Mojave Desert Spring Field Trip: Amargosa Basin

Details:

Join us for an adventure to the Mojave Desert! Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is coordinating a four day, three night field trip to the Amargosa Basin, gateway to Death Valley and home to all manner of interesting flora and fauna. This early spring trip will be timed to catch the peak of any wildflower bloom the desert might offer. Participants will stay in a cozy field station at the Shoshone Education and Research Station (SHEAR) in Shoshone, CA. This affordable option provides bunk-style shared accommodations (shared rooms, shared bathrooms) and communal living/eating opportunities. This field station is where we will cook and eat two group dinners and daily light breakfasts provided by the Garden, meet before excursions, and have group programming. Reservations at SHEAR for all nights and aforementioned meals are included in the price of registration.

Other accommodations are available throughout Tecopa/Shoshone and participants are welcome to make separate sleeping arrangements. Participants will have access to SHEAR kitchen facilities for lunches and the two nights that dinner is not provided by Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Several restaurant options are available for all nights and lunch meals. Please note that services are limited in this corner of the Mojave Desert. All participants are expected to provide their own transportation to the field station in Shoshone, CA. The Garden will provide two vans to transport participants on excursions within the Amargosa Basin and Death Valley.

Excursions/Experiences will include:

• A trip to China Ranch Date Farm- a scenic and historic oasis along the Amargosa River
• Hot springs explorations for pup fish, Amargosa vole, and botanical treasures
• Opportunities to soak in both developed and undeveloped hot springs
• A visit to Death Valley
• Hunting for 500-million-year-old trilobite fossils. . . Hiking required on loose surfaces
• Birding walks. . specialty birds of the region can be found minutes’ walk from the field station!
• A guest presentation from the Friends of the Amargosa River

Packing lists and more information will be shared following registration.

Pricing:

$850 per person (includes housing, some meals, and excursions)