(Death Valley CA)
Spent a few days visiting Death Valley National Park. The first stop was at Zabriskie Point with its interesting shapes and colors. Then I went to the Visitor Center at Furnace Creek to get my bearings.
Zabriskie Point
From there I headed to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 ft below sea level. A wide salty path led out onto the flats which I walked for a short way, and then turned back. There was an interesting pool near the beginning.
Badwater Basin
Afterward, I drove back up the road to the Natural Bridge trail. A short hike up a wash takes you to the feature. I had to ask another hiker to please wait a few minutes so I could get a shot without people in the arch.
Natural Bridge
Next, I drove through Artists Drive; a 9 mile one way paved road that takes you through a multi-colored rock canyon. No vehicles longer than 25 ft allowed, as there were sharp switch backs with close walls on the sides.
Artists Drive
Another short hike into Mosaic Canyon, through a slot, to view the interesting rock patterns. By this time it was getting hot, so I decided to find a camp early. There was a lot more to see; but, they would have to wait until another visit.
Mosaic Canyon
A 21 mile drive into Emigrant Canyon and up into the mountains got me to Wildrose CG. Again, a 25 ft limit due to switch backs. Situated in between hills, it provided a picnic table and pit toilets. There were about 8 spots for RVs and 12 for tent campers.
It was fairly quiet, but with new campers coming in and out each day. A hike up the hills found lots of wildflowers waiting to be photographed. I stayed 3 days for free.
Wildflowers at Wildrose Camp
I had intended to hike to Darwin Falls on my way out. But, I missed the turn-off as there was no sign posted. Perhaps it was closed due to the recent floods. Anyway, it was on to the US-395 that would take me northward on my journey.
Camp: Death Valley NP-Wildrose CG
Scene: Desert, rocks, wildflowers
That is sure a beautiful place to be called Death Valley. Are there places there where I can park my diesel pusher? I tow a Jeep and can use it to tour the park.
Absolutely. There are several NP campgrounds right along US-190, the main highway through the park.
How hot exactly is it there now? Sometimes I feel like Sacramento is Death Valley!
On June 18 it will be 104, over night low will be 81, then 108. But, it can be very different depending on when and where in the park you are at. I was there in mid-April and it wasn’t all that bad.
Nice post – pretty country. Gypsy – remember, it is DRY HEAT.