It's easy to see why they call this place Death Valley - even in March, its over 90 degrees and there’s only been 1.8 inches of rain since last July. How the early settlers survived here (and there are lots of stories of those who didn’t) is a bit of a mystery.
Yet the valley is also full of people and desert life. We arrived Sunday to what initially seemed like a barren campsite with little shade, but after a lovely sunset, we came around to it. We set up camp and had a tasty soup for dinner, and then went for a beer and dessert at the restaurant near our campsite.
Yet the valley is also full of people and desert life. We arrived Sunday to what initially seemed like a barren campsite with little shade, but after a lovely sunset, we came around to it. We set up camp and had a tasty soup for dinner, and then went for a beer and dessert at the restaurant near our campsite.
Waking before dawn Monday morning allowed us to catch the sunrise at Zabriski point, and wow was that worth it! The colors were amazing as the sun came over the hill and started hitting the slopes on the opposite side of the valley. Oranges, reds and blues that left us with few words.
Next we hit up Badwater, Natural Bridge and the Artist's Drive. I've been to DV before but Cristina has not, so seeing the lowest point in the western hemisphere (282 feet below sea level), was a must. From Badwater, you can also see up to Telescope peak at more than 11,000 feet, giving an unobstructed view of 11,331 feet of elevation gain, one of the steepest vertical rises in the U.S. Natural Bridge is a quick hike up a small canyon to a rock formation about 20 feet wide that traverses the canyon walls. And artist’s drive is a 9 mile section of road that runs through some very colorful mountains.
Next we hit up Badwater, Natural Bridge and the Artist's Drive. I've been to DV before but Cristina has not, so seeing the lowest point in the western hemisphere (282 feet below sea level), was a must. From Badwater, you can also see up to Telescope peak at more than 11,000 feet, giving an unobstructed view of 11,331 feet of elevation gain, one of the steepest vertical rises in the U.S. Natural Bridge is a quick hike up a small canyon to a rock formation about 20 feet wide that traverses the canyon walls. And artist’s drive is a 9 mile section of road that runs through some very colorful mountains.
These were both beautiful (and more photos to come once we reach better internet) but couldn’t really compare with the sunrise that started out day.
We spent the afternoon beating the heat by lounging by the pool of the Inn near our campsite. It felt a bit like we were getting away with something to be spending a Monday like this, but we’re on our honeymoon after all!
Next up for part two of DV report: Mosaic Canyon and a great hike in the hills to Wildrose Peak.
We spent the afternoon beating the heat by lounging by the pool of the Inn near our campsite. It felt a bit like we were getting away with something to be spending a Monday like this, but we’re on our honeymoon after all!
Next up for part two of DV report: Mosaic Canyon and a great hike in the hills to Wildrose Peak.