Newbie Visit to Death Valley National Park

[Occidental]

I have only been through Death Valley once about 15 years ago on a long road trip and only had about an hour to stop (it wasn't the destination, just along the way). With a few days off before Christmas with the family I decided a visit was in order. Not having been there before I hit some of the more 'typical' spots and had a great time. Stops included:

Stovepipe Wells Sand Dunes: http://www.occidentalist.org/death-valley-2015-arrival/

Marble Canyon: http://www.occidentalist.org/death-valley-2015-marble-canyon/

The Valley proper: http://www.occidentalist.org/death-valley-2015-badwater/

Titus Canyon and the Racetrack: http://www.occidentalist.org/death-valley-2015-titus-canyon-and-racetrack/

It was a great trip, I took over 500 pictures which I will be sorting through in the coming weeks. I can't wait to get back and get a bit off the beaten track now that I feel a bit more oriented to the park.

Check out the links for the full report and a few photos.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Nice set of reports! More!

 

[smlobx]

Great reports, thanks for posting.
We're going for our first time next month and can't wait!

What kind of temps did you encounter?

 

[ski3pin]

The Lady and I enjoyed your trip story as we took a lunch break from truck and camper clean up. Well done and thank you! Seeing these familiar places through your story and photos is a treat and gets us inching to get back too!

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Thanks for posting the trip.
We have only been to DV once back in 06.
Mostly a drive through although it was a two day one.No camping.
It's always nice to see parts we didn't get to.
Thanks. Great photos.
Frank

 

[GroovyDad]

Very nice TR at one of my favorite places; thanks for sharing. Those chock stones reminded me of the movie 127 hours--I'm glad to hear you made it out with both of your arms.

 

[takesiteasy]

I enjoyed your report! Nice photos too. Marble Canyon looks very cool.

 

[longhorn1]

Great trip. Thanks for posting. Amazing pictures. Hope to make it out there in a couple of years. On my bucket list. Jd


Sent from my SM-G900V using Wander The West mobile app

 

[Occidental]

Thanks all for looking and the kind replies.

Slmobx, low temps at night the two nights I left the thermometer out were 28 degrees at about 3000 feet elevation. Daytime temps were pleasant (out of the wind on ridges), usually in the upper 50's or lower 60's at elevations from 0 - 4000 feet. Temp really varies by elevation and exposure to wind if there is one. It was plenty warm to watch the sunset if it was out of the wind, and daytime activities only required a long sleeve t shirt or fleece at most. Bring a good book for the dark hours.

I too am glad to return with all four appendages. Safety first!

 

[SLEDAWG]

Occidental - Great report. Has me revved up for my DVNP run next week. Plan to enter from the south up Harry Wade road and up the west side. Hope to get up Johnson Canyon to camp. Refuel in Beatty, Titus Canyon and exit north through Big Pine Road. Yee Haa!

 

[BILL98388]

Great TR, thanks for sharing.

Bill

 

[craig333]

Pretty good visit. You saw quite a lot for a short visit.

 

[BillM]

Nice trip & pics. Next time you'll be ready to get a little more remote, check out Eureka Dunes, Dedeckera, Saline to the North and then you'll still have the south end and west side to explore,almost too much to think about, have fun!