Two days in Death Valley

I posted that I was heading back to the eastern sierra and specifically lone pine, but am trying to have a backup plan in case the weather doesn't cooperate (been keeping an eye on it and looks like the mono lake area is going to get rain and snow and possibly move south towards lone pine). So, I was hoping someone could suggest a few must see sights in Death valley. We will be coming from lone pine and already mapped out directions to some spots (eureka dunes would be too out of the way). The route I saw passes the mesquite dunes and then thought about camping at texas springs, which would put me a little close to badwater basin. Also considering zibriskie point as well, but will have to check our time. I want to minimize driving and be fairly close to the locations for sunrise/sunset. Any other options that are worth while for such a short time? I will likely be doing another trip to death valley later this year, but just in case I wanted to have a backup plan. Any information is greatly appreciated.

Zabriskie point is the most popular sunrise spot (and my favorite). Badwater can be good for either sunrise or sunset. The problem with the dunes is footprints, which will be everywhere unless there is some wind to blow them away. Best chance for virgin sand is sunrise after a night in which there has been wind; the light is good at sunset but there could be lots of footprints. My favorite sunset spot is Golden Canyon; at the top of a 1 mile hike in you go right (it's marked) up another couple of hundred yards to the base of Manley Beacon. After it goes into shade if you hustle back down the canyon, the area at the parking lot has some fabulous views and sometimes the rocks light up.

The Photographer's Guide to Death Valley is a great book, only $11 at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Photographers-Guide-Death-Valley/dp/088150789X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364620974&sr=1-2&keywords=photographing+death+valley

If I had only two days in Death Valley I would shoot Zibriskei Point the first sunrise, then just after sunrise I would drive and shoot 20 mile mule team rd, then head to Mesquite Dunes for a late afternoon and sunset shooting. If Texas Springs were full or if you are like me and don’t like campgrounds, I would camp up on Death Valley park Rd located about 1.7 Mi north of Zibriskei. Per park rules you need to drive a minimum of 2 miles up the rd to legally camp.

Day two, Sunrise at the Dunes, then if I had energy, Bad Water for Sunset. But I like to take it easy so I would probably shoot the dunes for the sunset. It really pays to spend a few days in the dunes to find some nice comps. I never park in the parking lot, rather I like to park on 190 near the base of Grotto Canyon Rd. For me it seems easier to get away from the crowds and footprints. If Emigrant CG is full or if you don’t like campgrounds I would drive about 8 miles, give or take a few, up Wilderose rd. and hunt for an obvious dirt rd on your right. This one is kind of tricky to find in the dark. I’m not sure if it is legal to camp there, but I have done so a half dozen times with no problem.

Thanks for the info Tony and Richard.

While Death Valley sure is interesting, any storm action around Mono and south into Owens is big draw, photographically. In fact, I often wait for storms before heading out there, and when it's sunny, I leave early! I assume you're into landscape photography?

Yes Jeffrey, While I typically do the same (wait and chase the storm) I'm looking for less cloudy skies to work on night photography. I suppose I could always change my plans and shoot the storms near the lake, but my main focus for this trip is hopefully night photography. We will see what happens.

Well, that explains it. Enjoy your trip!