Death Valley Quickie

[SunMan]

I had to make a run to Pahrump, NV. to visit some family. Being a mere 60-70 miles from DV proper I built some time for an overnighter in Death Valley. Thought I'd take advantage of my proximity and see something new so I cruised through the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge to Devils Hole (home of the world's population of Devils Hole pupfish!) which is actually a detached unit of Death Valley National Park and located quite some distance outside of the park.

 

[SunMan]

Looking at my map trying to figure where to head to next I couldn't help but notice the road i was already on was the backway into Crystal, NV...well, I just had to go. Some pics attached of what Crystal is famous for. Some of the signs were fairly amusing. Had to stop for a refreshment to cool off, very nice folks at the Short Branch Saloon.

And no, I did not partake in any shenanigans out there!

 

[SunMan]

On to more interesting destinations...heading to my planned camp spot I passed the turn off to Dante's View, it had been years for me and I had plenty of daylight so I doubled back. Glad I did, it was beautiful day to be up there and the view can't be beat. Also I was able to cool off a little as the temps dropped from 89 to 74 degrees on top. I took a zoom shot of Badwater from the top and you could actually see the people down there, pretty cool.

 

[SunMan]

After lunch up on Dante's View I headed back down towards Echo Canyon, a new destination for me. At the end of the road (about 11 miles) is the Inyo Mine and ghostown where I hoped to camp. Also a geological highlight of the road is the Eye of the Needle...

 

[SunMan]

Being relatively close to Furnace Creek I was concerned I might not be alone out there. I passed two Jeeps on the way in and fortunately didn't see another soul until heading out the following day. The Inyo Mine:

 

[SunMan]

Some Eye Candy for DD:

 

[SunMan]

On the way home on HWY 14 I could see the Poppy Reserve going OFF!! I doubled back and took the long way home...glad I did...perfect way to cap off the trip! I recommend a drive out there real soon if you live close enough, it's really something to see. You can literally drive for miles and miles through the fields. These pics in no way do it justice.

 

[Marc]

Suni ... Great pics. looks like a nice get-away.

 

[ski3pin]

Looks like a great quick trip. Great photos! We're adding Echo Canyon to our list of places to explore. Thanks!

 

[Ted]

Sunman, another great trip report as usual. What kills me, besides the fact that you are getting three trips in to my one, is that in each trip report you post, there are several potential photos for next year's TCM calendar. I am so envious.

 

[craig333]

Man, you're killing me. Sitting here with half a tank of fuel and no money wondering what i can sell

 

[SunMan]

Thanks for the kind comments guys. Every trip to Death Valley makes me realize more and more that I've only just scratched the surface.

 

[kcowyo]

Loves me a quickie and love Death Valley... The only thing wrong with DV, is that it isn't closer to WY...


Great shots, those poppy's are spectacular!
.

 

[Tomas Tierra]

Trying as hard as I can, but finding it totally impossible to keep up with this guy And he has a full time Job!!

Nice work Compa! Killer shots.

 

[DirtyDog]

Another great DV report Suni! I tell ya - all these DV reports make me wish I lived closer to the desert most of the year.