Death Valley and the Eastern Sierra Nevada

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Death Valley… its name alone conjures many images. It is one of California’s hidden treasures; one of her most misunderstood natural beauties; home to one of California’s most colorful and loveable scoundrels. You are sure to be surprised by the beauty, intrigued by the stories, and awed by the splendor that is Death Valley National Park and the Eastern Sierra Nevada.

Quick Information

Travel along Highway 395 enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Eastern Sierra Nevada
Visit Manzanar National Historic Site, a poignant tribute marking a disturbing period of history, situated at the base of the Eastern Sierra Nevada
Spend two full days touring in Death Valley National Park, visiting Scotty’s Castle, Ubehebe Crater, Zabriske’s Point, Devil’s Golf Course, & Badwater Salt Flats
Travel on SuperCoach III

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Begin your adventure with door-to-door service by Carey Transportation to the Sports Leisure office to meet your fellow travelers. Enjoy a leisurely ride to Lake Tahoe for brunch high above the south shore at Harrah’s Forest Buffet. The journey continues along the rugged eastern Sierra Nevada down Highway 395, past Mono Lake and Mammoth Mountain.
- Lunch is included this day
- Best Western Creekside Inn
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Day 2

South of Bishop, tucked into the base of the Sierra Nevada, sits Manzanar National Historic Site, a windswept reminder of the indomitable spirit of those interred here during WWII. A docent guide will share the story of the over 10,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry that were housed here between 1942 and 1945. In the afternoon, travel over the Panamint Mountains past Stovepipe Wells and the famous sand dunes and arrive into Death Valley late in the day. A stop at the visitors center will get you well-oriented for your stay in the valley. Accommodations are at the historic Furnace Creek Ranch, once part of the Borax Company’s holdings and a working ranch. Today it is the main visitor service center with all recently renovated rooms. Bring your bathing suit as the pool is fed by the warm waters of Furnace Creek.
- Continental Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included this day
- 3 nights at the Furnace Creek Ranch
Day 3

Death Valley is a land of rich ore and history filled with a cast of characters who traversed the valleys and canyons seeking their fortunes here. Travel north through the valley today to Scotty’s Castle, and learn the colorful story of Death Valley Scotty and the Spanish Villa that bears his name. Following a tour of the castle, the afternoon will be spent touring the Upper Valley.
- Breakfast and Lunch are included this day
Day 4

This morning explore the treasures and surprises of the Lower Valley, learning about more of the people who called this amazing place home; and those characters who passed through. Lunch at the elegant Furnace Creek Inn is sure to please both the eye and palate. This afternoon, enjoy a free afternoon to take in the valley at your leisure. Maybe try out the pool or walk through the Borax Museum.
- Breakfast and Lunch are included this day
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Day 5

A morning walk in the desert along the boardwalk at Salt Creek shows signs of life few expect to find in the desert. Leaving the valley, cross the Tehachapi Mountains for an evening arrival at our hotel in Bakersfield. Enjoy dinner tonight as you recall the delights of Death Valley with your fellow travelers.
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included this day
- Sheraton Four Points
Day 6

Return to Sacramento along Highway 99, capturing a few glimpses of the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada as you make your way north with a few stops along the way. Arrive in the early evening where you will be greeted by Carey Transportation and returned to your front door.
- Lunch is included this day