Dante’s Point

Death Valley: Badwater, Lowest Pt in N. America

Published on April 24, 2013April 24, 2013 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

Inverted photo taken at Badwater in Death Valley, California

If you love salt like I do…then Badwater is the place to go. Also, it’s the lowest point in North America – 282 feet below sea level to be exact.

That's me jumping at Badwater!!! — That’s me jumping at Badwater!!!

To get to Badwater you take a back road that is located off 190. You won’t have any cell phone reception and you’ll feel like you are out in the middle of nowhere. In fact, I’m not even sure I saw a car the entire time I was driving (until I reached the parking lot). The scenery is beautiful, mountains, desert, and then, stretching out in front of you is this vast white ocean of salt. It’s quite spectacular. As you pull into the parking lot you’ll see a small “pond” of water and a wooden deck.

View from the parking lot out over to the observation deck at Bad Water in Death Valley

Here is a photo a little closer:

View in Badwater salt beds in Death Valley, California

Me standing by Badwater sign in Death Valley - don't forget a hat! — Me standing by Badwater sign in Death Valley – don’t forget a hat!

I thought that was pretty cool, but what was even more impressive was over to the left of the observation deck. Where it stops, you’ll see people walking out over the packed down layers of salt. (photo below)

Walk out over the salt beds in Badwater in Death Valley, California

So how did they come up with the name Badwater? The early travelers came across a spring. I’m sure it was a scorcher and everyone was thirsty. They say the horses wouldn’t drink the water which is when they discovered it was a thick, salty liquid. Obviously undrinkable, they gave the area its name – Badwater. Badwater is about 18 miles south of Furnace Creek where I stayed. Also, if you remember our trip to Dante’s View where I showed you the vast ocean of salt beds that stretch out in front of you. Badwater is included in part of that view. https://photogirltravels.com/2013/04/19/death-valley-dantes-view/

When you are driving back, you can take a one-way road called Artists Drive. I did a really stupid thing and I had 3/4 of a tank gas when I headed off to Badwater (badgirl!) I was pretty sure I had enough gas to drive along Artists Drive, but in Death Valley, you don’t want to take chance. So here’s a quick tip. Anytime you see a gas station, fill up. Regardless of how much gas you have. There are only very few places to get gas and an 18 mile drive can take an hour.

Next I’ll show you where I stayed – Yes, we’re off to the Ranch!

A couple of quick tips: First, bring a hat. Second, consider wearing a light, long sleeved shirt to keep your skin protected. I know everyone loves the look of a Coppertone tan but bronzer can be just as nice (and your skin will stay younger looking…longer) Seriously, you don’t want to mess around with the intensity of the sun in Death Valley. It’s harsh!

___________________

If you’d like to purchase a print to remind you of this beautiful area, please click on “Contact”. My photography is printed on aluminum. Utilizing an advanced process which infuses dyes directly into the metal, the colors and saturation are really amazing. In addition, your print will be displayed using mount blocks which float the image ½ inch off the wall.

Death Valley: Zabriskie Point

Published on April 23, 2013 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

Death Valley's Zabriskie Point View — Death Valley’s Zabriskie Point View

Zabriskie Point was the first place I stopped when I arrived in Death Valley. Many of the sites require you to drive down long, dusty roads to your destination. Zabriskie Point is located on the 190, in fact, you can see the parking lot from the road. Once you park, you walk up a fairly steep hill to the look-out point. It’s pretty impressive as you cast your view out over ripples and ripples of rock. I did a little research to see how these rocks were formed and here’s what I found.

In Death Valley, rainfall is extremely rare, but when it happens it’s intense. With so little vegetation (and soil), when water reaches the ground, there is nothing to absorb the rainfall. So during Death Valley’s rain showers, water hits the surface and immediately begins to rush down the steep slopes, sweeping along particles of loosened mud. The rate of erosion can be incredible! Tiny rills are quickly carved into the soft mudstone. (I had no idea but a rill is a narrow and shallow incision into topsoil layers -I should call this Teacher Girl Travels 😉 Anyway, the more water in the downpour, the more rills are needed to carry the water away. Rills cut deeper to form gullys. And that’s how you get these beautiful ripples (that’s my non-technical term).

Zabriskie Point in Death Valley looking back at the parking lot

In the photo above you can see the parking lot off in the distance. There is a bit of a hike to the top of the hill, but I honestly don’t remember it being that difficult. (Although looking at this phot my car looks like the size of an ant) I would try to visit Zabriskie Point either in the morning or at night when it’s cooler. Next we’re going to visit Badwater which is the lowest point in North America! Please Follow Me and you’ll get an email update as soon as I post it. Cheers!

Death Valley: Dantes View

Published on April 19, 2013April 19, 2013 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

Dantes View out over the salt beds in Death Valley, California — Dante’s View out over the salt beds in Death Valley, California

The terrain in Death Valley is so dramatically different depending on which road you take. One of the sites I would highly recommend is called Dante’s View. The road that leads you to Black Mountain is just off highway 190. The first part of the drive is flat as you drive along a ribbon of road that is carved along the desert floor. As you get closer, you start gaining altitude, curving this way and that to the top of this majestic mountain. I did this drive around 7:00am, before my first cup of coffee. (Apparently coffee is an urban legend in Death Valley, before 8am) Pathetically sipping a warm diet Pepsi which I found in the back of my car I braved it to the top. When I arrived I was the only one there and it was surreal. What you see in front of you are the salt beds spanning out in front of you, which look like a vast, sparkling ocean. Quick note – although it was warm down below, it was freezing that morning – the wind was blowing and I literally thought it might blow my camera out of my hands! You may want to keep a coat or hoodie in the car just in case.

When you arrive at the top you can walk around this large parking lot and look at the views. If you’re planning your day consider the following. If it’s really hot, this is a great place to visit in the middle of the day (as it will be a lot cooler) Also, if you want the perfect place for the sunset, you should schedule this drive for later in the day (your smart phone will tell you what time the sunset is – allow for about 30-45 minutes to get from the 190 to the top of the mountain)

There was also a path that leads from the parking lot (note photo above) that would give you an even better view, if you’re brave enough to try it.

Next I’ll take you to Zabriskie Point which is absolutely beautiful. Click to follow and I’ll send you my post direct to your email.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Death Valley Road Trip!

Published on April 10, 2013April 26, 2013 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

I have always wanted to visit Death Valley. So as I’m driving from San Diego back home I had a change of plans. I stayed in Ramona with my fabulous college roommate last night, and after heading north on highway 15 to avoid the LA traffic, realized I’m not so far from Death Valley. So I’m off, or I should say, we’re off. I’m share photos and my adventures along the way!