The iconic Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes of Death Valley provide a unique hiking opportunity for the adventuresome as well as a world class photo op. They also provide a great backdrop for movies. C-3PO and R2-D2 were lost here on ‘Tatooine’ in Star Wars Episode IV.
Death Valley is known as a land of extremes. At its lowest point, it drops to 282 feet below sea level. Summer temperatures can soar up to 120° F and have been recorded as high as 134° F. Rainfall averages are around 2 inches per year but can drop to zero. It’s hard to get more extreme. You don’t want to visit in the summer.
I would add, however, that Death Valley is also a land of superlatives. My title above about ‘breath-taking beauty’ is no exaggeration. We have 25 photos below to make the point. As I have stated before, all photos are taken by either Peggy or me unless otherwise noted.
Peggy and I have visited Death Valley several times over the years. It’s one of our all-time favorite go-to places. One of our visits was during the government shutdown in 2019 that President Trump had instigated during his first term. Death Valley was without staff. We had entered the Park from the south and stopped at a rest stop along the way. The restroom was closed and people were using the desert as a bathroom. Instead of carrying their trash out, many were simply dumping it next to the already overflowing trash cans. What was worse, a few miles up the road someone had decided that no supervision meant he could take his ATV for a spin on the desert floor and drive brodies (sharp circles). Large gashes in the floor had been created— gashes that would take at least 20 years, if not longer, to heal given the desert’s environment.
I’m relating this incident here because I want to make a point that National Parks need staff to function effectively. While the impacts of reduced staff aren’t as dramatic as no staff, the recent efforts by the Trump Administration to cut employees along with a number of other Trump/Musk driven initiatives related to the parks pose a serious threat. Here’s a quote that the National Parks Conservation Association —a bipartisan organization that has been promoting and protecting our parks since 1919— made after the first six weeks of the Trump Administration:
National parks as we know and love them are changing — dismantled before our very eyes under the new Trump administration in just six weeks. Fired staff, cancelled building leases, erased history. We see the writing on the wall, and it’s dark.
Dark indeed. Among the latest pronouncements from the Administration is one that suggests there is no reason to protect endangered species. Let them die. Another opens 59% of all national forests to be logged with minimal, if any, environmental protection. Old growth trees that have taken hundreds of years to develop will be cut down in minutes.
Today, Peggy and I are continuing our series showing the beauty, geology, flora and fauna of these areas to emphasize the value of protecting them. The parks belong to all of us, and, I might add, the plants and animals that call them home. We cannot afford to let them be lost to the whims of one man and his cohorts who apparently see their value primarily in terms of the money that can be made from their exploitation. Our children, grandchildren and future generations are depending on us.
And now: Death Valley.
Beauty is everywhere in Death Valley. The extreme dryness of Death Valley allows visitors a rare opportunity to see geological forces at work. This is the Ubehebe volcanic crater in the northern part of the park. The crater, 600 feet deep and half a mile across, was created by a powerful eruption of volcanic steam. Trails lead down into the crater that visitors can hike.We took this photo near Ubehebe Crater. It shows the work of erosion over time creating an almost surrealistic scene.A coyote stood near the road into Ubehebe. Camping in the Valley, you can go to sleep listening to their wild calls in the distance. A moonlit night often produces a chorus.The majority of the sites visited in Death Valley are located within a short drive of the Visitors Center at Furnace Creek. Nearby, Zabriskie Point provides a number of different views that vary over the day as the sun shifts.In the sunlight.Another view we found interesting at Zabriskie Point. The dark ridge at the top represents a different geological era. Over 1.7 billion years of earth’s history can be seen in the Valley according to the National Park. 20 Mule Canyon, a short drive up the road from Zabriskie Point, provides a moderately challenging but gorgeous adventure over a 2.7 mile unpaved road. It’s a section of the route that was used by the 18 mules plus two horse teams that carried borax out of Death Valley. Pull offs along the way provide for further adventures, such as following paths that lead into a world that borders on fantasy.Another example.The road also followed this off-white, high ridge. We saw a couple of people hiking along the top.A final photo along the 20 Mule Canyon Road.Another favorite of ours for its sheer beauty and impressive land forms is Golden Canyon.A quick drive down highway 178 from Furnace Creek will take you to the parking area. From there, visitors can choose a relative easy walk that takes them into the heart of the canyon or select much more challenging hikes with lots of ups and downs! One route takes hikers up to Zabriskie Point.Looking out from Golden Canyon toward the Valley.Want even more color? Continue down Highway 128 to a one-way side road that takes you in to the well-named Artist’s Palate. Different minerals in the rock are responsible for the colors you see here, at Zabriskie Point and along the Twenty Mule Canyon Road.A closer look at the palate.Continuing on down Highway 128 will bring you to the Devil’s Golf Course, which is definitely worth the side trip to see it. If the park is ever privatized, I wonder (he said tongue in cheek) whether the president would add this to the 15 plus golf courses he owns around the world. First, however, he would have to bulldoze the salt flats that formed over thousands of years as ancient lakes evaporated. Given the million dollar membership fee he charges at Mar-A-Largo, I suspect he would charge even more here. Two side roads, one on the east and one on the west of the Park, take visitors up into the mountains above the Valley. Dante’s Peak, on the east side, provides a dramatic view into the valley.And flowers. We took lots of photos.The road on the west side of the valley taking visitors up to historic charcoal kilns had even more flowers.Including these white prickly poppies. A red beetle and a green caterpillar were visiting. The caterpillar was busy chomping down on the poppy’s stamens.An old road leading off the main road to the kilns featured yellow rabbitbush flowers. It demanded exploration. Maybe this year…We also found this rattlesnake along the road. Long time followers of my blog will recognize it. He was about 6 feet long and about as round as my arm. Peggy refused to let me out of our truck to take more photos, zooming off just as I was about to open the door!The historic charcoal kilns of Death Valley were at the end of the road. They were built in 1877 to supply charcoal for the Modock Mines, located 25 miles away, and likely closed after two years of use. We’ll conclude this post with a photo of the sun setting over the sand dunes of Death Valley. Next up we will feature the Chiricahua National Monument in Southeastern Arizona. We were there last week. A photo from next week’s post.
yes we have and we loved it! We were going to snow shoe in Bryce but no snow so we came here. Glad we did!!
Snowshoeing in Bryce would be really neat, too, Steve. It’s a beautiful NP but lacks Death Valley’s diversity.
How magnificent is this land! And interesting that this is a favorite place of you and Peggy’s! I identify with the dryness of it all…my hands look like some of your photos! Happy travels friends! My granddaughter Ella is completing her first year in college and has done exceptionally well. She has been on the Dean’s List…maybe the President’s coming up. I have a certain sadness today about the passing of the Pope. He was/is a true reminder of what Christ has taught us. I only hope another person is chosen who is “current” if you know what I mean! I have special plans to travel to Marrowstone Island in July to spend time at the old farm where we stayed several years ago! Oh boy!
Hi, Wendy. Congratulation on Ella! And glad you are heading back to Marrowstone Island. A happy thought for Earth Day. I’m totally with you on the next Pope.
I really enjoyed this comprehensive gallery of Death Valley, Curt and Peggy, thank you. I have been there, but only once, and found its beauty breathtaking, as you have. I also appreciated your words highlighting the deep importance of our national parks and the governmental systems that have been put in place to protect these valuable lands and their native inhabitants. Great rattlesnake photo too, a big one.
Thanks, Jet. If Peggy and I get anywhere near Death Valley in spring, fall or winter, we add it to our itinerary. I was kicking myself a bit this morning, however. I’ve been so disturbed by what’s been happening, I forgot that today is Earth Day. I almost always do a post on it. We will be out exploring Saguaro National Park to day, however. I’ll think of it as a celebration!
Yes, indeed, I remember the rattlesnake from a previous post, what a sight! I’m with Peggy, just stay safe!!😊
I am a little bit intrigued by your coyote picture.. The reason is because I have seen one actually at Pt Reyes 2 weeks ago, but I have taken it for a fox. I just looked again at my very clear picture, and I see the difference, it is a coyote! Thank you for helping me identify it😊
Peggy always gets nervous about how I like to get up close with rattlesnakes. Grin.
Bigger, to start with. 😁 I’ve ofter seen coyotes at Pt. Reyes, Christie. And isn’t Pt. Reyes a great place to visit!
Happy Earth Day b ack to you!
Oh my! What happens if I don’t want to leave? I mean, I will stay until I spot a snake 🤭
Laughing. You can hang around as long as you want, but best be out of there by June!
Thank you for calling attention to the national parks, their amazing beauty, and the risks they face. My hubs and I had planned to visit more national parks this summer and sadly cancelled our plans as Trump’s staffing cuts put them in jeopardy. We didn’t want to add to the traffic, over-crowding, garbage, and other challenges. It makes me sad to think about the potential destruction over the next 45 months. I haven’t been to Death Valley, but hope that will still be part of my future. Your photos are enticing (except for the snake!) and I love rocks. 🙂
Hard to say whether there will be crowds, D. A fair amount of the traffic has always been from foreign tourists, who so far have been avoiding the US in large numbers. (Costing the US billions in income.) Another strategy is to go in the spring or fall. Yet another is to choose parks that don’t get the high traffic, like North Cascades. There are options… Grin.
We were in the N. Cascades last year and would definitely go again. Just nervous about traveling beyond our driveway. My brother was stopped by ICE in New Mexico (with machine guns). They didn’t do anything to the “old white guy” beyond question him, but my husband is brown.
Yeah, being brown in Trump’s America would definitely be scary. How terribly sad/tragic that is. Sorry about your brother, though. That would be traumatic. Even being white is scary. I was reading a story about Lisa Murkowski, Alaska’s Republican Senator, and she admitted that even she is afraid to speak out against Trump.
I read about Murkowski too. That says something about what’s going on. I’m hoping this ends soon, 45 months at the most. We won’t ever go back to normal, but perhaps we can become a nation of laws again.
Lets Make America Humane Again.
Yes. I saw a Tee Shirt that said “Make America Kind Again.” I was sorely tempted.
“The parks belong to all of us, and, I might add, the plants and animals that call them home. We cannot afford to let them be lost to the whims of one man and his cohorts who apparently see their value primarily in terms of the money that can be made from their exploitation. Our children, grandchildren and future generations are depending on us.”
You said it well, Curt! The whole presidential situation is appalling, to put it mildly. Watching him on TV takes great effort, and it’s only been four months…
We went to DV years ago in the springtime when the kids were little. It was amazing, but that was before cell phones, so we didn’t take as many photos. A few for memories though. Your photos are beautiful, but I’m not a fan of the snake. 🙂 Good shot though!
As I mentioned in one of your prior posts, my hubby and I are so glad that our son had the chance to visit National Parks in 2023 across the country from Maine to CA before things changed. It’s so sad…but thank you for spreading awareness and for sharing your beautiful experience.
Since Peggy and I get our news from newspapers, we aren’t burdened by watching him on TV. Not sure my system could handle it.
Death Valley is one of the world’s special places. No doubt about it! Your son was lucky! I’d still recommend people go to the parks if they have an opportunity, especially off-season if possible.
Peggy and I took breaks from our jobs for a year in 1999-2000 and spent a year visiting National Parks across America. 50 in total.
Beautiful photos, Curt. I swear Death Valley was not that colorful when I went there! Maybe I am just forgetting. I gave a little shudder at the sight of the rattler!
Lots of the beauty depends on the time of day and weather, Lexi. And having been there numerous times to capture its various moods, and having a thousand photos. Grin.
I enjoyed your post. Thank you! I was disappointed to have missed out on the super bloom that happened in this area a few years ago. The photos were extraordinary – as our yours! Love the coyote!
Hi Michele, sorry to take so long in responding here. Peggy and I are off wandering the Southwest and been totally caught up in it. Super blooms are definitely a time when nature puts on a show!
Wow, I can see why it’s your favorite or one of them Curt. The color in those rocks were unbelievable. You really have to time this trip or you would fry. It’s amazing there are no people seen on these trails. I’m so sad about what’s happening and I do hope we can rally and create some push back. My goal is to see half the number you have seen and I hope it’s not too late by the time I get to them. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous photos and history with us! 💕
It pulls me back, time and again Cindy. I think lots of folks think desert and say no thank you. They have no idea of what they are missing. The most popular spots get a fair number of visitors and can seem crowded, but it is easy to get away from them. By all means, get out and see as many as you can. You will never regret it, Cindy.
Oh this is so wonderful and I so agree. I’m hopeful and eager when I’m not exhausted from the day to day.. lol
I had to train myself to slow down, Cindy. I’ve always been guilty of over planning. I still am if I’m not careful. There are so many things I like to do. (This blog being one of them.) But I know I am so much better off I focus on fewer things. One of them is relaxing. Grin.
Wandering through Time and Place 
Stunning beauty!!
Stunning beauty!!
Indeed, Steve. Have you and Carol ever been there?
yes we have and we loved it! We were going to snow shoe in Bryce but no snow so we came here. Glad we did!!
Snowshoeing in Bryce would be really neat, too, Steve. It’s a beautiful NP but lacks Death Valley’s diversity.
How magnificent is this land! And interesting that this is a favorite place of you and Peggy’s! I identify with the dryness of it all…my hands look like some of your photos! Happy travels friends! My granddaughter Ella is completing her first year in college and has done exceptionally well. She has been on the Dean’s List…maybe the President’s coming up. I have a certain sadness today about the passing of the Pope. He was/is a true reminder of what Christ has taught us. I only hope another person is chosen who is “current” if you know what I mean! I have special plans to travel to Marrowstone Island in July to spend time at the old farm where we stayed several years ago! Oh boy!
Hi, Wendy. Congratulation on Ella! And glad you are heading back to Marrowstone Island. A happy thought for Earth Day. I’m totally with you on the next Pope.
I didn’t know it could as beautiful as it is deadly.
Even more so, G. It’s easy to avoid the death part. Almost impossible to avoid the beauty part. Grin.
👍😊
I really enjoyed this comprehensive gallery of Death Valley, Curt and Peggy, thank you. I have been there, but only once, and found its beauty breathtaking, as you have. I also appreciated your words highlighting the deep importance of our national parks and the governmental systems that have been put in place to protect these valuable lands and their native inhabitants. Great rattlesnake photo too, a big one.
Thanks, Jet. If Peggy and I get anywhere near Death Valley in spring, fall or winter, we add it to our itinerary. I was kicking myself a bit this morning, however. I’ve been so disturbed by what’s been happening, I forgot that today is Earth Day. I almost always do a post on it. We will be out exploring Saguaro National Park to day, however. I’ll think of it as a celebration!
Yes, indeed, I remember the rattlesnake from a previous post, what a sight! I’m with Peggy, just stay safe!!😊
I am a little bit intrigued by your coyote picture.. The reason is because I have seen one actually at Pt Reyes 2 weeks ago, but I have taken it for a fox. I just looked again at my very clear picture, and I see the difference, it is a coyote! Thank you for helping me identify it😊
A great post Curt, Happy Earth Day!
Peggy always gets nervous about how I like to get up close with rattlesnakes. Grin.
Bigger, to start with. 😁 I’ve ofter seen coyotes at Pt. Reyes, Christie. And isn’t Pt. Reyes a great place to visit!
Happy Earth Day b ack to you!
The diversity of beauty is truly overwhelming. Thanks for showcasing so many scenes.
It truly is an amazing place, Peggy.
Lovely photos.
Thanks Cindy.
Beautiful photos! I haven’t made it to Death Valley yet, but I really want to visit.
A must see, Diana!
Such pretty flowers! That too in a place called Death Valley!
If you manage to visit Death Valley after a rainstorm in the spring, Ajana, the Valley floor can be carpeted with flowers.
Oh my! What happens if I don’t want to leave? I mean, I will stay until I spot a snake 🤭
Laughing. You can hang around as long as you want, but best be out of there by June!
Thank you for calling attention to the national parks, their amazing beauty, and the risks they face. My hubs and I had planned to visit more national parks this summer and sadly cancelled our plans as Trump’s staffing cuts put them in jeopardy. We didn’t want to add to the traffic, over-crowding, garbage, and other challenges. It makes me sad to think about the potential destruction over the next 45 months. I haven’t been to Death Valley, but hope that will still be part of my future. Your photos are enticing (except for the snake!) and I love rocks. 🙂
Hard to say whether there will be crowds, D. A fair amount of the traffic has always been from foreign tourists, who so far have been avoiding the US in large numbers. (Costing the US billions in income.) Another strategy is to go in the spring or fall. Yet another is to choose parks that don’t get the high traffic, like North Cascades. There are options… Grin.
We were in the N. Cascades last year and would definitely go again. Just nervous about traveling beyond our driveway. My brother was stopped by ICE in New Mexico (with machine guns). They didn’t do anything to the “old white guy” beyond question him, but my husband is brown.
Yeah, being brown in Trump’s America would definitely be scary. How terribly sad/tragic that is. Sorry about your brother, though. That would be traumatic. Even being white is scary. I was reading a story about Lisa Murkowski, Alaska’s Republican Senator, and she admitted that even she is afraid to speak out against Trump.
I read about Murkowski too. That says something about what’s going on. I’m hoping this ends soon, 45 months at the most. We won’t ever go back to normal, but perhaps we can become a nation of laws again.
Lets Make America Humane Again.
Yes. I saw a Tee Shirt that said “Make America Kind Again.” I was sorely tempted.
“The parks belong to all of us, and, I might add, the plants and animals that call them home. We cannot afford to let them be lost to the whims of one man and his cohorts who apparently see their value primarily in terms of the money that can be made from their exploitation. Our children, grandchildren and future generations are depending on us.”
You said it well, Curt! The whole presidential situation is appalling, to put it mildly. Watching him on TV takes great effort, and it’s only been four months…
We went to DV years ago in the springtime when the kids were little. It was amazing, but that was before cell phones, so we didn’t take as many photos. A few for memories though. Your photos are beautiful, but I’m not a fan of the snake. 🙂 Good shot though!
As I mentioned in one of your prior posts, my hubby and I are so glad that our son had the chance to visit National Parks in 2023 across the country from Maine to CA before things changed. It’s so sad…but thank you for spreading awareness and for sharing your beautiful experience.
Thanks Lauren.
Since Peggy and I get our news from newspapers, we aren’t burdened by watching him on TV. Not sure my system could handle it.
Death Valley is one of the world’s special places. No doubt about it! Your son was lucky! I’d still recommend people go to the parks if they have an opportunity, especially off-season if possible.
Peggy and I took breaks from our jobs for a year in 1999-2000 and spent a year visiting National Parks across America. 50 in total.
You and Peggy have been so fortunate because not many can do what you both have experienced. What a journey! I hope to still visit many parks.
Wonderful. Quite different from Liberia and West Africa. Liberia was mostly forest if I’m not mistaken?
Beautiful photos, Curt. I swear Death Valley was not that colorful when I went there! Maybe I am just forgetting. I gave a little shudder at the sight of the rattler!
Lots of the beauty depends on the time of day and weather, Lexi. And having been there numerous times to capture its various moods, and having a thousand photos. Grin.
I enjoyed your post. Thank you! I was disappointed to have missed out on the super bloom that happened in this area a few years ago. The photos were extraordinary – as our yours! Love the coyote!
*are yours ✏️ 😁
Hi Michele, sorry to take so long in responding here. Peggy and I are off wandering the Southwest and been totally caught up in it. Super blooms are definitely a time when nature puts on a show!
No problem at all. Enjoy!
Wow, I can see why it’s your favorite or one of them Curt. The color in those rocks were unbelievable. You really have to time this trip or you would fry. It’s amazing there are no people seen on these trails. I’m so sad about what’s happening and I do hope we can rally and create some push back. My goal is to see half the number you have seen and I hope it’s not too late by the time I get to them. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous photos and history with us! 💕
It pulls me back, time and again Cindy. I think lots of folks think desert and say no thank you. They have no idea of what they are missing. The most popular spots get a fair number of visitors and can seem crowded, but it is easy to get away from them. By all means, get out and see as many as you can. You will never regret it, Cindy.
Oh this is so wonderful and I so agree. I’m hopeful and eager when I’m not exhausted from the day to day.. lol
I had to train myself to slow down, Cindy. I’ve always been guilty of over planning. I still am if I’m not careful. There are so many things I like to do. (This blog being one of them.) But I know I am so much better off I focus on fewer things. One of them is relaxing. Grin.