I'm from Michigan and I'm looking at going to Death Valley in Feb or March. I plan on going around the full moon to shoot some night shots with the moon illuminating the landscape. After looking at airfare and a rental car, my best bang for the buck is a two week trip. Is that too much for Death Valley or should I shorten it? I'm flying into Las Vegas so I could buzz up to Zion for a few days if you don't think Death Valley is worth that amount of time.
Death Valley is certainly worth it, but you won't need two weeks to capture the flavor and the images you seek. You can easily do Zion/Bryce as well in that time frame.
Not your question, but if you have a choice, go early in the year as possible (February verses March). That way there will be more of a chance of storms moving through, which create fabulous conditions for photography in Death Valley.
FI agree with Tony in that February would be much better. Another option besides Byrce/Zion would be the East Side of the Sierra between Lone Pine and Bishop. You may not be able to get very high into the mountains, but Owens Valley is wonderful and the east scarp of the range is pretty impressive if you've never seen it.
February is a nice time to visit the CA deserts, but be prepared for cold and wind. It would be advisable to have chains available for any vehicle you rent.
Just booked a flight to Las Vegas for March. It wasn't much more expensive to stay for 2 weeks at Death Valley. Hope to catch some wildflowers while I'm there. If anyone has suggestions of places and the time to photograph them that would be great.
Posted by Paul Duval on December 8, 2011 at 8:34 AM
George,
Most of the places can be reached with a regular car, but some are on gravel but well graded roads. So a vehicle with decent ground clearance is needed . One issue with Death Valley is many of the spots are quite a distance apart and do require a bit of driving to reach. That being said the National Park website has a wildflower report and there are many other sites as well that will give you info on the hotspots. Pray for gentle winter rains. Dawn and sunset are some of the best times for color and light, of course. With Bad water at dawn and Zabriske point among favorites. Try to do a much research as possible before your trip and you should have a great time.
If you decide to drive out to the Racetrack, consider airing down your tires and take it slow. I have seen numerous flat tires on that dirt road. Going fast smooths out the washboard, but at a big risk of a flat tire. I have also seen one car with a punched oil pan.
I'll add to Harley's comment. If you decide to explore lesser traveled roads, I suggest you try to meet someone who is making the same trip and convoy. That way, if one vehicle has problems you are still OK. These roads don't have rangers patrolling like they do in other parks, so you might wait a very long time for any help.
Be sure to carry plenty of water, extra food, and warm clothing. I've seen the temps in DV in march during the day hit 100 degrees, and into the thirties at night. Be sure to protect your photo gear from the ever-present dust.
I agree with Paul that you should do as much research as you can. DV is a huge, mystical, and beautiful place, but it is unforgiving if one is not prepared.
I'm renting a Grand Cherokee, so I'm hoping that will help. Thanks for the tip about the road. Any places in particular you folks would suggest that is a must to photograph? I'll be up there for the full moon and have 3-4 nights when the moon sets early for some star trails.
Posted by Harley Goldman on December 11, 2011 at 9:02 AM
I would agree with Preston on the obscure roads. The Racetrack gets plenty of visitors, so you should be fine. But do bring enough gear so that if you get stranded for one night from a breakdown, you will be comfortable.
The Racetrack at dawn or dusk, Zabriskie Point for sunrise (with a 100 of your best photographer friends), Badwater at sunrise or sunset are places that come to mind.
Posted by Paul Duval on December 11, 2011 at 10:13 AM
George,
I did some fair amount of exploring in my two wheel drive Ford SUV. Including driving on gravels roads all the way from Furnace creek north to Crankshaft junction . Then over the mountains to the Eureka Valley ( where the Eureka dunes are ) Over more mountains to Big Pine. It was over 100 miles of Dirt and gravel roads but a really fun drive The Eureka Dunes are a small dune area but the dunes are very large!. My. two wheel drive handled the roads extremely well with no problems , but I didn't attempt any of the wilder scenic drives which would have required 4 wheel drive. Research, plan be prepared and take in the wonder I for one am jealous of your opportunity.
Thanks everyone for the tips. I really appreciate them. I plan on using Sunset campground as base camp, Furnace Creek is closed. The plan is to do some over nighters throughout the park. That's the second reason for the Grand Cherokee, it's just large enough for me to crash in the back with a sleeping bag.
I had two choices this winter either head up to the UP of Michigan in Feb for some ice caves or Death Valley in March. Next year for the ice caves I guess.
Posted by John Cubit on December 13, 2011 at 12:18 PM
Regarding ice caves, they also form in the Sierras, near Death Valley. About 15 years ago at a Sierra Club meeting I saw a beautiful 35mm slide show called "Ice Caves of the Sierras." It was one of those multiprojector productions with coordinated music--a big enough production that there may be references to the photo essay online. Sorry, I don't have any more information.
Regarding other locations near Death Valley, the Mojave Reserve is a several hour drive south of Death Valley. It is an interestingly unique expanse, but does not trump Bryce-Zion.
Discussion
13 repliesFebruary is a nice time to visit the CA deserts, but be prepared for cold and wind. It would be advisable to have chains available for any vehicle you rent.
Have a fun and safe trip!
--P
Most of the places can be reached with a regular car, but some are on gravel but well graded roads. So a vehicle with decent ground clearance is needed . One issue with Death Valley is many of the spots are quite a distance apart and do require a bit of driving to reach. That being said the National Park website has a wildflower report and there are many other sites as well that will give you info on the hotspots. Pray for gentle winter rains. Dawn and sunset are some of the best times for color and light, of course. With Bad water at dawn and Zabriske point among favorites. Try to do a much research as possible before your trip and you should have a great time.
Paul
Be sure to carry plenty of water, extra food, and warm clothing. I've seen the temps in DV in march during the day hit 100 degrees, and into the thirties at night. Be sure to protect your photo gear from the ever-present dust.
I agree with Paul that you should do as much research as you can. DV is a huge, mystical, and beautiful place, but it is unforgiving if one is not prepared.
--P
The Racetrack at dawn or dusk, Zabriskie Point for sunrise (with a 100 of your best photographer friends), Badwater at sunrise or sunset are places that come to mind.
I did some fair amount of exploring in my two wheel drive Ford SUV. Including driving on gravels roads all the way from Furnace creek north to Crankshaft junction . Then over the mountains to the Eureka Valley ( where the Eureka dunes are ) Over more mountains to Big Pine. It was over 100 miles of Dirt and gravel roads but a really fun drive The Eureka Dunes are a small dune area but the dunes are very large!. My. two wheel drive handled the roads extremely well with no problems , but I didn't attempt any of the wilder scenic drives which would have required 4 wheel drive. Research, plan be prepared and take in the wonder I for one am jealous of your opportunity.
Paul
I had two choices this winter either head up to the UP of Michigan in Feb for some ice caves or Death Valley in March. Next year for the ice caves I guess.
Regarding other locations near Death Valley, the Mojave Reserve is a several hour drive south of Death Valley. It is an interestingly unique expanse, but does not trump Bryce-Zion.