You're traveling through another dimension -- a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That's a signpost up ahead: your next stop: Death Valley National Park!
It was an easy; Yes! when responding to my friends suggestion, to return to Death Valley National Park. This would be for another one of our rendezvous. Death Valley National Park is quickly becoming one of my favorite parks, to visit and explore. Death Valley is very different than the typical National Park, with their millions of trees, lakes and bounding wildlife. Death Valley is dearth of many of these typical National Park amenities. (also, my apologies to Rod Serling)
These feelings are not mine alone, as I often see other reports of Campers visiting Death Valley and the wonderful times they too have enjoyed, whether visiting briefly, or for many weeks.
One of the nice things about visiting a National Park, is that much of the trip planning is made easier, due to the information that is available from many sources, such as the Park’s Field Guide;
when visiting most National Park locations, or Death Valley's National Park Service’s Website, there is not the expected Ranger staffed entrance kiosk, but strategically placed automated stations, along the roads/highways to purchase entrance permits. There are also Visitor Centers located at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells, to pick up information, like the Field Guide, and to receive the latest information on Weather, road conditions, restrictions and closures.
when visiting most National Park locations, or Death Valley's National Park Service’s Website, there is not the expected Ranger staffed entrance kiosk, but strategically placed automated stations, along the roads/highways to purchase entrance permits. There are also Visitor Centers located at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells, to pick up information, like the Field Guide, and to receive the latest information on Weather, road conditions, restrictions and closures.
When visiting a National Park, some of your trip planning is conveniently done, for you through their web page at; Death Valley National Park.
Within this web site you will find information pertaining to;
When my kids were younger, we would ratchet up their excitement by including them with the trip planning. One of the ways we would get our kids involved was to have them write to the park we were going to visit. They would request this information in their childlike handwriting, asking for any information that is available to be mailed, prior to your arrival. The packets that the Park Service would mail to them, often included current Field Guide, Park Maps, Temperature Variances and flyers of upcoming events and notices. My kids would simply write to the specific National Park and make specific requests of things to do. The best part is that the information would come back (very quickly I might add) addressed to them! What kid doesn’t like getting their own mail? :-) For Death Valley National Park information packet requests, have your younger trip planners write to;
Death Valley National Park
P.O. Box 579
Death Valley, CA 92328
(Hint: Double check your children’s letter, to make sure that they included a return address.)
Many things are impacting traditional family vacations, such as trips to Disneyland, The Catskills and National Parks. Some of this is the fact that parents are facing the economics of traveling with increasing fuel prices and the fact that what children enjoy is often as not, being in the outdoors. The National Parks is not immune to this continuing decline and a generation of Kids who haven’t had an experience with a National Park. Studies are finding that ages; 16- 24 are the most under-represented visitor to our nation’s parks.
As an example, a study from Montana’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research have found that the out of state visitors to Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks median age is, 54, in the calendar year of 2011. In Death Valley National Park, 49% of the spring visitors, of 2010, were 46 to 65 years old.
Overall visits to national parks fell in 2011, for a second year in a row, with 278.9 million visitors, down 1%, from 2010. The studies have shown visitors to the parks continue to decline each year and many are pointing the finger at adults that are not exposing their children, and or grandchildren, to the joys of the outdoors, which in part includes our nation’s National Parks.
One of the things I use to do, when preparing to visit a National Park was research the Park and surrounding area. I would then share this information with my kids, a few weeks and sometimes months ahead of our scheduled trip. In a park like Death Valley there is a wealth of interesting information that would get young people interested in the park. “Like what?” One might ask.
So I would begin sharing information such as;
Death Valley is the largest National Park, in the lower 48 states, at 3,372,402 acres. Prior to the substantial enlargement of the park in 1994, the park was a National Monument. With this new designation, it replaced Yellowstone National Park, as the largest park in the lower 48.
There were 984,775 recreational visits in 2010, a 10% increase over 2009. Annual visitation, which peaked at 1,227,583 in 1999, dropped below one million after 2001, and fell to 704,122 in 2007. Visitation is expected to top one million again, in 2011.
The highest point in Death Valley National park is Telescope Peak, at 11,049 feet of elevation. When you take in consideration the lowest point of the park, at Badwater Basin, to the top of Telescope Peak, it is more than twice the depth of the Grand Canyon.
Much of America’s early western expansion history was due to the 1840’s movement of people in route to the Gold Fields of California. Death Valley saw many of these people stop and begin exploring the area for many of the minerals that were increasingly in demand, during that period of America’s growth. There are 2,000 to 3,000 potentially hazardous mine openings amongst the park’s estimated 6,000 to 10,000 mine features. Death Valley is known to have the most abandoned mines of any national park. The Recovery and Reinvestment Act One of these was a death by exposure in 2009. Also, a bit of infamy can be found within the park, in the Charlie Manson Hideout at Barker Ranch, GPS 35.859602°N 117.088545°W (Click here for link to use for look up) This is where Charlie Manson was captured, literally under the bathroom sink, in October of 1969. Again, it is important to repeat; always check with the Rangers on changing conditions, within the park. Also, leave with someone your trip plans and an approximate estimation of your return, carry plenty of water and be prepared for any possible emergency situations. Ractrack Playa is designated as a primitive road, by the National Park Service. This road is maintained twice a year, and is 27 miles in length. The National Park Service recommends visitors traveling to this area to be experienced four wheel drivers with sturdy and high clearance vehicles. It has been my experience that the road there and back, is purposely populated with sharp and aggressive rocks, just waiting for those that creep to close to the edge of the road. Travel at your own risk.
As an example, a study from Montana’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research have found that the out of state visitors to Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks median age is, 54, in the calendar year of 2011. In Death Valley National Park, 49% of the spring visitors, of 2010, were 46 to 65 years old.
Overall visits to national parks fell in 2011, for a second year in a row, with 278.9 million visitors, down 1%, from 2010. The studies have shown visitors to the parks continue to decline each year and many are pointing the finger at adults that are not exposing their children, and or grandchildren, to the joys of the outdoors, which in part includes our nation’s National Parks.
One of the things I use to do, when preparing to visit a National Park was research the Park and surrounding area. I would then share this information with my kids, a few weeks and sometimes months ahead of our scheduled trip. In a park like Death Valley there is a wealth of interesting information that would get young people interested in the park. “Like what?” One might ask.
So I would begin sharing information such as;
Death Valley is the largest National Park, in the lower 48 states, at 3,372,402 acres. Prior to the substantial enlargement of the park in 1994, the park was a National Monument. With this new designation, it replaced Yellowstone National Park, as the largest park in the lower 48.
There were 984,775 recreational visits in 2010, a 10% increase over 2009. Annual visitation, which peaked at 1,227,583 in 1999, dropped below one million after 2001, and fell to 704,122 in 2007. Visitation is expected to top one million again, in 2011.
The highest point in Death Valley National park is Telescope Peak, at 11,049 feet of elevation. When you take in consideration the lowest point of the park, at Badwater Basin, to the top of Telescope Peak, it is more than twice the depth of the Grand Canyon.
Much of America’s early western expansion history was due to the 1840’s movement of people in route to the Gold Fields of California. Death Valley saw many of these people stop and begin exploring the area for many of the minerals that were increasingly in demand, during that period of America’s growth. There are 2,000 to 3,000 potentially hazardous mine openings amongst the park’s estimated 6,000 to 10,000 mine features. Death Valley is known to have the most abandoned mines of any national park. The Recovery and Reinvestment Act One of these was a death by exposure in 2009. Also, a bit of infamy can be found within the park, in the Charlie Manson Hideout at Barker Ranch, GPS 35.859602°N 117.088545°W (Click here for link to use for look up) This is where Charlie Manson was captured, literally under the bathroom sink, in October of 1969. Again, it is important to repeat; always check with the Rangers on changing conditions, within the park. Also, leave with someone your trip plans and an approximate estimation of your return, carry plenty of water and be prepared for any possible emergency situations. Ractrack Playa is designated as a primitive road, by the National Park Service. This road is maintained twice a year, and is 27 miles in length. The National Park Service recommends visitors traveling to this area to be experienced four wheel drivers with sturdy and high clearance vehicles. It has been my experience that the road there and back, is purposely populated with sharp and aggressive rocks, just waiting for those that creep to close to the edge of the road. Travel at your own risk.
There are nine campgrounds within the park, the largest being the Sunset Campground located in the Furnace Creek area, numbering 270 designated sites. Be aware, the campsite here is 200 feet below sea level. If you are looking for cooler camps, with limited access and available sites; Wildrose at 4,100 ft elevation, Thorndike at 7,400 ft elevation and Mahogany Flat at 8,200 ft elevation.
Death Valley National Park’s reputation of being the hottest and driest, of the National Parks, is well deserved. A temperature of 134°F was recorded on July 10th, 1913, being the highest temperature ever recorded under standard conditions on the North American continent. Now remember, surface temperatures can reach as high as 201°F, where humidity is literally non-existent.
One of the things about Death Valley, that caught me by surprise, was the amount of area, within the park, designated as a Federal Wilderness, 95%.
The road traversed to reach the Ractrack Playa is designated as a primitive road, by the National Park Service. This road is maintained twice a year, and is 27 miles in length. The National Park Service recommends visitors traveling to this area to be experienced four wheel drivers, with sturdy and high clearance vehicles. It has been my experience that the road there and back, is purposely populated with sharp and aggressive rocks, just waiting for those that creep too close to the edge of the road. Travel at your own risk.
Scotty’s Castle can be toured by signing onto a guided tour. The maximum allowable visitors, on the tour, is 19. I asked the Ranger; “Why 19?” The response I received was; “With the Ranger, giving the tour, it would be 20 and that is the maximum we find is comfortable in many of the places visited within the tour.” Well, I guess 19 is a good round number on very popular 50 minute tour, of the main house. These tours are on an hourly schedule, between November and mid April.
An 18 hole golf course is located within Death Valley National Park, which is always something I find a incongruous, within a National Park, let alone one that is 95% of the park designated as a Wilderness. A number of my friends have played this course and have given it a good report. You can find this golf course at Furnace Creek. Maybe you might have it on your “Bucket List.”
Artist’s Drive is a 9 mile long paved scenic loop drive. It can be found about ten miles south of Furnace Creek Visitor Center. The curving one way road is accessed from Badwater Road and travels through the colorful rock formations, for which its name originated. One of the best vantage points, along this loop, is Artist’s Palette. This route is also very popular with Cyclists, as is many of the roads, within the park.
The average annual precipitation on the valley floor, which is rendered arid by a location that is inland, downwind from high mountains, and dominated by subsiding air from a subtropical high pressure cell, is only 1.9 inches a year. Heavy downpours, that occasionally occur, can cause hazardous flash floods and sometimes even create a huge shallow lake on the valley floor.(Manly Lake) Winter and spring rains can yield spectacular wildflower blooms and people arrive every year to be there when they bloom.
The lowest point in North America is naturally in Death Valley National Park, at Badwater Basin. For me, I find this an amazing fact, 282 feet below sea level. But Badwater Basin is not the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere (Ref-National Park Service's National Parks Index 2009-2011 (aka the "red book"). That distinction goes to Argentina's San Julian's Great Depression (344 feet below sea level).
One of the areas that has always intrigued me, in Death Valley, is the area known as the; "Racetrack Playa." (a playa is a dry lake bed). What goes on, on this dry lake bed is a continuing mystery to so many parties, in addition to myself. These rocks can be found on the surface, of the Playa, and long trails play out behind them, in deep and shallow furrows.
The question becomes, what, whom or how do these rocks, some as heavy as several hundred pounds. “How do they move?”
No one really knows for sure, how these rocks move. There have been many people that have come forward with their own theories; some of these explanations seem pretty plausible. But, even now, it still is a mystery.
The surface of the lake bed (Playa) is almost perfectly flat. This surface is made up mostly of silt and clay. I must say, it is very, very hard.
So, are they moved by, People or Animals? Moved by the wind? Are they moved by Ice, aided by the wind?
I will leave this for you, to ponder . . . .
It should be noted that Death Valley National Park is a VERY large park and planning any trip within and outside of the park, should take in this fact with your planning. Traveling from the Furnace Creek area, the Racetrack Playa takes approximately 1½ to 2 hours of travel time, depending on weather and road conditions. Always plan accordingly and plus the fact that the sun sets earlier here, due to ridge lines. Being out in the dark, in the desert, can be very disorienting, so plan for returning in the dark and learn the route you traveled in.
Getting to the Racetrack, can often be a challenge, all unto itself. During different times of the year, the road returns to its normal condition, rock strewn, and washboard to the n'th degree. We were lucky, as this was the time of year that the Park Service performs one of its twice annual maintenance grading of the road, out to the Racetrack. Even with this recent grading, the road is something to be considered, before venturing down its 27 miles of unpaved road. Of course, some visiting the area could really care less and their only interest is to go along, as was the case with my buddy, Keiss. He enjoyed curling up on one of my favorite pullovers.
Getting to the Racetrack, can often be a challenge, all unto itself. During different times of the year, the road returns to its normal condition, rock strewn, and washboard to the n'th degree. We were lucky, as this was the time of year that the Park Service performs one of its twice annual maintenance grading of the road, out to the Racetrack. Even with this recent grading, the road is something to be considered, before venturing down its 27 miles of unpaved road. Of course, some visiting the area could really care less and their only interest is to go along, as was the case with my buddy, Keiss. He enjoyed curling up on one of my favorite pullovers.
Sometimes things can't get any better than hanging out with two great friends, (L to R), Curt, Ellis & myself, (Keiss, my Scotty dog, is at the bottom of the picture too, at Curt's feet), for a few weeks and then throw in one of the most amazing places on earth. I am a lucky guy, many times over.
Teakettle Junction has become a bit of a destination, all on its own. Many make the trip, just to photograph the eclectic array of Tea Kettles, hanging from this important signpost. The cacophony of sound, on a windy day is an Aria' of its own. Each of the kettles is a different shape and color. There is no two alike and across the faces of many of them, are messages left by their originators. It is an interesting place to stop and spend a few minutes reading the quotes.
It would seem most people have been in a position of needing to take a picture of the group you are traveling with and no one is around to hold and snap the shutter. Even I find myself in this position. I feel like I have a sense of knowledge in the workings of a camera and maybe getting lucky in capturing a pretty good one, once in a while. Sometimes, my talent runs out and I inadvertently end up with one like the one above.
The road is 27 miles of washboard, ruts, rocks, dust and an occasional tortoise, so any way to get there is an adventure in itself. For me, this day was not any different as I went out there on my motorcycle, one of three trips to the site, during my five week visit to Death Valley National Park.
I will always be partial to motorcycles and Death Valley's two most numerous motorized vehicles, by my observations, were Jeeps and Motorcycles. So, when I arrived in the southern parking area of the large Playa I found this motorcycle (pictured), parked there. Already, it was leaking oil onto the surface of the parking area, from many of its engine gaskets. I was a bit curious, why a bike in this condition would be out in such a remote location.
I will always be partial to motorcycles and Death Valley's two most numerous motorized vehicles, by my observations, were Jeeps and Motorcycles. So, when I arrived in the southern parking area of the large Playa I found this motorcycle (pictured), parked there. Already, it was leaking oil onto the surface of the parking area, from many of its engine gaskets. I was a bit curious, why a bike in this condition would be out in such a remote location.
A short hike from the parking area brings one out onto the Racetrack Playa. This Playa is shockingly hard and gritty. It is approximately 2½ miles long (north to south) and about 1¼ miles wide (east to west). It is covered with this gritty material, (silt and Clay) mosaic shaped patterns, in a seemingly endless level surface. To actually get to these mysterious rocks, requires an easy ½ mile hike. The accumulation of the rocks seems to begin at the toe of the mountainside, on the south side of the Playa. Here, you will find the majority of the multiple, or “twin” rocks. It is obviously the birthing area of these rocks tracking across the Playa surface. As you hike to the North and East, you will find how these rocks separate and begin their unique solo journeys’ across the Playa. One of the fascinating things that I found was that many of the farthest rocks (to the north and far east side of the Playa) were easily over a few hundred pounds and maybe heavier. Even that did not seem to deter these rocks from their work, moving ever so slowly, and deliberately, across the Playa.
During my three trips to the Racetrack Playa I worked on different tactics of photographing these interesting subjects. They were obviously not saying too much, so I didn’t have any of the issues I often am beset with, with subjects I photograph.
There are differing opinions in how to photograph these fast moving subjects and I offer that there is really no specific rules, except the one that I use with most of my subjects, move in closer. Try not to take pictures “head on,” but to take them from an angle. (Hint: Very helpful when taking photographs of flowers). I will leave it up to you, which of the viewpoints that appeals to the individual viewer.
During my multiple trips, to the Racetrack Playa, I met a number of very interesting people. One of these trips was to catch the late afternoon shadows, before the sun would set. Remember, the sun sets about an hour earlier, due to the mountains to the west. So it is best to plan accordingly.
During my three trips to the Racetrack Playa I worked on different tactics of photographing these interesting subjects. They were obviously not saying too much, so I didn’t have any of the issues I often am beset with, with subjects I photograph. 
There are differing opinions in how to photograph these fast moving subjects and I offer that there is really no specific rules, except the one that I use with most of my subjects, move in closer. Try not to take pictures “head on,” but to take them from an angle. (Hint: Very helpful when taking photographs of flowers). I will leave it up to you, which of the viewpoints that appeals to the individual viewer.
During my multiple trips, to the Racetrack Playa, I met a number of very interesting people. One of these trips was to catch the late afternoon shadows, before the sun would set. Remember, the sun sets about an hour earlier, due to the mountains to the west. So it is best to plan accordingly.
Earlier I had mentioned a Duct Tape covered Multi-Sport Motorcycle. Obviously, the bike came in with a rider and the story of the rider was just as multilayered as the motorcycle. He became aware to me, by the name of Tristan. His story unfolds ahead;
“Excuse me.”
I heard the distinct French accent from the person, over my shoulder. I was at this moment, prone across the Playa of the famous Death Valley National Park Racetrack. I was working hard at focusing my camera viewfinder onto a rock. Yep, just a rock.
“Of course I would be happy to help you out;” remembering the unique motorcycle; I had parked mine next to at the trailhead to the Playa. What made this unique was the amount of Duct Tape, everywhere on the motorcycle. This extended to the rear view mirrors, tail light assembly and the entire light assembly and the entire black vinyl seat that was now transformed to be entirely Duct Tape Silver. I had focused on the different seals, on the bike, as oil seemed to be leaking from every joint and orifice of the bike’s engine. If the Duct Tape was being functional, the many stickers irreverently everywhere about the bike, seemed to be working in concert in holding things together. Yes, I had noticed the bike when I arrived. So much so, I had paused to take a picture of it.
“Yes, my starter does not work and I can only start it by bump starting it.” Again with that thick accent, as I continued to work on my photography, in the quickly diminishing light. Not that I was ignoring him, but the sun was going down and I was hoping to get some distinct shadows from this time of day. He continued to keep me company, talking to me about how he had left his other friends, as they rode their own bikes a different direction. One should know, this location we were both found ourselves at, is considered one of the most remote locations in the park. It is not the easiest of places to get to, as a 27 mile rock and washboard road must be traversed to get here. Yes, my mind was questioning why this person would have risked taking a suspect motorcycle, to such a remote location and at a questionable time of day. With the late hour, it could be a risk for a safe return, across even unfamiliar roads. So I agreed to give him a jump start, when I got back to the trailhead. But I did share that I was going to continue to work on my photography, until after sunset.
I wandered away, in search of the perfect rock to photograph. Yes, my life if very full and rewarding. I am just boring as I find a fascination of rocks. I met another group of photographers, with a large 8X10 Plate Glass Ebony Camera and hung with them until long after the sun had set. Wandering back to the trailhead, I found the Frenchman’s motorcycle gone and a note placed on my own motorcycle, explaining his ability to depart, with the help of another group that had come by. He wrote, thanking me and for the first time, I learned his name; Tristan.
Like many of my adventures, the stories are what make my travels quite exceptional. With that the story of Tristan, is only beginning.
While dressing into my riding gear, as the temperatures were now hovering just above freezing, (The air temperature is indicated on the dash of my Motorcycle) and I suited up. In the peripheral of my vision, I saw a dark shadow, move from my left, about 20 feet from me. I don’t like using flashlights, as they impact my night vision and I am comfortable with being in the dark, even as it was now with no moon. Recognizing that this shape indicated something moving and alive, I reached in my bag and grabbed my Olympus point n’ shoot camera, quickly and silently as could possibly be to capture the quiet interloper, as he came from the deep shadows to investigate me. (I will post this picture within the Death Valley Album at a later time. So it will be there that you will discover who, or what this was, that padded in so silently.)
I started up the motorcycle, for the long ride out on a high clearance and sometimes 4wheel drive road. I was taken aback by the starting of the BMW. The motor took, but there was not headlight, complete darkness, save for the tail light. Walking around to the front, tapping on the lens, I found that I was now over 90 minutes from my campsite and the temperatures were continuing to drop. Turning the auxiliary lights on, they worked. Turning the high beam light on, it worked, so there was not too much concern, for getting out, that night. There was no one back at camp, to miss me that night, save my Scotty Dog, so I worked my way, carefully and slowly, down the road. The entire time, I never passed another vehicle, well until I made it out to the main road.
On the main road, I came to the Junction to Stove Pipe Wells,(to the west), or Furnace Creek (to the southeast). I watched as a National Park marked vehicle turning in front of me, who then stopped right next to me.
“Hey, are you ok?” The ranger asked me, through the open window of his Dodge Police pick-up truck.
“Sure, I am heading back to Furnace Creek and the campground there.” I happily shared with the ranger.
“Oh, Ok. I thought you were another motorcyclist that we are looking for. His friends have reported him overdue and we have been looking for him.”
Just that moment, his radio chirped, momentarily distracting the young ranger and then got back to me; “Oh, they just located him, he is back at his campsite, with his friends. I had not really thought it was you, as his bike was reported to be pretty beat up with lots of Duct Tape on it.”
“Yes, I know who you were looking for, as I saw him a couple of hours ago, at the Racetrack.”
Chuckling to myself and thinking; Tristan does get around. With that the Ranger bid me goodbye and encouraged me to be careful, as I did to him too. He never mentioned my lack of a headlight.
I arrived back at camp, almost 2 hours after leaving the Racetrack, tired and happy that I had secured some photos that I had wanted to get. Keiss was happy to see me too.
My friend Ellis had left earlier, in the week, to drive up to Yosemite National Park to see an old friend. He had earlier said he would be back by the weekend.
Two days after my eventful day at the Racetrack, Ellis returned to our campsite and we were soon sharing what each of us had been doing and all the adventures we had in the week that had gone by.
My ears perked a bit as Ellis shared he had decided to take an additional day, on the road back, to stay at a campground near Darwin Falls, at the Panamint Springs Campground. As I listened to him tell me about his evening and drinking beer with some of the people he had met there. Ellis shared that there had been this Frenchman there, on a motorcycle camping near him.
I pulled out my iPhone and showed him a picture on it.
Ellis exclaimed; “Yes, that is the Frenchman on the motorcycle I was talking about.”
“I thought so and his name was Tristan.” I shared.
Ellis queried; “How did you know that and where did you take that picture?”
Yes, my adventures are really in a world that is truly a small world.
It is not that unusual for me to meet others, photographing subjects that I am interested in too. The Racetrack Playa, was certainly a place where many were taking pictures, but those that were really working on them, were the exception. I had purposely made the journey here, a 90 minute ride on my motorcycle, from camp to get here in time for the sunset. This would put me riding back in the dark, through a rough backcountry road of 27 miles, before hitting the paved park roads. This evening I met Jim Becia, with his amazing large format camera, an Ebony Camera (Link) 8X10. Jim's work can be found on his website; Spirit Light Photography.
Each time I snapped a picture (with flash), of the Desert Kit Fox (Vulpes velox), it would disappear into the darkness, of the nearby sage. I patiently waited, in the enveloping darkness, for the Fox to return. He did, two more times.
A Desert Kit Fox is very different than the types of Foxes that is seen in many parts of America. What has surprised many biologists is how many wild animals are actually adapting very well within an urban environment. Foxes are one of these species that is prospering. I am not sure how many have really watched a Fox, up close, but the thing that has struck me, is how small they really are. Take away their bushy tail, and they are really small. A Desert Kit Fox is a smaller subspecies of the commonly found, Gray and Red Fox. A Desert Kit Fox is not much bigger than a well grown house cat, about 20 to 30 inches long (including the 10-12 inch tail). As you can see in the picture, they have very large ears and a thick sandy-yellow fur. With a color like this it is easy to see how easily they blend into their environment, Death Valley.
Desert Foxes feed on Kangaroo Rats, lizards, mice and large insects. It is easy to see how they supplement their thirst for moisture. They hunt by digging out rodents, from their underground burrows. They are really great at stalking these smaller mammals too, just like a cat. They also will consume sweet, fleshy fruits and or berries, which helps supplement their need for life giving moisture.
Young Desert Kit Foxes are called kittens and when they are born in early spring, typically in a litter of four to five. These kittens will remain with the adult pair, their parents, until April or May. Like typical mammals, they are generally solitary, living and hunting alone. It is hard to say what might have prompted the Desert Kit Fox, to be as brazen as this one, possibly the availability of food. Possibly, the frequent visitors, within this parking area, had removed their fear to approach people. This is another a good reason not to purposely, or accidentally, feed wildlife.
Pictured here is my ever patient and loyal Scottish Terrier, Keiss, who turned 11 this last March. Dogs are prohibited in National Parks, except where designated, such as campgrounds, paved paths and sidewalks as well as parking areas. None the less pets have lots of opportunities to join you on your adventures and mine often was along for the ride and the winter season is perfect for pets to join you, visiting Death Valley National Park, with the cooler day time temperatures. It is hard to believe, but the ground in this picture is actually the surface of the desert. While it looks very much like concrete, but in reality it is just sandy soil.
One of the things that I enjoy, while visiting National Parks, is the diversity in the things to do and see. Hiking is one of my priorities and in the case of the name, Ubehebe, you hit a triple’, a hike to a mountain peak, a historical mine site and a volcanic crater.
To get there, it is a 45 mile drive, NW from Furnace Creek, off of Scotty’s Castle Road, then turn onto Ubehebe Road, traveling the final 5.7 miles to the parking area.
I will start with the Ubehebe Crater, as it is on the road back from a trip to the Racetrack Playa. This site is easily driven right by it, in the drive back to Stovepipe Wells or Furnace Creek, but I would suggest a stop and maybe a hike. The overlook, provides an excellent view of the Ubeheve Crater which is almost a ½ mile rim to rim and the hike to the bottom, 1.3 miles is easy to moderate, in difficulty. I must say that this crater is dramatic, in that the rim of the crater is well defined and the Alluvial fans of debris are evidently tearing down the crater’s edges. The depth of the crater is over 500 feet and there is a trail that takes you around the crater, 1½ mile in length, as it will take you near additional craters, as well. Worth noting, is the fun it is to listen to others as they try to pronounce the word; Ubehebe.
Way back in the mid 70s, I was visiting a friend and there on his kitchen table, was a small pamphlet on a place called; Scotty's Castle. Even way back then, it made an impression on me, so much so that I wanted to visit it, thirty-five years ago, as much as I like visiting it to this day. Each time I visit Death Valley, it is one of the “must do” events I plan on scheduling. There are many things to do, while visiting the area, such as hiking the various trails and sites, the multiple tours that are available through the Park Service Interpretive program as well as visiting the small visitor Center, located on the grounds.
The Scotty’s Castle Visitor Center is open to the public Daily, (Winter 8:30 am - 5:30 pm/Summer 8:45 – 4:30 pm). It is approximately 55 miles north of Furnace Creek, in the northeast portion of Death Valley National Park. The highlight to many of the visitors to Scotty’s Castle is the many tours that are available. They have walk up reservations, on these tours that run, “on the hour.” You can also make advance reservations for these tours, 24 hours in advance, but going to the internet site; Recreation.Gov for reservations at Scotty's Castle or by calling 1-800-444-6777. Tickets, for the tours, are on a first come first serve basis, the day of the tour.
You are immediately aware you are entering an estate of importance or of personal importance. Entering the property now is from the service side of the estate, as the main entrance is closed and found a short distance to the West, via an Entrance Arch. Immediately to your right, are the Visitor center and a small snack area, which is very convenient as there are no services within this region, for the public.
For me, the highlight of Scotty’s Castle was actually getting the chance to go inside, the self proclaimed Castle. After visiting San Simeon’s Hearst Castle or Biltmore Estate, this residence is actually modest. But what makes this site exceptional, is the location and the history of it being built in Death Valley National Park.
Having a tour guide, is one of the great things that is available in really immersing yourself into the history and culture of what created this location. What really makes it work, the tour guides dress in the period clothes and conduct themselves as if they were and in the period they are representing. But, don’t think that they are not there to protect the exhibit from those that are not aware or, sadly, don’t care.
As you drive into the entry driveway, you are met by the vertical positioning all around you. In front of you and behind you are large arches, to announce your entrance and to serve as walkways, for upper levels to the smaller residences to the north building.
Behind the West arch, is the self sustaining Powerhouse building, with its towering functioning Clock Tower.
Even though the main house did not take the form of an ideal castle, the power house, and adjacent clock tower, does.
Detail is something that I enjoy discovering and spending more time investigating it, as in this tile sundial. It is located in the large entry drive, on the shaded side of the Castle. This shaded area affords an opportunity for arriving and departing guests, and their vehicles, to come to rest in the cooler portion of the Castle.
After entering the Castle, you are immediately in the Main Room. It is evident, from the dark shading that you are in an environment that is overly sunny. To combat the heat of the summer sun, the Castle has been constructed with thick Adobe walls and smaller windows with heavy coverings. I was struck how spacious an area it was, but small in area with a two story ceiling.
The details to bring the aura of a possibility that the spirit of Scotty walking through one of the many heavy wooden side doors, is often overwhelming for the guests to the castle. Even though the Castle was not his actual place of residence, his presence and influence was often evident throughout.
This Copper Bas Relief is a great example of one of the important mining minerals found and mined within the Death Valley Area. Throughout the Castle grounds, the early mining history was held in high regard.
With the new digital cameras, a new world of opportunity taking pictures is now available. With just the change of camera settings, i.e.; White Balance, Shutter Aperture and Shutter Speed, interior photography can be accomplished with a decision of whether to use or not use, their flash. Some things will be in better focus by not utilizing a flash, as that pulls the shutter speed into a different setting. The result is it does not freeze moving subjects and the result is an unplanned blurring. What is now an increasing annoyance is when others around you are using their flashes, when you don’t and their camera flash just overexposes your photos with strange and sometimes amazing results.
Throughout the estate, you are quickly aware in how important water is and was. The estate was originally chosen to occupy this site, due to its close proximity to a natural spring. Within the main house are a number of modern, for the time, water features. One of these features is a fountain in a second story courtyard, near the north residences of the main house. Decorative as it was, with its colorful colors and detail, it always served a purpose of elevating the humidity of the nearby rooms.
When the estates actual location began to be called into question, due to a dispute of an earlier survey, a number of long term projects were stalled and eventually abandoned. The incomplete cement pond is often debated as to whether there were really plans of it being completed. Whatever the actual plan, the reality is that it was never completed and continues to remain uncompleted.
During the heady times of the 20s, the upper crusts were very wealthy, like William Randolph Hearst, Waite Phillips, William Allen White and Albert Johnson. They often entertained Hollywood celebrities, at their ranches. These celebrities would often be ferried by the newer airplanes of those days, to these remote locations. They would arrive and live the simple life for days and sometimes weeks. To ferry these guests and friends, some of the newest automobiles were gathered to further the reputation of that era of opulence. Some of the vehicles, of that time, have remained and are on display at the two car garages.
Immediately behind Scotty’s Castle, is a small hill with a Cross atop it. There is a short trail that begins on the north side of the Power House Castle and circles the hill, to the top of the hill. It is an easy hike and the higher vantage point is well worth the effort to hike to the top of the hill.
The significance of the hill behind Scotty’s Castle is the final burial place for the irascible Walter Scott. When Scotty died on January 5th, 1954 and was subsequently buried atop the hill, where he could continue to oversee a home he thoroughly enjoyed but always preferred a more simple life. A marker was placed at his burial location, commemorating his efforts and work in Death Valley and what eventually became known as; “Scotty’s Castle.”
From atop, the hill where the final resting place of Walter E. Scott lies, is a good vantage point of what has become known as; Tie Canyon. It can be seen to the West of Scotty’s Castle, hidden behind a ridge. When the railroad line, that originated from Scotty’s Junction and traveled west along the grade to a terminus just east of Scotty’s Castle, was abandoned, many of the remaining railroad ties were salvaged and taken down to this side canyon to be stored. These many decades later, the large mounds of railroad ties remain, as well as many of the trappings of life and their resulting debris in the form of rusted out trucks, cars, washing machines, benches and many other indescribable and discernable items. These discards were actually a result of what one once did, throw out the old, into a desolate location or excavated deposit. It was just accepted then, where no one would be just astonished someone would even think this was acceptable. How things change.
Each time I visit, my mind will wander to a time and era that the inhabitants of this estate were living within. In my own mind, I could imagine Scotty, stooped shouldered, hat askew and leading his favorite mule down the trail towards his own residence down at the Lower Vine House. To only begin another day of meeting and storytelling, with the arriving tourists.
Looking skyward, Scotty still seems to be not that far away, maybe not in a physical form, but in a spirit.
I must confess, my friend’s wife was a Guide for Scotty’s Castle, for many years and one of the tours that I had been alerted to take, was the Lower Vine Ranch Tour. Many visitors, to Scotty’s Castle, were initially left with the impression that Scotty actually lived at the castle. Actually, he lived in a cabin that was at a distant location, Lower Vine Ranch, and Scotty commuted everyday to the Castle, initially by hiking up the canyon with his mule and then later, by automobile. Mr. Johnson wanted Scotty to live better and originally commissioned his architect to design and build modern conveniences into the ranch center, to match the Castle. Scotty was not at all for this and eventually there was a compromise, between the two of them and a cabin and a number of out building were built. Mr. Johnson won out on the small details of the finish carpentry work and this is still visible today. Of course Scotty was not for anything special and when he found that the workers were installing a bathroom, with tub, he promptly dragged it outside and used it there, prompting Mrs. Johnson (Bessie) to always announce her approach, with a few blasts of her car horn, as she drove up the lane. The fact was, you might find Scotty in any phase, or lack thereof, while he was at the Lower Vine Ranch.
The Lower Vine Ranch Tours do not run every day, so it is important to verify with the schedule, to make a reservation. Those going on the tour, meet at Visitor Center in Scotty’s Castle and then caravan down to the area, where parking is along the road. From there, the two attending interpretive Rangers lead you up to the ranch. The trip is approximately 2½ miles, not strenuous, but you should plan for a hike in the desert and it is a mildly up hill, one way. The Rangers work very hard to be informative and interested in your questions, so be prepared to take advantage of this fact.
As mentioned before, Scotty shunned modern conveniences and preferred the simpler things, from an earlier age he had lived. He kept his “refrigerated items, in this feature, covered with the tarp, from the sun’s rays.
The one amenity that Scotty did accept was one of the modern porcelain stoves of the era. The stove is one of the few items that remain.
Of note, when the Park Service purchased the former Johnson properties (a.k.a. Scotty’s Castle and acreage) from the Gospel Foundation, in 1970, the Lower Vine Ranch sat vacant for many years, with occasional use for NPS Staff housing. It was not that many years ago that the Park Service’s Regional Offices identified the ranch as a missed opportunity to renovate and improve for housing. Thus, removing the opportunity for historical preservation. Well, that didn’t sit well with the people of the area and supporters of Scotty’s Castle and an organized effort was started for lobbying the Park Service to stop this directional turn for the Lower Vine Ranch. Before calmer heads prevailed, many of the upgrades had been started or completed, only to be removed and the Ranch brought back to the condition it is today.
When the weather cooperated, Scotty would sleep on this bed (frame), in the very simple bedroom. His way of taking care of the domestic duties of the Ranch, was to hang his clothes, hats, requisite red ties, on nails he would pound into the surrounding walls. What might seem cluttered to others was functional for Scotty.
If you look closely you can see the red tiled floor, which in reality is stamped concrete. The detail of the outside of the cabin was brought indoors, in the same detail of herringbone Redwood Shake style wall coverings.
A Millipede; an Arthropod is an interesting insect to watch and scare your sisters and teachers with. They are harmless and can be identified with the simple fact, that they have two legs per body segment. Their defensive posture is to curl up in a coil. Many of us have played with; “Rolly Polly’s,” or a “Pill Bug.” Yes, Rolly Polly’s’ are millipedes, just a smaller version.
Of course, why would anybody be interested in an ugly bug? Right? Well, me I guess. When I see bugs like this, it alerts me that there is something decaying and loose soil. This is what made me stop and watch it, which immediately got the attention of the Ranger, assigned to us. (sort of like the “keepers” that are assigned to people while visiting countries, like North Korea) I assured her that I was not doing anything untoward, as I squatted with my camera in front of my face, pointed at some unseen object, the ranger’s admission. This supports my frequent statement that the desert is not as some believe, a wasteland, but an interesting environment to be enjoyed and investigated.
A visit to Death Valley National Park, would not be complete unless I was able to witness the beginning of the spring wildflower blooms. Even though I was there for the month of February, there were a few blooming and others showing signs of the spring change.
Wild Heliotrope ~ Phacelia bombycina ~ This delicate, purplish lavender flowered plant, exists in the desert of the southwest. I found this flowering wildflower, while hiking across the great expanse of alluvial fan debris from a side canyon, northeast of Badwater, in Death Valley National Park. I have come to understand that this small wildflower is actually very common and easily found in the spring. It flourishes in the rock slopes of these side canyons, rocky slopes and roadsides. The latter is probably not a place it is seen often, as it is a very small plant and the blooms, even smaller, in that they are not much bigger than a dime. The lavender, to purple flowers grows in very tight clusters. For this reason, they are more difficult to photograph as in that they are closely bunched together, with buds ramped up to further bloom, in subsequent days. This bunching does not allow the photographer to adjust the composition, so they are left to fracture the formation, to create a more eclectic composition.
Of interest, many desert flowers and shrubs possess medicinal powers for the earlier settlers and inhabitants of the area. When the flower is crushed, it has an unpleasant odor, much like a skunk odor. Some people will develop a skin allergy, when exposed to the plant, much like a poison-ivy reaction/allergy.
A closer view of the Wild Heliotrope, reveals the debris (aerosols) that becomes airborne with the seemingly constant winds of the desert. They stick to these tiny “hairs” along the stems, buds and flowers. Amazingly, the small little “pebbles” are actually sand particles and pollen, lots of pollen. The only thing I can think about is how difficult this has to be to negotiate as a tiny insect.
Desert Mallow ~ Sphaeralcea ambigua ~ This is a shrub that I found growing in a draw, of a dry wash area in the Dunes area of Mesquite Flats, Death Valley National Park. This shrub is a perennial and becomes showy in the spring. The thing I noticed most about this shrub, that grows 20 to 40 inches in height, was how dull the color of the leaves was, on this shrub. They really...
Wildflower identification is subjective. By that I imply, is it really necessary to assign a name to something as beautiful as a flower? Not really. But to appreciate a subject, knowing more about it often enhances that appreciation and that is what I go with. I just want to know and learn more about things. Of course, the old fall back, in my College Botany class, was; “Pretty Little Flower,” or the PLF factor. I have read that term in this forum too and would just interject that this classification is used at a higher level of discussion. Nothing helps better, than a good Flower Identification book, with pictures!
100 Desert Wildflowers ~ Western National Parks Association, by; Janice Emily Bowers & Abby Mogollon
I often scan over any park bookstore or displays for books on history, geology, hiking, wildflowers and animals. This book is a good one in that it provides some well composed pictures of wildflowers. Within the text are excellent descriptions, names, characteristics and ranges, where these wildflowers might be found. Even though there are only 100 wildflowers listed, these are a good representation of what someone would find in the desert of the Southwest. Plus you can purchase it for less than 10 bucks!
This is a book that I have used for a long time and I like it in that there are large varieties of wildflowers within. The best part, they are listed by color. A true botanist will arrange a plant by it structural makeup, i.e., petal type, number, leaf arrangement and the like, but I cheat and look for color too, then begin the botanical checklist. But for quick and accurate identification, I like to see color, range found and the pictures. This book fits my needs and more.
Ok, for those purists, amongst us, this book does not have the "pretty little pictures," but it does have excellent pen and ink drawings. For classifications of Trees and Shrubs, which the former is a rare occurrence, or at least of considerable height, this book will help you. The arrangement in this book is by color and species. For the cost, it is a great book to help identify shrubs and trees, for less than 4 bucks.
One of the things that are useful for me, is researching the areas and activities that I plan to visit. Being active in these locations is a priority for me, whether it is checking out the sites, photographing various subjects, fishing or kayaking, finding a good guide and map is a priority.
One of the great opportunities, in exploring a park, is the numerous hikes and off trail exploring available. Two great resources, for this type of discovering Death Valley National Park, are the following books;
This is a great book for grabbing and quick reading and descriptions. Plus it fits neatly into the back pocket, or the corner of your day pack, or fanny pack. It lacks detail descriptions and explanations of the geology, that is an important part of the park. If you are looking for a quick informative “cliff notes” style of hiking guide, this will fit your needs.
If you are interested in the minutia of details, this is a great book for you. I would not include this 2 pound, 542 page book, into my day pack, but it would be my first choice for preplanning and post debriefing, of any hike planned or accomplished. Both of these books are a must have, IMHO, for anyone that wants to get beyond the roads and trailheads, or learning more about the geology and the land less traveled.
If you are wishing to learn more about the rich history of Death Valley and how it was discovered by a group of Argonauts’, as they traveled through the valley, as they traveled on their way to the storied gold fields of 1850 California. Death Valley is filled with the delusions of man and the ones that ventured into this illusionary land of elusive mineral wealth and lost bonanzas. Much of the history of Death Valley is mixed with fact and fantasy and ever since the first original Indian tribes, horse thieves, lost mine hunters, prospectors, millionaires and homesteaders, this group has been attempting to sort it out. This is definitely a book to tweak the interests, of someone interested in the history of the valley.
There has been a newer version printed, than the one I have and have pictured, so I am not familiar with the newer version. But, if you are looking for a guidebook that provides comprehensive information for all aspects of the park, you will be happy to have this book in your research library. The book is broken down in trips, giving detailed descriptions and recommendations for what will be seen in these specific areas, whether it is the geology or routes for hiking.
There is a common thread, woven through many of the western national parks in that they were once an integral part of the exploration of this country. When the world was mostly made up of people living off the land, a source of making an income was very important. With that, a strike it rich mentality was just as strong, in the early years of western America, as it is now. Much of the west was a “Boom and Bust” and Death Valley originally, earned that reputation, literally, by accident. My interest of the mining history is very strong and Death Valley has thousands of mines, dotting its landscape. Many people come to Death Valley National Park, to explore just that storied history and a good research book would be Death Valley to Yosemite. As always, follow the directions and signs for any investigation of mine sites, provided by the National Park. It is always a good idea to talk with a Park Ranger, or a quick visit to a Visitor Center, before visiting any of these many sites.
Death Valley Natural History Association is one of those jewels, found within many of our National Parks. These associations are staffed with many retired NPS members and people truly dedicated to the national parks. They provide funding for many projects that are often identified, but not funded by the National Park Service. These projects and many other worthwhile programs are provided by generous donations and Membership. With membership, to one of these associations, you often receive discounts on books and souvenirs in their shops and web sites. One of the other benefits in supporting the History Association, of your favorite National Park, is that your membership will often provide the same benefits in another National Park’s History Association’s Gift Store. So, joining one, you will join a nationwide association.
Each one of us has different interests and priorities in how we plan our trips and destinations, as in our case, Death Valley National Park. From my earliest memories of hiking with my father, back in the 50’s in Colorado, hiking has always been one of my biggest priorities, even growing up in Kansas. As the years progressed, I ended up with a root group of buddies where we would get together hike and backpack at many locations around the country. This all changed this year, but for the better. One of these buddies turned 70, in December, another 63 and then me, pushing the end of the 50s. Over the years, we have all retired, one had a stroke, as well as raising families, jobs and kids through college. In the past, we would be up early and off for some death march of a 12 – 14 mile hike, but not this year. We discovered that more of a relaxed day, hiking for 4 to 6 hours, getting back to camp for some reading and relaxing, then dinner, Star watching and bed was more the norm. Weeks later, we all admitted to each other, this change was something we all enjoyed making. Yep, you can teach an old dog new tricks.
So each morning began with some research of what activity/hike we were going to do that day. We have spent so much time with each other; we are comfortable with the silence.
Before we arrived, we came up with a list of hikes we were all interested and when the trip came to a close, there were even more on the list we would save for our next visit. Here is a list of some of the hikes and sites, we enjoyed;
Badwater Basin
Cottonwood Canyon
Marble Canyon
Mosaic Canyon
Grotto Canyon
Darwin Falls Canyon
Bridge Canyon
Telescope Peak (from Shorty’s Well) (snow and cold could interfere)
Keane Wonder Mine (Some areas are closed)
Desolation Canyon
Willow Falls Canyon (one of my favorites)
Sidewinder Canyon
Racetrack Playa
Natural Bridge Canyon
Golden Canyon to the Gower Gulch Loop (you can hike to Zabriskie Point, in the loop)
Ubehebe Crater
Mesquite Dunes
Eureka Dunes
Red Wall Canyon
Dantes View
Pyramid Canyon
Titus Canyon
(These were many of the hikes I did this last February, that I can remember, but there were more. But this gives anyone a good start in planning some hikes)
Cottonwood Canyon
Marble Canyon
Mosaic Canyon
Grotto Canyon
Darwin Falls Canyon
Bridge Canyon
Telescope Peak (from Shorty’s Well) (snow and cold could interfere)
Keane Wonder Mine (Some areas are closed)
Desolation Canyon
Willow Falls Canyon (one of my favorites)
Sidewinder Canyon
Racetrack Playa
Natural Bridge Canyon
Golden Canyon to the Gower Gulch Loop (you can hike to Zabriskie Point, in the loop)
Ubehebe Crater
Mesquite Dunes
Eureka Dunes
Red Wall Canyon
Dantes View
Pyramid Canyon
Titus Canyon
(These were many of the hikes I did this last February, that I can remember, but there were more. But this gives anyone a good start in planning some hikes)
Many are planning their first EVER trip to a National Park, and or various other locations just to get away. There are many sources to find information on the various parks and areas to explore. Most National Parks have History Associations and Death Valley National History Association is an excellent place to start, as is Amazon.com and other book warehouses. For just road touring the park, the map that is available from the Park’s Visitor Centers, will serve you very well. For those that wish to have more detailed information, you will find that in the many Trails Illustrated Maps available at many Barnes&Noble Booksellers and REI outlets, across the country and on Amazon.com, too.
Again, Death Valley is a park a number of people are not going to get’. All they will see is the wasteland that the desert is. In various sections of the park, you will be hiking miles in and you will suddenly come across an area where the tracks of a “four wheeler” is seen, digging ruts into the fragile desert, doing one after another set of doughnuts. Sometimes you will see this right along the road, near Badwater Basin. It would seem the ability to hold back and not pull out the four wheelers, after hours of driving to get to Death Valley, is not within their consciousness or abilities. I will say one thing, you will see a vastness of redundant viewscapes and the monotony of the canyons and alluvial fan debris washes. On the other side of the coin, couldn’t one say the same thing about the monotony of the mountainscapes and the endless areas of pine trees? Yes, one just needs to put things in perspective.
One of the favorite stopping places, for Car Touring, is Zabrinsky Point. This is a fantastic viewpoint, accessible from the East Entrance Road and affords a beautiful view (especially at sunset), of the valley What I would suggest is hiking up to the point, that can be accomplished by a loop trail, from the trailhead of Golden Canyon and return, through Gower Gulch Canyon. This is a moderate 6½ mile hike. From this trail, wonderful views of the powers of nature and grand vistas are available. The farther you hike into Golden Canyon, the more elevation is gained and best of all, the number of people encountered, lessens.
As it is with many of the Death Valley Canyons, they can be made into loops by scrambling/hiking over to an adjoining canyon. Just a little work in checking out the available maps and or guides, will provide this information. When this is done, a number of the classic hikes can be made into a loop, by just hiking out of the adjoining canyon and back to the original trailhead/parking area
One of my favorite hikes, in Death Valley, is a very seldom visited canyon; Willow Falls Canyon. The hike is round trip of 5 miles. The Willow Falls Canyon Trailhead is about 33 miles south on the Badwater Road (CA 178) from the Junction at the Furnace Creek Inn (Jct CA 190). This trailhead is unmarked and mile east of the highway. The canyon requires a bit of scrambling, towards the end, before you arrive at the headwall and its cascading ribbon of a waterfall, with a drop of approximately 70 feet. Signs of water are nonexistent, as the water exposed by the waterfall, quickly disappears into the porous rock debris wash, of the canyon floor. It is a seasonal waterfall, but one of the valley’s more dependable ones.
Willow Canyon is not marked and not that easy to find, as many of the canyons look very much the same but it is there, the second canyon from the left.
There are many distractions when hiking in and out of the canyon, in the form of slot canyons.
Sometimes the people I encounter are often like this couple. I watched this couple appear from around a corner. It was easy for my hiking partner and I to know someone was coming, because we could hear them talking long before we saw them. Sound will carry in a narrow rubble strewn canyon. Even though I seldom see people on the backcountry trails, it didn’t surprise me to see two hikers coming towards us. Those of you that do hike, and often in more remote locations, understand that there is sort of “rules” when you pass other people on the trail. One of them being that; “do you stop and talk?” Or do you; “just proceed by them?” This is sometimes without any communications at all. Me? I am more of the type of person that will always say “Hi!” slowing down or stopping. Often this is gauged by the amount of eye contact that is demonstrated, by the other party/s.
This time, this couple must have been interested in talking, as they slowed and stopped. We did too. They were very excited about sharing with us about the water fall ahead. Even though waterfalls are not that uncommon to find while hiking most national parks, this waterfall will be a rare find in a place like Death Valley. We spent more time talking with them, than we normally would and that is when I sprung, with one of my favorite questions; “Where are you folks from?” With this question, sometimes more information is available, to allow one to know more about someone, but the big reward is when the answer takes an unexpected turn, as it did this time. We soon learned the man was from San Diego and the lady was from Phoenix.
Hmmm, “Did you two know each other from before this trip?”
“Yes, we both had marriages that went different directions and both happened to be on a white water trip, in the Grand Canyon and met during this trip. We found we had a lot of things in common and started doing more outdoor things together. We sometimes meet here in Death Valley.” The lady shared.
Not being able to not ask more questions, my next one; “Did you both drive here to meet?”
“No, actually we met in Barstow. I like riding the Amtrak train, in from the station in Williams, AZ and I meet, (sorry I don’t remember the man’s name now) in Barstow and we drive up here together, as he drives up from San Diego.”
Please know the lady was not the only one responding, I just seemed to remember what she was sharing, more. To be honest, this type of meeting up with friends and then a future rendezvous has been happening to me more and more often. As an example, I met a new friend during my Gulf Coast exploring at the Gulf Islands National Seashore. This person has now met me in various locations, along my route. As my great adventure continues, I am starting to meet more and more familiar faces.
After sharing a little about ourselves, we all turned and continued on our hike, knowing that there should be another meeting of new people, like this one on another trail, at another time.
The amazing fact, is that all this alluvial wash of debris, collects and through massive pressure, fuses together to create such a strong structure, to support so many unusual features. Just like this series of photos from the many slot canyons, found in Death Valley National Park.
The water and their scouring debris, of these water events, take the path of the least resistance and carve their way through and into this slot canyons, creating arches and many other amazing features.
After our hike to Willow Falls Canyon, we returned, on another day, to the same trailhead and hiked up another canyon that left this trailhead, to the Southeast. This trail and canyon were aptly named; Sidewinder Canyon. With some of the side canyons, we were able to drop back down, via another canyon, to create another opportunity for hiking another canyon. Sidewinder Canyon, is dry canyon and eventually you begin scrambling and ending when your desire to scramble more, does not equal your ability. The Sidewinder Canyon trail is approximately a 5 mile hike, round trip.
Along the Sidewinder Canyon trail, you will find many hollowed out sites. This is just a great example of the force of the infrequent rain events and their impacts on the Valley. It is hard to imagine that this area could get rain enough to create features like these. But, when the ground lacks the ability to absorb any more moisture (permeability), the result will be rapid runoff.
The alluvial debris fields are frequent and massive, reminding how we are such a small part of this world.
Darwin Falls Canyon is one of those places that demonstrates the diversity within Death Valley National Park. Water is an important part of the existence of life, within the valley and the stark green of the Cottonwoods and Willows. The increase in humidity was noticeable, in stark contrast to the normal single digit humidity in the rest of the park. This location is found on the West side of the park, approximately 31 miles southwest of Stovepipe Wells Village.
The hike up to the falls and back is approximately 3 miles. You will be hiking along Darwin Creek, in Darwin Canyon. As the trail snakes back and forth, across the stream you are slowly gaining elevation, as well as the sound of water.
As you arrive at the bottom of the falls, a moderate and deep pool of cool refreshing water is visible. Darwin Falls is east of the area set aside by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and designated as the; Darwin Falls Wilderness. The stream that supplies the falls, originates from the China Garden Springs.
There is not any official trail, that leads up to the resulting hanging pools and falls, but with some scrambling, it is not that difficult in arriving at some additional falls, that are very dramatic. The views down the canyon you had just traversed, is very dramatic, from these elevated positions.
Natural Bridge Canyon is a popular trail for many of the visitors to Death Valley, so you will see people on this hike. But, it is worth going on the hike. It is a 2 miles round trip. You can find the trailhead, 14 miles south of Furnace Creek on the Badwater Road, when you come to the Natural Bridge sign, turn east, down the dirt and gravel access road for about 1½ miles, to the trailhead.
Marble Canyon is one of those places, found in Death Valley, if only you were to look, to find indications to the early human habitation of the area. In many ways, it is a remote location and for another, it is a sandy road that begins at the juncture of the road that goes into Stove Pipe Wells Campground. As you come to this juncture, bear left and you will soon be traveling past the primitive air strip, heading west towards the ridge line visible ahead. Travel westward for approximately 10.7 miles on Cottonwood/Marble Canyon Road. This road is mostly manageable by 2X4 vehicles. The improved portion of the road ends at a scenic overlook as it drops sharply into the Cottonwood Wash. Beyond this point, high Clearance vehicles are highly recommended. It is a tame wash, but there are some spots you will be happy you didn’t drive the family sedan.
That being said, I have observed a few people boondocking with some pretty simple campers and vehicles that pulled them. Of course, many people have never heard of the “weight or brake police.”
Continuing up the canyon, driving in and out of the Cottonwood Creek wash as you continue westerly. As you are negotiating the washes, be sure to watch the canyon walls, as there will be numerous opportunities to stop and investigate some of the numerous petroglyphs that are found here and throughout Death Valley National Park.
Sadly, in recent years these examples, of early inhabitants of the valley, have been vandalized, irretrievably. Many are readily visible, when westbound but harder to observe, when eastbound. Keep your eyes open, for these interesting examples of early man’s graffiti.
Snake Petroglyph
Tortoise Petroglyphs
Dancing Figures
Over the previous 45 years, I have backpacked all over America, visiting National Parks and many State Parks. In every National Park I have backpacked in, there is a permit procedure to secure a backcountry location. In Death Valley National Park, this does not exist. They will log your trip, but that is all. It is voluntary, as they don’t get too many requests for backpacking within the parks boundaries. I am told this is because of the lack of adequate water being available in the remote and backcountry locations.
One of these location for a great backpacking trip, is the 23 mile backpacking loop of traversing Cottonwood Canyon up to and into Marble Canyon by the way of Dead Horse Canon. The first part of the trip is 8½ miles up Cottonwood Canyon, dropping into Marble Canyon for the trip down to the trailhead, 7½ miles. Much of the additional miles can be absorbed by driving farther up Cottonwood Canyon. To get very far up this wash, does require a high Clearance Vehicle and 4 Wheel Drive.
Badwater Basin is the epitome of this definition of what is unique about Death Valley, it is starkly beautiful. So much so, it is one of the more popular places to plan for a place to visit. You will see a lone person, walking in the vast expanse of white of a long ago lake, Lake Manly. This salt pan is a 30 mile long plain that floods during rain events, only to quickly evaporate and leaving vast expanses of salt crystals. Badwater Basin is trapped between two mountain ranges and is significant in the fact that it is 282 feet below sea level.
What would be a family Road Trip, without the obligatory group photo? The Badwater Basin sign is a perfect focal point for the gathering of family members and true to form, we were walking by when solicited into this classic event.
All you need is that special person that you can ask, to take the family picture. This often happens to me, maybe because I travel alone and a single person is often an easier mark to use for this function. What people don’t realize, when they hand me their cameras, some of them very expensive, is I have these thoughts of just posing like I am taking their picture and then turning and running away with their camera! :B
One of the best things about visiting Badwater Basin is the vastness of the Salt Pan. You can literally walk miles out and across the basin. The farther you walk out, the less and less you see people and their impact on the crystals that are found, by inspecting the openings throughout the area.
I have to admit, that I still don’t understand how these very unique crystals form in such intricate hair like formations. Please, if someone could explain this process even further, I would appreciate it.
No matter how many times I visit Badwater Basin, it is never lost on me in how vast this expanse of Salt Pan truly is.
Just like when you are swimming in an ocean or a lake, you venture a glance back towards the shore and you realize you have gotten yourself a lot farther out, with your wanderings, than you had realized. Then you make the decision to head back to the shore.
Then you view the basin with the perspective of the surrounding mountains and ridges, it further dwarfs you in the world, which is Death Valley.
When we were visiting Death Valley, for the month of February of 2012, one of the persons in our party had some professional business with the National Park Service, so we ended up going to the Visitor Center during it’s 14 month renovation. Luckily, the Visitor Center did open before my departure, in March.
The center now has a great auditorium, for an opportunity for many of the visitors, to the park, to see various scenes in the park. The center also has a Ranger available, for current conditions and available sites to visit. Also available, is the Death Valley Natural History Association and their generous display of books, curios and postcards for the visiting tourists.
Remembering my two earlier visits to Death Valley, it was sometimes hard to see where the renovations actually occurred. Many of these renovations were structural and mechanical. Long overdue for a structure that was 50 years old and deserving of a makeover. The shaded patio was certainly an improvement of the previous patio, which is located between the public portion of the visitor center and the administration building, to the North.
One of the modern improvements was something that I have recently completed too, an abundance of Solar Panels, to supplement the power usesage of the federal buildings.
I have to admit, I do enjoy car touring too. Death Valley provides many opportunities to do just this, with its long distances to travel, between developed points of interests.
One of these locations, is one of my favorite to stop and tour around, The Harmony Borax Works. The site is easily accessible and well signed with interesting information on the history of the surviving exhibits and the location. The parking area is about 1½ miles north of Furnace Creek, on California Hwy 190. The site is the actual site of the Borax operation that was in use from 1883 to 1888. Borax, even to this day, is used in the manufacture of, ceramic, glass, detergent and soap. The industry was very changeable, just as many minerals of that era. Harmony Borax Works was not immune to these cycles, as well.
During the era of the mid to late 1800’s, it was not uncommon to use laborers of different nationalities. Often these nationals were virtually unemployable in many cities, as there was a distinct discrimination for many jobs, for Chinese, Irish and Africans. The Chinese were the most abundant nationality, used as laborers at the Harmony Borax Works.
There are a number of trails that originate from the parking lot trailhead, which takes you to different overlooks and viewpoints.
Death Valley never ceases to remind me, how there is so many unique environments, within the park. One of these locations is the Salt Creek Interpretive Trail. Within this location, and its surround drainages is a unique fish species, known as Death Valley pupfish, Cyprinodon salinus.
Of course, timing is all so important in catching a view of these very small fish and we were not lucky enough to see any of the Death Valley Pupfish. So, there is nothing to see here; just move along . . . well not exactly. To reach the parking area, travel a short 14 miles north of Furnace Creek. The trail is a little over a ½ mile, round trip.
The walk down to the boardwalks is actually worth the stop and visit. With all the green, there is a great contrast to the constant desert landscape.
The National Park Service’s requisite boardwalks, are used abundantly to bridge over many of the creek crossings and along the creek, to afford the visitors to have ample opportunity witness many of the creatures that occupy this brackish creek.
The most easily accessible Sand Dunes, in Death Valley, are the ones found directly off the road, east of Stovepipe Wells. There is ample parking and restrooms available at this wayside. A short walk to the dunes provides many hours of energy draining opportunity for younger explorers of the park. Obviously walking in the dunes can be difficult, but rewarding. The sand will be at a greater temperature, than the air temperature. So, if it is really hot out, stay off the sand. 
If you are interested in photographing the dunes, a couple of things to keep in mind, are sunlight and wind will be your friends. As often happens in Death Valley, the wind blows, or as a Kansan by birth, it sucks, and after these high wind events, the dunes erase all the offending footprints from all the sand revelers. Also, dramatic shadows can develop with the rising and setting sun. Due plan accordingly, for these shadows, as the times start earlier for sunsets, as the western mountain range creates an earlier sunset time, than published for the area, as well as later for sunrises. Also, plan on the time it will take, to hike out to the optimum location for these photo opportunities.
For those that look a little farther than the obvious, there are many signs that indicate life, within the desert. Small little tracks, with a line down the middle of them, indicate a Kangaroo Rat. A large pile of sand and debris, around any vegetation is often an indication of a burrowing animal, if you look a little further. These dens can often be found along dry drainages, which often is used as “roadways” for those animals in the desert. One factor of the desert created dunes is the impacts of the wind and how they sculpt. I find these interesting and very unique, like a fingerprint in how each of them is different.
An area that I still hope to visit, but seems to fall off the list of places to go, is the remote Eureka Dunes. These dunes are located in the remote desert valley, about 90 miles north of Furnace Creek. These dunes are the tallest in the state of California and second highest in all of North America.
There are some National Parks that lend themselves to photography very well; Death Valley fills this role perfectly well. Panoramic photographs just shine here and one thing that I have found to be very important, in panorama pictures, is to provide scale. This is where families can be involved with their photos, by placing themselves, or others, into these panoramic photos.
Another favorite is Sunrise and Sunset photographs. There are many locations to achieve this. These times are available through one of my favorite Apps’, WeatherBug (Cell Phone coverage is pretty much nonexistent in Death Valley). These times are often posted at the Visitor Centers and the message boards at the various Campgrounds. It is important to arrive early, as the sun often is setting later or earlier, than the posted times, due to physical limitations, such as the mountain ridges.
Some of my favorite locations for Sunrise and Sunset photos are as follows;
West Side Road
Any of the Sand Dune locations
Aguereberry Point
Golden Canyon Trail Head
Dante's View
Zabriskie Point
Badwater Salt Pan
Zabriskie Point
Artists Drive
Ubehebe Crater
One of the things I have discovered, while visiting Death Valley, is the popularity of the backroads and exploring of the features, often found in many remote locations. Many of these roads are very accessible to the novice, through Jeep Rentals at Furnace Creek or Furnace Creek Inn.
Many visitors just show up with their own 4X4 vehicles, some of them very well set up, for those really technical roads, within the park.
For Jeep excursions, I would recommend that you visit the following areas;
High clearance 2-wheel drive. 6-mile graded gravel road off Emigrant Canyon Road. After the first 3 1/2 miles, the road enters a narrows and climbs moderately. The next one-mile section has loose rock and bedrock protruding from the road surface. Sedans risk undercarriage damage. Final ½ mile ascent to Aguereberry Point is steep and has occasional rocks. Subject to snow and mud conditions during wet periods. Watch out for other vehicles on blind curves! No Camping. Day use only.
High clearance 2-wheel drive. 48-mile gravel road graded by county. First 36 miles unpaved, then 4 miles paved, followed by 8 additional miles unpaved, then paved to Big Pine. Expect dust and occasional rough spots first 3 miles. Very rough washboard. 4WD is recommended when washed out by floods. Often signed as CLOSED by Inyo County after floods. Visitors going past closed signs “do so at their own risk.”
Charcoal Kilns / Upper Wildrose Canyon Road
Most vehicles, paved but last 2 miles to kilns are graded, gravel road. No RVs or trailers. Regular vehicles possible but large rocks require caution and slow speed. Road closed during winter months if ice and snow create a hazard. Road continuing to Thorndike and Mahogany Camps is high clearance 2WD; high clearance 4WD during the winter. Camp only in designated campgrounds.
Most vehicles: There is limited parking at the trailhead. 2-mile graded gravel road off Hwy 190, then high clearance 4WD to park boundary and Darwin. First two miles are washboard. No camping first two miles or at the trailhead.
All vehicles. ½ mile graded, dirt road, 3.7 miles south of Hwy 190 on Badwater Rd; not marked. No camping. Completely washed away by August 15, 2004 flood. First half-mile graded and re-opened (10/06/05).
All vehicles. 1.3 mile graded gravel road off Badwater Road. Road closes when wet and muddy.
High clearance 2-wheel drive. 11-mile dirt road graded by county. Road to dunes is a bit rough and very washboard. It is often passable to sedans. From Hwy 395 the access road is mostly paved and signed Death Valley Road. The access road from the south is called the Big Pine Road and is a long graded, gravel road recommended for high clearance 2WD vehicles. Road beyond dunes is high clearance 4WD to Saline Valley.
High clearance 2WD. 28 mile graded, gravel road. From the north off Dante’s View Road the first two miles are slow and washboard. From the south end (Hwy 178) the road starts out fairly well but soon becomes washboard. No camping first two miles from either end.
High clearance 2WD. Approx. 20 miles of dirt road from Teakettle Junction to Hunter Mountain. Road through Hidden Valley and Ulida Flat is very washboard with deep dust in places and subject to flooding and standing water after rains. At the south end of Hidden Valley the road is steep and rough for approx. 1/4 mile. Note: Racetrack Road through Hidden Valley to Hunter Mountain and out to Hwy 190 is about a 120-mile trip. It is usually closed by snow at Hunter Mountain during the winter months.
All vehicles. Short, dirt road off Scotty’s Castle Road, 3 miles north of Hwy 190. No camping, designated day use area.
Keane Wonder Mine (Mine & Area closed due to hazards)
Most vehicles, limited parking at trailhead. 3 mile graded, gravel road, off Beatty Cut-Off Road. No camping.
High clearance 2WD. 1.5 mile gravel road beyond the Charcoal Kilns Road. Thorndike Campground is the last turn-around point, then the road becomes rough, narrow and very steep. Road is often closed or impassable from mid-December to mid-April due to snow and ice. 4WD may be necessary at any time depending on weather and road conditions. Sedans risk damage to undercarriage from large rocks. Recommend low gear for steep downhill on return trip. Camp only in designated campgrounds.
All vehicles. 2.4 mile graded, gravel road. Access is off Hwy 190 just west of Stovepipe Wells. Washboard. Provides hiker access to Mosaic Canyon.
All vehicles. Approx. 1.3 mile dirt road loop from Harmony Borax back to Hwy 190. Washboard.
High clearance 2WD. 34 miles of loose gravel, washboard, some protruding rocks. Moderate and long uphill grade (2400' in 9 miles). Sedans, vans and campers do negotiate this road occasionally but are not recommended. Posted 4WD, high clearance due to changing road conditions and irregular maintenance. Flat tires are common on this road; be sure your spare is in good shape. No camping first two miles or from Teakettle Junction to the southern end of the Racetrack. Do not walk on the Racetrack when it is wet!
High clearance 2WD road that traverses higher mountain terrain (7000' North Pass) and is more frequently affected by winter weather. Washboard and rocks. Expect washouts during rain. Graded once per year. From the Big Pine Road it is approx. 30 miles to turnoff to warm springs road.
Skidoo Mine (no camping permitted)
High clearance 2WD. 11 mile gravel road off Emigrant Canyon Road is graded annually to Skidoo Town site (no visible remains of the town site). After the first 3 1/2 miles, grade increases with rocks protruding from the road surface. Caution is necessary for sedans to negotiate without risking undercarriage damage. After the climb the road is narrow and steep on one side with occasional rocks in the road. Beyond the town site, roads are not maintained. Roads subject to snow and mud conditions. Watch for other vehicles on blind curves. Two access roads to the mill are gated and locked. Access is by foot only. No camping, day use only.
Titus Canyon (one-way section)
High clearance 2WD. 26 mile one-way section starts off Nevada Hwy 374. Road surface varies from washboard to wash outs across the road that would cause 2WD vehicles or small trucks to become high-centered. RVs and campers are too large and unstable to travel safely. Red Pass grade is steep and narrow, with sharp switchbacks and protruding rocks and potholes. Road is often closed in winter due to snow or flooding. Sometimes has rough washboard the first four miles. No camping, day use only.
Most vehicles. 2.6 mile one-way dirt road off Hwy 190. No RVs, trailers or buses. Near the end, road climbs steeply, turns right and drops down suddenly. It is not as bad as it looks; shift to lowest gear and go ahead slowly. Do not turn around and drive the wrong way, but remain alert for people going the wrong way. Subject to closure when wet. No camping, day use only.
High clearance 2-wheel drive: 36-mile dirt road is graded annually. The road is heavy washboard much of the way with deep gravel and dust in places. No camping within 2 miles of the main road. High clearance 4-wheel drive when the Amargosa River is flowing. The Amargosa River occasionally floods and closes the road.
A big thank you to the National Park Service for the updated road conditions of the back road descriptions. Again, always check with the local National Park Ranger Stations for changing road conditions and for weather forecasts.
The Skidoo Mine and Mill was something that all of us wanted to visit and explore. One of the people in our party, enjoys painting and pen and ink art work, for me, photography. So we planned on the idea that we would spend more time exploring and hanging out at the site.
The Skidoo Mine was one of the more colorful and famous mines in the Death Valley region. The mine started with a gold discovery in January of 1906 and continued through 1917, when the main ore bodies played out. The mine site is easy to reach, via a 90 minute drive from Furnace Creek. It is nice to have a truck or SUV, but the route is negotiable by automobile too. It should be noted that the Park Service prohibits any camping or dispersed camping, in the area designated as the Skidoo Mine Site.
The site is widely dispersed, in numerous sites that were being mined with one central location for processing. This processing site (Quartz Mill) is still present, even though it was marked for areas of hazards. Walking up the road, affords a tremendous view of the Panamint Mountains, to the West and North.
Many of the mines were not as successful as the Skidoo Mine. The Townsite was to the east of the mine and at its height, had a population of 400 – 500 people. The name; Skidoo is from a time, long ago, in the form of; “23 Skidoo.” At that time, it meant; “Beat it!” Many of the songs of that era had this period famous saying in it.
Imagine, if you will, as time went by many people did not see these and other structures as historical, but as a waste of material that was better suited being reused. With no trees available and the literal fact that everything was shipped long distances, which was needed for construction of structures as this, it is a tribute that as much of the structures still remain.
It is a treat to walk about the area and imagine what it must have been like to live a “hard rock life.” The saving grace here, these miners were met with different environmental extremes, that many other miners met with in life. The heat of the summer was often mitigated by the cool, damp air of the mines where other miners had to deal with the cold, snowy climates of the Sierras and Rockies and the Avalanche prone areas that many of the mines, there, dealt with.
The miners were well known for their whimsical nature and the many tales that circulated in an era of very little female companionship. They were known for their practical jokes and it would seem there is still some of this still present, in modern day Death Valley. Yes, I succumbed to placing a rock too, on the balance. It has been my nature to place a rock upon a “Cairn,” as I pass one, mostly as a tribute to my daughter, whom I named; Cairn.
Again, if you are wishing to learn more about the rich history of Death Valley and how it was discovered by a group of Argonauts’ as they traveled through the valley, on their way to the storied gold fields of 1850 California; this book should satisfy your curiosity.
If you are looking for a day long excursion, including a lunch and maybe a stop for groceries and MUCH cheaper gas than you would find in Furnace Creek, a trip to Beatty, Nevada. A return trip through Titus Canyon.
One of the ghost towns in Titus Canyon is, Leadfield’s Ghost Town. The canyon is a great drive for anyone with a good sedan, in good weather periods, and better in an SUV or 4X4. The upper portion is found is a one-way road, just west of Ryolite. The road that is one-way, is 27 miles long, until it reaches the narrows, where it returns to a two-way road. The road is often closed during the summer and sometimes in the winter season, due to snow and plowing operations. Checking with the Ranger Station is always a good idea.
I have been a devout herpetologist enthusiast since collecting my first snakes, as a little boy, to a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake I collected and had in a desert terrarium for many years. So a sign, such as this, only gets my interest more. But, even for someone like me, it reminds me of something that I don’t necessarily consider when out hiking in many of the locations I visit.
Like many remote locations, fuel, lodging and food costs are priced accordingly. With the economics in the state of California the way they are, taxes are high on these items too. Death Valley has been often described as a land of extremes and fuel prices are not the exception here too. It is only a few miles away, to Stovepipe Wells, to find less expensive fuel.
I have a confession here, I stayed in a campground and, and I liked it!
Ok, maybe not enough to do it again anytime soon. We had originally planned on staying at the Texas Springs Campground, our destination on two previous visits, to Death Valley. We arrived and were promptly informed, that the campground would be closing to all, but tent campers, the very next day. There was not to be a date, any time soon, for it to be reopened. In fact, we later found that Texas Springs would permanently remain a tent only campground.
For years, I have heard many of the things that you have heard about, about campgrounds; “They are ripe with unruly people, loud uncontrolled stereos, barking dogs, trash strewn around and speeding through the campground and let me tell you about all the stories I have read here, about generators. In a short response, the campground stay went smoothly, except for one thing, yep, you guessed right, a couple of generators. There was a signed time curfew, but there were often a handful of the larger coaches running their muffled generators at night. I was told that they are not really prepared for dry camping and inside their coaches; they can’t really hear their own generators running. Yeah, is my answer. We were all very happy to see a 5th wheel owner leaving, after running a contractor style generator, strapped to his rear bumper, finally depart. I spoke to him one time, he was nice enough guy and very proud of the fact he got a really great deal on this generator, at a farm auction. Well, the rules aloud he so he was going to “run what he brung’.” I like those people that think about the other campers and how they might impact their camping experience, as opposed to those that consider only their own needs first.
With all of the exploring we were doing, sometimes it was just nice to get back to camp and just relax and do some reading. Well, at least before we pulled out the large Celestron Telescope and spend more hours just discussing the worlds beyond what we know.
“Hello there. It sure is a beautiful morning we are having here in Paradise!” With a noticeable drawl, I could see the older man standing in front of me, with a folding chair held by his right hand and a thermal cup in the other.
“It sure is, welcome. Pull up your chair and have a seat.” Again, I was able to capture another person with my pre magnetism. Surprisingly, hooking Bob without even casting a line and reeling one in.
Thus began a couple of days of wonderful conversation and what might be longtime friends. Sometimes it takes a bit of effort and some good questions to have someone begin to share. With Bob, there was none of this needed, as he just began talking just as he had no inhibitions’ to come over to a stranger, reading a book, sitting in the warm sunlight.
I soon learned that Bob was retired rancher, but still lived on the land that his father had homesteaded, in Eastern Oregon. His boys now handled the operations and he helped out when he felt like it. Bob and his wife made numerous trips to Death Valley, over the last few decades, many with their own boys when they were younger. One of his stories revolved around how he was walking through Furnace Creek, many years before, when a camper was driving by him, stopped backed up and called out; “Are you one of the Martin boys.” Smiling and pausing for effect, Bob added that all the brothers looked alike and that there had been 6 brothers, all together. It turned out this was one of his brother’s high school classmates, from the early forties. Bob continued to share stories and eventually placed in my hand, a worn piece of stenographer’s paper, with his address and phone number; “I don’t do any of that computer stuff, but we would love to have you two stop in for a visit anytime you are coming through.”
It shouldn’t come to anyone as a surprise, that this is class discrimination, even in the world of RVs. Since I don’t frequent campgrounds and socialize with groups that RV, I am very much out of the loop, but I do see and experience discrimination, on occasion. This discrimination manifests in places that prohibit Truck Campers, like some RV parks and those that have larger and more elaborate RVs, like coaches. This works the same way as certain neighborhoods have more exclusive homes than others and the people within those homes often choose not to socialize. Meet, Tony and his wife, owners and travelers in their new Winnebago Class A Coach. From the moment that they pulled in next to Ellis and me, in Death Valley, they were a frequent topic of conversation between Ellis and me. We watched as they put out their large carpet, covering the rough desert ground and a handful of lounging chairs. These were not just normal folding chairs, but the plush cushion style chairs. The difference was, this couple was genuinely friendly and curious about our RV and what we were doing in the park. I don’t often have Coach Owners be this friendly and we soon found many common things, between the 4 of us. Tony shared that he had spent over 30 years working as a stage manager and on tour with different musical groups and now newly retired. Now, he and his wife were taking long trips in their dream Coach. One morning, Tony greeted me outside my Truck Camper, hands cupped in front of him; “Could I have a cup of Power?” I thought I was reliving a moment from the 1968 movie; Oliver, where young Oliver Twist comes back up to the front of the dining hall and asks the headmaster; “May I have some more, please . . . .” Tony related that his wife had become cold overnight and turned up the heater, thus depleting their batteries. This morning their generator would not start, as there was not enough reserve in their batteries to turn over their generator. Luckily, I always have redundancy in my camper and the chance of this happening is very remote, especially with my penchant for staying so far off the beaten path, I have planned for these worst case scenarios. Within a few minutes, we had Tony up and running and his Espresso Machine was brewing their first cup of the day.
I found myself knocking on someone’s camper door, this time. I was curious about the Flat Bed Truck Camper, which was parked a few yards to the north of me. The reason I was being this out of character for me, was my friend was interested in getting his own Pop-up-Truck Camper. He had never seen one on a flat bed, so we found ourselves, just walking over. The “foot print” of the camper the full width of the flat bed and the way it was modified, showed that there was a lot of thought put into assembling this project.
The rear view of the pop up was just as interesting and an excellent example of someone being well organized.
We were happy to have the owner, answer the door and recognizing that we were interested in his truck and TC, he jumped out and spent time walking us around it. The owner introduced himself as Aaron and he was the originator of another popular Truck Camper forum; Wander the West ~ Four Wheel Camper Users Group. Over the next two days, I learned a lot about the modifications Aaron had made and the interest he had for historic mining and the characters that came along with the mining and how they changed the western part of America. These people I often stumble across, while on the road, is never ending in how wide their experiences are.
I always have an eye out for Lance Campers and off to one side of the campground I found this truck camper owner, which was down for the weekend. They keep everything packed in their truck and camper and bikes loaded in the trailer, just for the moment to take off. They liked being packed and ready, with only a quick grocery stocking and they are down the road.
I met this couple as they were on a nationwide road trip. They celebrated John’s recent cancer battle and his current state of remission. They had pulled in near us, where we were camped in Death Valley National Park, when John came over to ask about the solar that I had installed. The result, John just stuck around to mine more and more information. There are lots of people that like to tinker in their basement or their garages and this tendency does not cease, when they get out on the road. John had lots of modifications, or improvements as he would call it, on their little Argosy Travel Trailer. The only thing that worried me was the small little SUV that they were using to tow it with. With all the new ideas that John had gathered, they were off to their next generation, the very next day. So often, many of these chance meetings, I have, are just that; Chance and brief, but they satisfy me in the wealth of understanding I find in knowing how different we are, but deep down we are very much the same, except in a Presidential Election year, of course!
Not to be out done, a BMW motorcycle group, from California, rode up for a few days of touring Death Valley. It was fun seeing so many different styles of BMWs and a few others mixed in. One of the tour people indicated that they had over 600 bikes signed up for the event. They were camped up the hill, in the Tents Only campground (recently changed), Texas Spring, as well as the number of BMWs parked down in Sunset Campground.
As I travel the west, I see lots of different types of Truck Campers. I understand the idea of small campers and even small campers on small trucks, but this one really caught my attention. For the days I was in Death Valley, I frequently saw this truck and camper, parked at different pullouts and trail heads, but I never saw the owner.
I saw this Lance camper too, and noticed that he had very different window covers and had hoped to have caught him too, but never saw him. I wanted to ask him about the covers. Does anyone know about these?
When I traveled along the Gulf Coast, the year before, I only saw 2 truck campers in three months. It is nice being back in the west, this winter, for the open spaces and the frequent sighting of truck campers.
I always enjoy seeing variations to camping and the ability to reach remote locations.
One of the things that is noticeable about being out west, are the grand panoramic views one sees. These great sight distances allows the viewer to see great expanses of rolling clouds and beautiful sunsets. But like anything, there are downsides too, such as the weather changes you can watch, from great distances. One of these weather events is the ground hugging wind storms, that happen a few times a year, in Death Valley.
The one that enveloped us, at the campground, could be seen coming for almost 20 minutes before it arrived. When this happened, the visibility diminished very quickly, for 5 to 6 minutes, before air cleared, leaving behind a light coating of dust, everywhere.
There is not a way I could ever begin to share something that many of you already know and that is what a wonderful opportunity we have in this country, our National Parks, Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands, as well as the countless State and County Parks. I recognize that I will never be able to visit all of these locations, in my lifetime. This is especially true with finding new ones, everyday, here on this forum, or just around the next bend.
Maybe you have that special place, that moves you almost to tears when it comes time to leave and there are a few places that strike me in just this way. Death Valley National Park is getting closer and closer to being one of these places that has an emotional pull, for me. Thank you for taking time to join me, along this journey.
bryan
