Posted by Scott Bideau on March 1, 2013 at 1:15 PM
I posted another thread about going to Yosemite on a long weekend while in the area for business. Also thinking about Death Valley since I might end my business trip in LA.
I'm familiar with the main locations in Death Valley but have no idea how long it actually takes to travel around to them. I'd like to spend some time in the dunes, at the Racetrack, and then any other unique areas.
One challenge is that I need to pack light since I'm traveling for work for 2 weeks.
I'm also curious about getting to the Racetrack in a standard rental SUV or if I really need to rent a Jeep from one of the companies in Death Valley.
Finally, is there even any lodging in/around Death Valley? I'd normally camp, but since I must pack light, that's probably not an option.
You can stay in the park in several locations for a pretty hefty price. Try http://usparklodging.com/deathvalley/index.php?gclid=COjExZKR3LUCFSSCQgodlkwAOw
Not only does it take a long time to drive around to various location in DVNP, it takes a long time just to get there. You may want to think about staying in Lone Pine and driving in for the day(s). I really liked the short hike into Darwin Falls, yes, there really is a waterfall in DVNP. The trailhead is not too far from Stovepipe Wells. Also North of the Sand Dunes is Scotty's Castle and the Ubehebe Crater, another short hike. Zabriskie Point is always picturesque, especially early and lat, and Dante's View is another driveable viewpoint that gives a great overview of the park and the Sierra's int he BG. This is the right time of year to go. Been there when it was 125 F in August, not that fun. . .
You can drive to the Racetrack in a regular SUV. It is not a technical road, just a very rough dirt road. I recommend going slow. I have seen several trucks with flats and one car with a punched oil pan. If you go at a reasonable pace, you can get there in almost anything with normal ground clearance. Just be sure you don't have any loose fillings in your teeth or you might shake them out.
I would recommend staying in the park. There are accommodations in Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek. The former would be less expensive.
Posted by Rodney Ninow on March 1, 2013 at 3:49 PM
The Racetrack will consume one entire day. You could shoot something in the morning, and head there for sunset. As others said, the road is fine for most vehicles. The dunes are nice at sunrise and sunset.
Stovepipe wells has the cheapest in park lodging. A lot of people stay in Beatty, NV, which is about 90 mins from the Visitor's center.
One of my favorite places to shoot the salt flat formations is just off West Side Drive, about 6 miles south of the visitor's center at Furnace Creek. Turn right (west) onto the road and drive about a mile, the salt flats are on your right.
There's plenty to shoot without the ordeal of driving to the Racetrack. In addition to the above mentioned places, my favorite sunset location is Golden Canyon. It's about a 2.5 mi roundtrip hike to a turnoff where you can go right and walk a short ways uphill to the backside of Manley Beacon. This shot was taken about a month ago at sunset.
Discussion
5 repliesI'm familiar with the main locations in Death Valley but have no idea how long it actually takes to travel around to them. I'd like to spend some time in the dunes, at the Racetrack, and then any other unique areas.
One challenge is that I need to pack light since I'm traveling for work for 2 weeks.
I'm also curious about getting to the Racetrack in a standard rental SUV or if I really need to rent a Jeep from one of the companies in Death Valley.
Finally, is there even any lodging in/around Death Valley? I'd normally camp, but since I must pack light, that's probably not an option.
Thanks!
Not only does it take a long time to drive around to various location in DVNP, it takes a long time just to get there. You may want to think about staying in Lone Pine and driving in for the day(s). I really liked the short hike into Darwin Falls, yes, there really is a waterfall in DVNP. The trailhead is not too far from Stovepipe Wells. Also North of the Sand Dunes is Scotty's Castle and the Ubehebe Crater, another short hike. Zabriskie Point is always picturesque, especially early and lat, and Dante's View is another driveable viewpoint that gives a great overview of the park and the Sierra's int he BG. This is the right time of year to go. Been there when it was 125 F in August, not that fun. . .
I would recommend staying in the park. There are accommodations in Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek. The former would be less expensive.
Stovepipe wells has the cheapest in park lodging. A lot of people stay in Beatty, NV, which is about 90 mins from the Visitor's center.
One of my favorite places to shoot the salt flat formations is just off West Side Drive, about 6 miles south of the visitor's center at Furnace Creek. Turn right (west) onto the road and drive about a mile, the salt flats are on your right.