items
Day 1 - Albuquerque to Death Valley
Your desert adventure begins as you depart Albuquerque. Upon arrival into Las Vegas, enjoy an independent lunch on the outskirts of the city before leaving the bright lights behind for the dramatic beauty of the Mojave Desert. Travel through the stunning landscapes of Red Rock Canyon, where towering red sandstone formations create a spectacular introduction to the Southwest.
By late afternoon, arrive at The Ranch at Death Valley, your home for the next three nights. Surrounded by rugged desert scenery and historic charm, this oasis in the heart of Death Valley National Park offers the perfect place to relax and unwind. Gather this evening for an included dinner buffet and a warm welcome to one of America’s most extraordinary national parks.
Meals included: (D)
Day 2 - Death Valley National Park
After breakfast, set out for a full day exploring the incredible landscapes of Death Valley National Park. Known for its dramatic contrasts and record-breaking extremes, Death Valley is filled with colorful canyons, vast salt flats, towering sand dunes, and breathtaking desert vistas. Along the way, enjoy a scenic box lunch as you discover the fascinating geology and history of this unique region.
Throughout the day, your guide will introduce you to the park’s most iconic sights while sharing stories of the pioneers, prospectors, and Native peoples who once called this harsh environment home. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure with an independent dinner and time to relax beneath the desert stars.
Meals included: (B, L)
Day 3 - Death Valley National Park
Another exciting day of touring awaits as you continue exploring the wonders of Death Valley. Visit additional scenic viewpoints and hidden gems within the park, each offering unforgettable views of this rugged desert landscape. From sweeping valleys below sea level to colorful mountain ranges, every turn reveals a new and surprising perspective.
Midday, enjoy lunch at the historic Inn at Death Valley’s Oasis before returning to the resort for a relaxing afternoon on your own. Take advantage of the resort amenities, stroll the grounds, or simply soak in the peaceful desert surroundings. This evening, gather once again for an included dinner with your fellow travelers.
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Day 4 - Joshua Tree & Palm Springs
Following breakfast, depart Death Valley and journey south through the California desert. After a rest stop in Baker, continue to the eclectic town of Twentynine Palms for independent lunch before arriving at Joshua Tree National Park. Here, discover the park’s famous twisted Joshua trees, striking rock formations, and expansive desert scenery that blend the Mojave and Colorado deserts into one unforgettable landscape.
Later this afternoon, arrive in sunny Palm Springs and check in to the Palm Mountain Resort for a two-night stay. Nestled in the heart of downtown, your resort provides easy access to shops, galleries, and restaurants. The evening is free to enjoy Palm Springs at your own pace.
Meals included: (B)
Day 5 - Palm Springs
This morning, enjoy breakfast before embarking on a guided city tour of Palm Springs with local expert Ed Hartman. Discover the glamour, history, and mid-century architecture that made Palm Springs a favorite retreat for Hollywood stars and celebrities. Learn about the area’s unique culture, famous residents, and stunning desert setting as you tour this iconic resort city.
Following the tour, experience one of Southern California’s most spectacular attractions — the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Ascend dramatically from the desert floor into the cool mountain wilderness aboard the rotating tramcar while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views. At the top, savor lunch at Peaks Restaurant before returning to Palm Springs for an afternoon and evening at leisure.
Meals included: (B, L)
Day 6 - Return Home
After breakfast, bid farewell to the California desert as you check out of the hotel and transfer to Palm Springs Airport for your flight home. Filled with unforgettable scenery, fascinating history, and memorable experiences, your Southwest desert adventure comes to an end with wonderful memories of Death Valley, Joshua Tree, and Palm Springs.
Meals included: (B)
Itinerary subject to change.
Fun Facts
282 Feet Below Sea Level
Badwater Basin is the point of the lowest elevation in North America
Hotel Information
The Ranch at Death Valley
Death Valley, CA
Palm Mountain Resort
Palm Springs, CA
Package Pricing
$2,995 per person
Double occupancy
Deposit: $200
$3,595 per person
Single occupancy
Deposit: $200
Final Payment Due:
October 29, 2026
Deposit: n/a
Price Includes
Roundtrip economy air transportation ABQ / LAS
Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
5 nights lodging
10 meals (5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners)
Admissions as described
Baggage handling
Bus refreshments
Services of a SUN TOURS Tour Director
All gratuities and taxes for included items
Booking Policy
CANCELLATION FEES
- None – October 29, 2026
- $200 – October 30 – November 25, 2026
- 60% – November 26 – January 3, 2027
- 100% – after January 3, 2027
*Fee as percentage of total package price.
We pride ourselves on great service and an enjoyable experience for all and will go over our booking policies after you make your request for booking. If you’d like to learn more about our booking policies before your trip, give us a call at (505) 889-8888.
Travel Insurance
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to help protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. TRAVEL PROTECTION IS ENCOURAGED. Travel protection starts at $277. Please click here for more information.
ACTIVITY LEVEL RATING
Level 3: Moderate
Expectations: Expect a moderate amount of walking. There will be time to rest on the coach and between attractions. To enjoy this tour, you should be prepared to walk slightly longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or ship excursions. The daily pace and timing can fluctuate significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. There may be some changes in altitude or temperatures.
Appropriate for: Most travelers beginning with those who are moderately fit, lead semi-active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities and expect some physical exertion.
Visit our Activity Level Ratings page under Plan Your Tour for full information on the ratings system.
ITINERARY
For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day times and events and hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency.
The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.
GRATUITIES/ITEMS INCLUDED IN PRICE
The traditional end-of-tour gratuity to your tour director is included on this tour. All hotel porterage and airport skycap (when available) fees are included. We also include the gratuities for the coach drivers. Hotel housekeeping tips are not included.
LODGING REQUESTS
If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.
Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.
TRAVEL REQUESTS
We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.
RESPONSIBILITY
SUN TOURS acts solely as agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.
WEATHER AND CLOTHING/MISC. SUGGESTIONS
In February, Death Valley experiences mild and dry weather, making it a good time to visit. Average daytime temperatures typically reach around 73°F (23°C), while nighttime temperatures drop to about 46°F (8°C). The month sees minimal rainfall, averaging around 0.3 to 0.5 inches over approximately three days, which is the highest monthly precipitation for the year in this region.
With about 8 to 9 hours of sunshine daily, February offers plenty of daylight for outdoor activities. The UV index is moderate, so while sun protection is recommended, the risk of sunburn is not extremely high.
In February, Palm Springs experiences mild and pleasant weather, making it a great time to visit. The average daytime high temperature is around 61°F (16°C), with nighttime lows averaging 43.5°F (6.4°C). You can expect mostly dry conditions, with the area receiving about 0.47 inches (12 mm) of rain over approximately 3 days. The region enjoys about 7.2 hours of sunshine per day.
Call 505.889.8888 to Book Today!
If you aren't ready to inquire by email or would rather call and speak to a team member, we look forward to hearing from you.
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