Thursday night L. and I drove over the Tioga Pass to hike up Mt. Banner and Ritter. The weather was discouraging so we decided to drive to Death Valley instead.
In Death Valley we tried to visit the Saline Valley. I pushed my 2WD Saturn up the Saline Valley road but the road’s condition was such that a 4WD was needed. After twenty miles up the road a large puddle discouraged further progress. So we spent a nice night camping next to the road, drove out the next morning, and climbed Wildrose Peak.
This was my first time visiting Death Valley National Park. The openness and barrenness of the landscape appeals strongly to me–as desert landscapes often do. It was disappointing to not be able to explore the canyons, old mines, and dunes while we were there.
We visited many hot springs on the eastern side. Here are two photographs of the Travertine Hot Springs near Bridgeport. L. and I were lucky enough to enjoy the hot springs by ourselves:
Tags: Canon Rebel XT, Death Valley, hiking, photography
