Ranger Guided Field Trips

Sand dunes are one of many locations that students can explore with a ranger.

Kurt Moses

Notorious by its name, Death Valley offers an outdoor classroom for exploration and connection to the land of extremes. Join rangers for curriculum-based field trips that uncover the wonders of Death Valley National Park. Field trips promote inquiry and critical thinking with experiences that will enhance classroom learning.

The field trip season is between early November to late March. Ranger-led day field trips at Death Valley National Park are approximately 4-5 hours in length. Programs can be adapted to accommodate a shorter or longer amount of time.

Elementary, middle, and high school classes are invited to request a field trip. Transportation grants may be available.

 

Programs

Most of the field trip programs were developed to meet life science and earth science standards for upper elementary and middle school classes. These programs may be adapted to meet the needs of other grade levels. When requesting a field trip, please make a note and the Education Program Coordinator will discuss options with you.

Extreme Living at Death Valley

Mesquite Flats Dunes
Geology and biology come together in this inquiry-based ecology experience. Students explore how forces shape the sand dunes and investigate animal tracks. Students look for evidence to explain how animals survive in these habitats.

Target Audience: This program is designed to meet life science and earth science standards for upper elementary students. It can also be adapted for middle school classes.

Dynamic Death Valley

Golden Canyon and Badwater Basin
Although Death Valley only has an average yearly rainfall of around two inches, water shapes the dramatic landscape. At both Golden Canyon and Badwater Basin salt flats, students look for evidence showing how water influences the landscape in Death Valley. Students explore the role of weather and topography in assessing flood risks and the challenges that rain brings to Death Valley National Park.

Target Audience: This program is designed and adapted to meet earth science standards for upper elementary students and middle school students.

Shifting Sands: Destructive Forces in Death Valley

Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes and Golden Canyon
Students explore real-life examples of weathering, erosion and deposition in action at the Mesquite Sand Dunes and Golden Canyon. Through guided activities and observation, students will look for evidence to support answers to these questions: Where does the sand come from? How does sediment move in desert environments? How do flash floods shape the landscape? Why does flash flooding pose a risk to humans?

Target Audience: This program is designed to meet earth science standards for middle school students. It can also be adapted for upper elementary classes.

 

Request a Field Trip

Registration for the 2024-2025 school year is full. Please contact the Education Office to join the waitlist.

 

Students explore Death Valley National Park first hand while visiting on a field trip.

NPS

In your request, please include:

• Your name

• Email address and phone number

• Number of students

• Grade level(s)

• School name and location

• Field Trip Program

• First Choice Date(s)

• Second Choice Date(s)

• Third Choice Date(s)

 

Transportation Grants

For schools participating in ranger-led field trips, transportation grants are available through a partnership with Death Valley Natural History Association. This program was made possible by a grant from the National Park Foundation through generous support of partners including Union Pacific Railroad and donors across the country. Schools may apply for this transportation assistance after receiving a confirmed date for a ranger-led field trip.

Award amounts will be based on:

• Proximity to the park
• If the school receives Title I funding
• Number of students who will be visiting Death Valley for the first time
• Competition of funds

The Education Coordinator will provide the group with the application once a ranger guided field trip is confirmed.

Every Kid Outdoors Program

Did you know that the National Park Service has a special program for fourth graders, granting free access to Park Service sites for students and their families? More information on this national initiative can be found on the Every Kid Outdoors website.

 

Rangers in the Classroom

Unable to bring your class to the park? Park rangers may be available to visit your classroom virtually and introduce students to Death Valley National Park.