Solar Eclipse Bike Trip

LAS VEGAS - On Oct. 14th, a rare annular solar eclipse will capture the sky, and Escape Adventures is offering a 5-day bikepacking tour of Death Valley National Park to view it. When it comes to observing a solar eclipse, location is crucial. Death Valley National Park, with its expansive desert landscapes and clear skies, presents an ideal vantage point. The park’s remote location and low light pollution enhance the experience, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the celestial show. Despite its rather foreboding name, Death Valley represents a stellar mountain biking destination with more than 350-miles of roads and trails, astounding wildflower blooms, and mild temperatures in fall and winter. Guests will cycle the heart of the Mojave Desert, from Death Valley National Park to Red Rock Canyon, stopping to visit historic sites accessed by 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) roads. Highlights include Spicer Ranch Trails, Titus Canyon, Monarch Canyon, Chloride Cliffs, Stovepipe Wells and Cottonwood Valley. Prices start at $1,699 per person double and include all internal land expenses and services. Electric-mountain bikes are available upon request. For more information, visit https:// escapeadventures.com/tour/ death-valley-and-red-rockmountain-bike-tour/.

“Imagine pedaling through surreal desert landscapes and conquering rugged terrains, only to witness the cosmos align in a breathtaking solar eclipse,” said Escape Adventures Director, Jared Fisher. “To top it all off, you don’t worry about a single detail of planning this multi-day excursion.”

Solar eclipses occur when the moon’s orbit aligns in such a way that it temporarily blocks out the sun, casting a shadow on the Earth. This rare occurrence is a treat for skywatchers, offering an opportunity to witness the sun’s corona, which is usually invisible to the naked eye. We can’t think of a better way to witness this than camping in the wideopen space of Death Valley.

Guests will move seamlessly from one day to the next, camping, and enjoying delicious homemade meals. The majority of campgrounds feature indoor facilities and showers. In more remote backcountry camping scenarios, Escape Adventures will provide portable toilets and private solar showers. A range of cycling and hiking options are offered each day, and support vehicles are available.

Full Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Ride the new Spicer Ranch Trails, and finish with a cowboy dinner. The next day, descend epic Titus Canyon into Death Valley. Layover in beautiful Monarch Canyon.

Day 3-4: Climb to the top of Chloride Cliffs, explore ancient mining ruins, hike down Monarch Canyon to the portal view of Death Valley, visit massive sand dunes and Stovepipe Wells, and stop at the National Park Visitor Center. Next day, shuttle to Red Rock Canyon and ride to Bonnie Springs Old Nevada.

Day 5: Ride Cottonwood

Valley’s fabulous trail network, nestled below the cliffs of Red Rock Canyon. Shuttle back to Las Vegas.

For More on Nevada

YAKIMA – Win prizes for eating tacos? Yep! Yakima Valley Tourism (YVT) announces the launch of their latest digital trail, The Yakima Valley Taco & Tamale Trail. The trail was created with assistance from the Central Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (CWHCC). Their goal is to support the many small businesses creating delicious, authentic foods throughout Yakima Valley communities and to draw visitors from all around the Northwest region and beyond to discover them. “These businesses are a huge part of the Yakima Valley’s food experience, sharing their vibrant cultural and culinary traditions with all of us. We want folks to get out and try specialties at new places, even discover a new favorite they’ll be back to again and again,” says Jennifer Martinkus, YVT Marketing Manager.

The new Taco & Tamale

The trail is produced through Bandwango, a company that creates digital passports for destinations throughout the U.S. YVT also partnered with Bandwango to produce the Yakima Valley Wine Country and Hop Country Craft Beer Trail passports in 2022. These two passports are currently being re-developed for launch in their new format later this year.

Trail works through GPS check-in at local taco and tamale stops. Just sign up for the digital trail and start checking in on a mobile device. Each check-in earns points to redeem for prizes, including entries for gift cards and entries for 2024

To learn more about the new digital trail, check out the Yakima Valley Taco & Tamale Trail page here.