Death Valley National Park

This is not the only time we’ve been based in California. Nor is it the only time we’ve gone crazy for the state’s national parks. In early 2014, a great California road trip was the highlight of an extended stay. And the highlight of that road trip was our visit to Death Valley National Park!

I could tell you a hundred reasons why we loved Death Valley National Park. I could wax poetic about hardy desert flora, compare the striking geology to a beloved race on the other side of the planet or describe the details of our magical two days and nights in the park.

Or I could just show you. This is Death Valley National Park – and it’s incredible!

A sandy mountain rises into a blue sky. This mountain is striking because it is striped with hues of orange, peach and white.
Layers of time.
A winding road through Death Valley National Park. A rusty guardrail protects this stretch of curving paved highway. Desert mountains are hazy in the distance.
Lonely road, lovely landscape.
Kent and the adventure-mobile in Death Valley National Park. This could be an ad for the Toyota RAV4 - or America's national parks!
The adventurer (plus the adventure-mobile!)
A photograph taken from ground level in Death Valley National Park. The foreground is a crystalline white, while sandy mountains rise up over the horizon.
Below.
In this image, a tiny, handmade sign far above the photographer's vantage point marks sea level.
Sea Level.
A wooden sign reads: Badwater Basin, 282 feet/85.5 meters below sea level.
Bad – and rad!
In this photograph, the author leaps high above the cracked salt pans of Badwater Basin, arms and legs spread wide.
My best!
A portrait of Kent wearing green sunglasses at Badwater Basin. The background is a uniform beige, but dramatic due to the jagged cracks in the salt!
Wait, actually this is my best. Definitely 🙂
A portrait of a Joshua Tree in Death Valley National Park.
The Joshua Tree (1987 2014)
Another plant portrait, this time of an unknown species growing close to the ground. It's branches are bleached white and it has the tiniest of green leaves.
Lace-like life.
A dramatic image featuring folds of colorful earth. The folds nearest to the camera are in shades of peach, cream and white. The final fold is jagged and a deep burgundy hue.
A slice of Earth.
In this image, a narrow road dips and curves out of view in the dramatic landscape in Death Valley National Park.
Highlight-worthy driving!
A rock archway appears a gateway to a narrow canyon in this Death Valley National Park image.
So many trails to explore the awesome natural features!
In this playful vertical image, the author has climbed part-way up a narrow natural funnel in the rocks and is poised with her arms and legs pressed against either side. Her purple sweater is bright against the beige background.
Fun in a funnel.
A beautiful photograph of the Sierra Nevada mountains, surprisingly snow-capped above a flat expanse of sandy desert.

Ready for your own Death Valley National Park adventure? I hope so! Head here to start your planning! Or explore more US national parks with us!

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