Zabriskie Point
We started the trip at Zabriskie Point, watching as the sunrise slowly revealed the canyons with their magnificent colors and textures.
Furnace Creek Wash
Walking to the edge of Zabriskie Point, you can see Furnace Creek wash at the bottom.
Making sure that we were carrying extra water with us at all times, we decided to brave the heat and hike down into into the wash. Although at first glance it may appear lifeless, if you look carefully, you might be surprised at what you can find.
Less than a day after the rain, the water was quickly disappearing, leaving gracefully curling mud as a reminder of the previous storm.
After hiking out of the wash, we came across three coyotes. It was as incredible how well they blended in with their surroundings.
Twenty Mule Team Canyon
It would have been fun to explore Twenty Mule Team canyon. Unfortunately, because of recent flooding, the road was closed and hiking was not permitted through the soft earth.
Mosaic Canyon
Bypassing Stovepipe Wells, we turned into Mosaic Canyon and started hiking the trail. The colors and textures of the rocks were striking.
With all of the incredible views, it's sometimes difficult to remember to look where you walk. A baby rattlesnake sighting was a gentle reminder.
Rhyolite Ghost Town
In the afternoon, we headed east to visit Rhyolite Ghost Town where, weather permitting, we hoped to photograph the night sky.
Rhyolite, named for the silica-rich volcanic rock in the area, was a booming mining town in the late 1800's and early 1900's.
As the sun went down, and the stars appeared, it was thought-provoking to imagine what it must have been like to have lived there a century ago.
Salt Creek
Early the next morning we drove to Salt Creek. I was hoping to spot the Salt Creek Pupfish, but they were too well hidden for me to spot.
The Racetrack
To our dismay, we arrived at the racetrack only to discover that someone had taken their SUV out onto the wet earth, leaving tire impressions which may remain for years.
Not wanting to walk out onto the wet racetrack, we kept to the lower portion (which was dry), and were still able to find a few of the magical "moving" rocks.
Badwater Basin
The next morning the park rangers opened the (previously flooded) road to Badwater Basin. The basin covers more than 200 square miles, is 282 feet below sea level, and is one of the largest protected salt flats in the world.
There was still quite a bit of water near the parking lot.
Walking out onto the flats, the water had already disappeared, leaving a cornucopia of small crystals behind.
Devils Golf Course
Driving north to Devils Golf course, we were able to explore the massive salt pan.
Natural Bridge
Driving back towards Furnace Creek we made a stop at Natural Bridge. Not only were the colors in the canyons splendid, the arch and dry waterfall carved into the rock were impressive.
Golden Canyon
Stovepipe Wells
In Stovepipe Wells, we discovered beautiful patterns in the mud.
Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes
With flashlights in hand, we hiked in the dark to the middle of the sand dunes in hopes of capturing the first light at sunrise. Distances between the dunes can certainly be deceiving (as can the height and effort it takes to hike through the sand), but it was well worth the effort.
Ubehebe Crater
Dantes View
For a magnificent vista of the valley, we drove to Dante's View. From the top, I was able to get a better perspective on the size of the salt flats in Badwater Basin and the Devils Golf Course.
Watching the sunset from Dantes View was a peaceful way to unwind at the end of the day.
The next morning we left the park through Panamint Valley. We were surprised to see a family of coyotes crossing the road. Unfortunately, tourists often stop to feed the animals which encourages them to roam along the road — which can be dangerous not only for the animals, but also the vehicles and their passengers.
Credits:
© 2016 Julieanne Kost All Rights Reserved.