If you've never taken the drive to Death Valley... now is the perfect time to do so. For the next few weeks the weather will be mild and the roadsides will be alive (not dead) with wildflowers. I'll admit, I didn't expect it to be as cool as it was. Volcanic craters, sand dunes, beautiful desert landscapes, wildlife... even a castle.
It takes about 3-hours to get there. We drove through Pahrump and eventually looped around (by way of scenic route) through Beatty to get back home.
Suggestions: Our first stop was Zabriskie Point. This is a great photo spot, and it get's you excited about the rest
of your trip. You'll feel like you're on the surface of another planet. Next we went to the Sand Dunes outside Stovepipe Wells. Make sure you take the walk out to the sand. It gets better the closer you get. They advise you walk in other's footsteps... so everyone can enjoy the untouched ripples formed by the wind. We looked at a few campsites and ultimately decided on Mesquite Spring. It's on the way to Scotty's Castle. The campground was spacious and clean. If you're ok roughing it in a tent (we were) be prepared for coyotes howling in the night. And when I say howling, I mean right next to your tent, several times throughout the night. This was unnerving and awesome all at the same time. Note: DON'T FEED THE COYOTES. A short drive from the campsite is the 
Ubehebe Crater. This is a half-mile wide, nearly 800-foot deep volcanic crater. You can actually hike to the bottom... just realize you will eventually have to climb back out. One stop we didn't make on this trip, but absolutely will next time, is the Racetrack Playa. National Geographic Magazine featured this natural phenomenon in one of its issues, and people travel from all over the world to see it up close. Finally, Scotty's Castle. I fully expected this to be the "cheesiest" part of our weekend. I was pleasantly surprised. The story behind this castle is fascinating. The tour is worthy of the fee.
It takes about 3-hours to get there. We drove through Pahrump and eventually looped around (by way of scenic route) through Beatty to get back home.
Suggestions: Our first stop was Zabriskie Point. This is a great photo spot, and it get's you excited about the rest
of your trip. You'll feel like you're on the surface of another planet. Next we went to the Sand Dunes outside Stovepipe Wells. Make sure you take the walk out to the sand. It gets better the closer you get. They advise you walk in other's footsteps... so everyone can enjoy the untouched ripples formed by the wind. We looked at a few campsites and ultimately decided on Mesquite Spring. It's on the way to Scotty's Castle. The campground was spacious and clean. If you're ok roughing it in a tent (we were) be prepared for coyotes howling in the night. And when I say howling, I mean right next to your tent, several times throughout the night. This was unnerving and awesome all at the same time. Note: DON'T FEED THE COYOTES. A short drive from the campsite is the 
Ubehebe Crater. This is a half-mile wide, nearly 800-foot deep volcanic crater. You can actually hike to the bottom... just realize you will eventually have to climb back out. One stop we didn't make on this trip, but absolutely will next time, is the Racetrack Playa. National Geographic Magazine featured this natural phenomenon in one of its issues, and people travel from all over the world to see it up close. Finally, Scotty's Castle. I fully expected this to be the "cheesiest" part of our weekend. I was pleasantly surprised. The story behind this castle is fascinating. The tour is worthy of the fee. Tip: Keep an eye out for the illusive Jackalope. This rarely spotted, but often taxidermied creature is said to migrate in the spring. Legend has it you can see herds of Jackalope (aka, Antelabbit) running through the desert late at night. Just beware... they're fierce.
2 comments:
G.
I took this trip at age 15 and was dreading it. My parents forced me along. I had one of the best and most memorable trips I could have wished for. There are more things to see here than you'll have time for. All the highlights you mentioned were great. There are also some old mining ghost towns in the canyons that are accessible by car.
Where are you going next?
James B.
Hey what a great blog YOU did great on it. Keep up the great work as you always do at KVBC-TV and remember we are WOFY!!!!
Give me a call when the time allows Mr G Rated!!
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