USNP Death Valley

Tea, Anybody?

On the long and bone jarring ride to the racetrack, a nice break at Tea Kettle Junction

Desert Beauty

Even a view from our campground near the racetrack looks so picturesque.

You go your way and I'll go mine

Rocks on the racetrack make their way on the playa. The theory is that the wind pushes them when the playa is icy. Wonder how they move in opposite directions?

Separate Ways

The lone rock on the racetrack seems to be in stark disagreement with the other two.

Go Your Own Way

Some seem to converge while others move away. No rules on the racetrack.

The Racetrack

The sun has to be really low in the horizon to get good photos of the racetrack - especially the textures of the playa.

Scorched Earth

Layers and layers of delicious chocolate colored earth extend all around the Ubehebe crater. The van on the left gives you a perspective of how vast the area is.

Ubehebe Crater

This beautiful volcanic crater in Death Valley is right off the road to the racetrack. I didn't have much time to explore, but next time I'm going all the way to the bottom.

Morning Walk

Interesting to see how many people try to cut across the dunes by climbing down and up. We tried it once and realized how difficult it is and kept to the ridges like the guy up there.

Sitting on top of the world

He must have gotten there way before dawn to claim that perch. The star dune is the highest one in Mesquite Flat dunes and it's definitely a pain to climb with the loose sand.

Undulating Dunes

On our last day at Death Valley, we woke up early and went to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. It was pretty clear when we got there, but by the time the sun came up the wind had kicked up dust clouds and completely hidden the mountains at the horizon. Totally different scene than what we expected, but equally beautiful.

The Sweltering Sun

Well, it was actually pretty cold that morning in the desert, but the sun behind a blanket of dust makes it look so hot! Like it should be in the desert.

Solitaire

A lone man walks down the ridge of the colossal star dune.

Ephermeral Footsteps

The beautiful patterns in the sand dunes are broken by the footsteps of those passing through. The sandstorm on the horizon will make sure that they are wiped clean.

The Moon and the Dune

The moon was still high in the sky even after the sun lit up the sky. You look the opposite direction and you see a completely different scene with the burning sun.

Ripples in the Sand

It's interesting how the patterns in the sand is accentuated by the side lighting making it seem like a pool of sand nested between the dunes

The Star Dune

It's so difficult to convey the size and beauty of the star dune. Especially when the wind is blowing the sand right over the surface making it shimmer.

Fade Away

It's amazing to watch the wind erase your footsteps right in front of you. This is one place your treading around can do the least harm.

Light Flow

We spent only about 15 minutes at the very aptly named Golden Canyon. The light was already getting harsh, but it worked perfectly for outlining this slot canyon.

Dust over Badwater

From telescope peak to badwater basin, the landscape of Death Valley is so divers. Add to it dust storms, freezing nights and blistering hot days - it is one unique place.

Artist's Palette

All the diversity of Death Valley seems to be concentrated in this one spot with all those beautiful colors.