It's been a long time since I've been to Death Valley. I went there on a Geology field trip when I was in junior college on Thanksgiving weekend. That was probably 1981, though it could have been 1982.
Time to go back.
So, I'm planning to head out to Death Valley on 01 April 2017 for a day of photography. I think Mrs. DeadGuitarist will be coming with me. Wildflowers have started to bloom at the lower elevations in Death Valley though Death Valley National Park officials state that there won't be a super bloom in the park. Regardless, I hope it's not too late to get some great wildflower photos on by then. Even if it is too late, there's some interesting geology and hopefully some wildlife to photograph.
Park officials expect the super bloom to occur south of Death Valley: Joshua Tree National Park, Mojave National Preserve, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, starting now, but supposedly peaking in April.
I'd go sooner, but I already have other things planned for the next two weekends. Today is my brother's birthday so we'll be doing something with him this Saturday to celebrate with him; and I'm bowling in a tournament on 25 March 2017.
I don't have a set itinerary yet, but I know that I'll probably head out there early enough to get sunrise photos, then spend most of the rest of the day stopping at various spots to photograph wildflowers and other flora, interesting geology, expansive vistas, beautiful scenery and, hopefully, some wildlife. Depending upon how the day goes, I may stick around and shoot some sunset photos (Zabrisky Point, Dante's View, or Artist's Drive/Palette) and maybe even some astrophotography later in the evening.
Some Important Notes
1. Cost: $25 per vehicle for 7 days... if the entrance fee is an issue, carpool and split the cost with your friends.
2. Scotty's Castle and Grapevine Canyon is closed until 2019 due to flood damage, although Mesquite Spring, Grapevine and Ubehebe Crater are still accessible. Titus Canyon Road is also closed due to storm damage, though there is no timetable for its reopening. More alerts and closures can be found on the Death Valley website.
3. Weather: The Weather Channel only provides a 15-day forecast so the forecast for 01 April 2017 isn't available yet, but the days leading up to 01 April 2017 look to be in the mid 70s and partly cloudy. However, that could change between now and then. So, check the forecast prior to traveling. That said, it could be anywhere between the low- to mid-70s all the way into the upper 90s.
4. Food & Water: Bring plenty of water. I'd suggest at least 5 gallons, plus canteens or backpack hydration pouches. There are a few restaurants at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells, but I suggest bringing your own lunch and snacks as we we might not be near those areas at lunch time. You can get an inexpensive 5-gallon container at Walmart.
5: Clothing: We might do some light to moderate hiking so sturdy shoes or hiking boots are suggested. It'll probably be warm enough for shorts and t-shirts, though I'd suggest bringing a pair of long pants and a light to medium jacket if you plan to show up early for sunrise photos and/or stay late for sunset and nighttime photos as it could be chilly before the sun comes up and after it goes down.
6: What Else to Bring: Use your best judgement, but some suggestions are cameras and photography equipment, daypack, something to hold water, books for identifying plants and animals (if that's your thing or you want to identify what you're photographing), walking sticks/hiking poles, first aid kit, cooler for drinks and water, etc..
7. Travel Times: It's about a 1.5 hour drive from Las Vegas (via Pahrump) and about 4.5 hours from Los Angeles, so if you plan to come, plan accordingly.
8. Gas: It looks like there isa gas station in Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells, but you might want to top off before getting to the park.
9: Cell phones reception is spotty in the park and likely won't work for phone calls and updating social media, though you can use them for photos and GPS might work.
Come join us! We'd love some company. If anyone wants to meet up with us for a fun day of exploration and photography, send me a PM or respond in a comment. If anyone says they'll join us, then I'll work out a meeting place and tentative itinerary.
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Stay Tuned...
DeadGuitarist
Besides Suicide Girls, you can find me on various other social, photography and music sites, as well as career oriented sites:
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I'm also on SnapChat (Gri11Sgt), Periscope (GrillSgt) and Uenme (RhythmGuitarist). I usually have my status on Uenme set to unavailable because of work and I forget to change it when I'm available. I'll try to get better about that.
I'm not super active on all of them, but I add stuff to each of them occasionally that you won't necessarily find on my SG profile page.