There is water in Death Valley

Death Valley NP, California December 2012

Much like when we decided to visit Iceland, we got many curious looks when we said we were going to Death Valley. Admittedly, it is inhospitable for a good portion of the year, it is quite lovely right now.

There are few options when it comes to accommodations. We are at the Furnace Creek Ranch which has been featured on the Travel Channel.

The view out our room is fabulous. Before leaving Las Vegas, we stocked up on snacks & wine to enjoy on the patio.

Ranger Jay recommended we hike Willow Canyon, an unmarked 5 mile round trip excursion. Twice we missed the turnoff and I was worried there was some half-life effect and we'd just keep turning around, getting closer each time, but never actually finding it.

Heading into Willow Canyon

The trail takes you up a narrow slot canyon to a spring-fed waterfall that runs in all but the driest years. The average rainfall is 2 inches. "Driest" is a relative term.

There were several of these little falls up the canyon.

The total elevation change was about 1000 feet. Since we started somewhere around -200 feet, shortness of breath was not a problem.

Ranger Jay (a chatty man) told us Big Horn Sheep frequent this canyon. We were disappointed none appeared.

The floor of the valley was once a very large lake (Lake Manly, 100 square miles) that dried up approximately 10,000 years ago. It is covered in mineral and salt deposits. The lowest point in the United States is at Badwater Basin located in one of these salt flats.

We're never getting to the highest point in the US.

Up close, the salt crystals look like snowflakes. Out of curiosity, I did taste a few granules - definitely salty.

The hills surrounding the valley are full of color. Most of the mineral content is iron, producing the red hue common to the American Southwest. In several places, this has oxidized into blue and green tones. One area looks like it has been painted with water colors and is appropriately named "Artist's Palette."

The moon made an appearance!

Along Artist Loop

Happy Christmas Eve.