Death Valley 2019

Rhyolite Ghost Town

Our annual winter desert sun trip for 2019 took me to Death Valley National Park.  The federal government shutdown somewhat limited our access, but with over three million acres there was plenty to see.  We covered many miles of back roads in a rented Ford Expedition, Death Valley is BIG, but we got to see some awesome places.  A highlight was getting to the Racetrack and seeing the moving rocks (not moving, of course).  Sadly, people have driven on the playa and actually seem to have taken some of the rocks (!) but it remains a magical place.  Five days of 70+ sunshine spent exploring an amazing desert landscape with friends was just what the doctor ordered.  And there remains much to be seen there; I will return.

Yucca "forest" on the way to Racetrack Playa

Views from off trail ramble south of the Racetrack

The Racetrack

Darwin Falls

Falls above Darwin Falls (worth the scramble)

Ken inside Marble Canyon

Artist's Paintpot

View over Badwater to Telescope Peak from Dante's Point

Red Rock Canyon, NV