Bicycling in Death Valley National Park

There are no bike rentals in the park, but mountain biking is permitted on any of the back roads open to the public. A free flier with suggested bike routes is at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Bicycle Trail, a 4-mi round-trip trek from the visitor center to Mustard Canyon, is a good place to start, as is Desolation Canyon, an easy 2-mi round-trip trail 4 mi south of Badwater Road. For a better workout, try the moderate 6-mi round-trip journey to Keane Wonder Mine, which begins 17 mi north of the Beatty cutoff road, or the 10-mi round-trip journey to Big Four Mine, starting 9½ mi south of Badwater Road.

Outfitter and Expeditions

Spirit of the Mojave Mountain Biking Tour. Mountain bike into the heart of Death Valley during a six-day adventure through the national park with Spirit of the Mojave Mountain Biking Tour. The 110-mi journey includes accommodations (both camping and inns). Tours are $1,260 per person; bikes, tents, sleeping bags, helmets, and other gear may be rented for an additional price. Tours are available February-April and October only. 800/596-2953 or 702/838-6966. www.escapeadventures.com.