Re: December visit
Posted by NoKarma4U on September 16, 2002 at 13:23:01:
In Reply to: December visit posted by Chuck Fulton on September 16, 2002 at 10:11:29:
Chuck,
A typical first, short (2 to 3 day) visist to Death Valley genreally takes in all of its more accessible attractions. When you enter the park or stopy by the Visitors Center in Furnace Creek you will receive an abundance of dead trees...er, I mean pamphlets, newsletters, maps, and other information. Perhaps the fine folks at Panamint Springs are providing this information as well these days. A short list of things to see would include:
One one day, visit Stovepipe Wells, Titus Canyon (if easy off-highway excursions suite you), Ubehebe Crater, and Scotty's Castle and perhaps a trip to the Salt Creek boardwalk.
On another day, visit Furnace Creek/Harmony Borax Works/Mustard Canyon, 20 Mule Team Canyon, Dante's View, Artists Palette, Devils Golf Course, and Badwater.
All of the aforementioned attractions (with the exception of Titus Canyon) are generally highway-accessible with little or no off-highway travel.
Other places to visit while staying in Panimint might include Darwin Falls, and (if you're feeling up to several miles of "washboarding") Eureka Dunes. All of these locations are identified on the maps and literature you receive when you pay your entrance fees. As always, check with the rangers before visiting any out-of-the-way spots in DV to be sure of conditions. I'm sure others will throw out their must-see suggestions as well.
Take care and enjoy your visit -- come again when you can stay long enough to see the REAL Death Valley ;-)
NoKarma4U
Huntington Beach, California