Dunes & Dark Skies:
Death Valley
February 17-23, 2026
$3700 per person
Embark on a photographic journey through the surreal landscapes of Death Valley. Capture the golden dunes of Mesquite Flat, the otherworldly salt flats of Badwater Basin under the stars, and the rugged textures of Zabriskie Point bathed in first light. Explore hidden canyons, colorful badlands, and the remote Eureka Dunes for dramatic compositions. Practice your hand at astrophotography under some of the darkest skies in the U.S. (this trip takes place during the new moon and waxing crescent phase, ideal for night sky photography with illuminated foreground!) This trip is a dream for landscape photographers seeking raw beauty and dynamic light in one of the most extreme yet stunning environments on Earth.
📷 Tour Highlights:
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – Capture stunning textures and golden light at sunrise and sunset.
Badwater Basin – Photograph the vast salt flats and dramatic leading lines, perfect for astrophotography.
Zabriskie Point – Witness breathtaking sunrises over the eroded badlands.
Dante’s View – Panoramic views of the valley, ideal for sunrise and sunset shots.
The Racetrack Playa – Capture the mysterious moving rocks on the dry lakebed.
Golden Canyon & Artist’s Palette – Unique, colorful rock formations and winding canyons.
Starry Skies & Milky Way – Experience world-class astrophotography under some of the darkest skies in the U.S.
Hidden Gems & Remote Landscapes – Venture off the beaten path for unique compositions and untouched beauty.
Editing & Post-Processing Session – Learn the in's and out's of how to process your astrophotography, like blending foregrounds with starry skies and compositing star trails.
Destination
Death Valley, CA
At a Glance
Dates
Fenruary 17-23, 2026
No. of Photographers
Up to 5
Fitness Level
Moderate
Cost
$3700
Your Tour Guides
Paul Nguyen
Co-Owner & Founder
Paul Nguyen has lived and worked from coast to coast across the U.S., and has over 35 years of experience in film and digital photography. He specializes in digital photography of natural landscapes and wildlife, and capturing the authentic experience of outdoor adventure and exploration through his video series.
In April 2017, he served in the prestigious National Park Artist in Residence program at Petrified Forest, Arizona, and continues to create programs for the National Park Service. His accomplishments also include an exclusive assignment as a photographer for the Boston Museum of Science, and a position as a program guide and brand ambassador for Swedish outfitter Fjällräven.
His noteworthy image-making and teaching in the realm of photography have gained him sponsorships from Tamron USA and Sun Surveyor, and his acclaimed adventure and overlanding videos have led to numerous outdoor equipment sponsorships.
Hailing from Massachusetts and now based out of Flagstaff, AZ, Paul spends most of the year exploring the western U.S. to research photo tour destinations and create video content. You may run into him, his Jeep, his trailer, and his cat somewhere along your own travels. Despite the distance, he maintains an active connection to New England camera clubs, and continues to serve as a remote lecturer and competition judge. See his work at www.paulnguyenphoto.com