Renowned as one of the most inhospitable locations on earth, Death Valley is also extraordinarily beautiful.
Following the recommendation of a ranger at the visitor's center, we chose to visit Titanothere Canyon. After departing from the main road travelling the length of the valley, the hike was completely trailless, and offered only a single encounter with other humans.
The scale of Death Valley is truly amazing. A solid hour of hiking offered no perceptable change in the landscape. Coupled with the constant stumbling over the rough surface of the wash debris leading outward from the canyon, the beginning portion of our hike was pyschologically tortuous. Nonetheless, we reached a spectacular campsite shortly before sunset. Located high upon a bench overlooking the canyon floor, the campsite was one of the few smooth and level surfaces available.
Mark (left) and Kevin (right) outside the tent.
A changing landscape of color yielded to a breathtaking display of stars, and it was time for sleep. The next morning was equally amazing in its tranquility.
Mark overlooks the canyon floor from the campsite ledge.
It was early spring after a wet winter and the desert was in full bloom. The wildflowers were nothing short of amazing.
Mark and Kevin among the wildflowers.
Perhaps a picture Tom Petty would be proud of...
As we continued further up the canyon we were rewarded with
spectacular views back down into the valley floor.
A view back down the canyon. The campsite (and tent, if your monitor is good) can be seen at right.
Continued hiking offered a narrowing canyon and even more rugged scenery.
Another view back down the canyon.
A full morning of hiking up the canyon left us with a long nine mile return hike to the car. Even so, Kevin managed to summon enough energy to scramble up a sizeable rocky peak.
Kevin (perhaps not visible) on top of a rocky peak.
Eighteen miles of trailless trekking began to take its toll, but we managed to arrive back at the car slightly before sunset.