Death Valley National Park
(part 2)
Wednesday, February 28 - Friday, March 1
On Monday, we embarked on our journey into Death Valley, entering from Lone Pine via CA-19. This route sliced through the heart of Death Valley, offering us an opportunity to marvel at the western side’s attractions en route to Furnace Creek.
Tuesday was dedicated to exploring Furnace Creek and its enchanting surroundings.
Wednesday
Our adventurous spirits led us southward to uncover the gems located at the southern end of the park. The southern section is divided into two main routes:
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The Upper Route: Nestled along the eastern edge of the valley, this path unveils breathtaking views
of both the valley floor and Sierra Nevada mountains. Our journey was punctuated by several stops that offered panoramic vistas.
- The Lower Route: Tracing along the eastern end of the valley floor, this route extends views across the expansive valley and into intricate canyons.
We first took the upper route in the morning to catch the sun across the valley, and then the lower route in the afternoon. Unfortunately, some paths were inaccessible due to pending repairs following last year’s flooding.
Nevertheless, Zabriskie Point greeted us with its colorful vistas stretching across the valley and deep into canyons.
Along the way, a brief pause allowed us to admire some elusive blooming flowers before proceeding to Dante’s View.
Dante’s View Road is characterized by 13 miles of a winding path ascending steeply to 5,575 feet above sea level. At this pinnacle point, we were treated with mesmerizing views spanning across Death Valley up to the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Mount Whitney.
In contrast, our afternoon sojourn took us down the lower route where Golden Canyon Trail invited us for lunch amidst nature's splendor - though we reserved hiking it for another visit.
Artist Drive presented an artistic blend of colorful canyons and included views of Artist Palette, a colorful section of rock cliffs.
Our southern expedition culminated at Badwater Basin – a point 282 feet below sea level – where instead of witnessing Salt Flats as anticipated; we were greeted by a lake formed due to unprecedented rains and flooding - an occurrence last witnessed two decades ago.
With hearts full of awe-inspiring experiences and cameras brimming with picturesque captures; we retraced our steps back towards Furnace Creek and our cozy cabin awaiting our return.
 A spectacular view from Zabriskie Point. |
 Another view from Zabriskie Point. |
 Flowering bushes in Death Valley? Who'd have thought! |
 Don't pick the flowers. |
 After a steep, winding drive to the top of Dante’s View Road, we are greeted by a magnificient view. Mount Whitney (14,505 ft) in the background, the highest peak in the lower 48 states. And Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the US, 282 feet below sea level. |
 View looking down to the road and cars at Badwater Basin, we will be heading there soon. |
 Along the lower route, looking to the east is the beginning of Artist Drive. |
 Artist Palette, a beautiful stop along Artist Drive road. |
 Another view along Artist Drive road. |
 Badwater Basin. Where are the Salt Flats??? |
 A very unique opportunity to wade and paddleboard in Badwater Basin. |
 Becky's turn holding up the Badwater Basin sign, announcing "BADWATER BASIN, 282 FEET BELOW SEA LEVEL." |
 Picture of a sign that shows what Badwater Basin normally looks like. |
Thursday - Unseen Adventures in Death Valley's Northern Reaches
Our initial plan for the day was to conquer the wonders of Death Valley's northern region. Unfortunately, several of the locations, including the captivating Scotty's Castle, were still closed due to recent flooding and ongoing renovations.
Here are some of the captivating sights that await us in Death Valley's northernmost reaches next time:
The Racetrack: This enigmatic dry lakebed is renowned for its mysterious "sailing stones" that inexplicably move across the desert floor, leaving long tracks in their wake.
Mesquite Spring: This vibrant oasis nestled amidst the arid desert landscape is a crucial water source for wildlife and a historical landmark for the Timbisha Shoshone people.
Ubehebe Crater: This awe-inspiring volcanic crater boasts a diameter of about half a mile and a depth of about 760 feet. Hiking trails lead to the rim of the crater, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Fall Canyon: This scenic canyon, carved by flash floods, is known for its colorful rock formations and cascading waterfalls, especially during the spring season.
And of course Scotty’s Castle: Scotty’s Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of the Roaring '20s and Depression '30s. Originally built as a vacation getaway by engineer Albert Mussey Johnson and his wife Bessie, it became famous due to the charismatic “Death Valley Scotty,” who claimed to have built the castle with riches from secret mines in the area.
... Instead, we spent the day catching up and relaxing.
Friday - Off to Sedona, Arizona
Friday marked a scenic transition as we bid farewell to Death Valley's otherworldly landscapes. After a 413-mile journey from Furnace Creek, we arrived in Sedona, Arizona, eager to immerse ourselves in its red rock wonders and vibrant energy. Stay tuned for our next chapter, where we delve into the captivating adventures that await us in Sedona!