Today we began what turned out to be a spectacular day here in Death Valley. Although we have been here before there is still a lot to see and do. Many areas have been improved on and added as places not to miss.
We could not take Jewel with us because dogs are not allowed on any of the trails here. So in preparation for our day away in the desert we decided to put a blanket across the front of the MH to keep as much heat out as possible. It is not pretty but should keep the greenhouse effect from making the MH to hot for Jewel.
Once we felt it was safe to leave Jewel we began our adventure. We decided to start from the farthest point and work our way backwards. So our first stop was Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, at 272 feet below sea level. The last time we were here I had to taste the salt – so I did again!
Badwater Salt Water Flats
Then it was on to The Natural Bridge Canyon a two mile round trip hike to see the Natural Bridge and the dry waterfall. Once again we were hiking uphill.
We continued to hike past the bridge to get to the dry waterfall. Once there we were impressed with the green rock and how pretty it is.
As the day wore on it was getting really hot, especially in the direct sunlight. Fortunately along the hike there were areas of shade that we could duck into.
Then it was on to the “Devil’s Golf Course”. An immense area of rock salt eroded by wind and rain into jagged spires. The spires so incredibly serrated that “only the devil could play golf on such rough links.” The unpaved road leading to the “Devil’s Golf Course” is often closed after a rain.
The landscape is very unique and quite beautiful!
Next was Artist Drive, an unusual 9-mile scenic loop through some absolutely beautiful, colorful landscape. Pictures cannot seem to capture the beauty of the area.
We truly enjoyed the drive through Artist Drive and are always amazed at what surprises nature has to offer.
Then we took another hike on the Golden Canyon Trail, another 2 mile uphill hike to the red cathedral. This was not my favorite hike because I felt the scenery was kind of bland, especially after what we had just experienced.
Once again the joy of walking downhill is something to treasure! LOL It was a very busy day and after just under 7 hours of exploring we decided to call it a day. Or did we???
Nope, we have on more thing to do and that is to catch the sunset on Dante’s Ridge.
We headed to Dante’s Ridge 17 miles away. We left at 5 pm expecting to be there for a spectacular sunset. Well, luck would have it that the 17 mile drive was turn after nasty turn on a very winding steep road to the summit. We just missed the darn sunset but did get to view spectacular changes in the sky once the sun went down.
I walked up and over to the first ridge but Ron continued on to more steep and difficult viewing points.
And then there was this incredible picture Ron got of the Moon, Jupiter and Venus. You can even see the craters in the shadowed moon!
It was a great day here in Death Valley. Looking forward to more new experiences tomorrow.
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