I didn’t have any plans for my Christmas weekend, so after pondering for a while I decided that I should pack up my things and drive to Death Valley. this was around 7pm on the Friday of Christmas weekend, so I had a long way to go in order to arrive at my destination. The first point of interest was Zabriskie Point since I have read a lot about the sunrise at this point. I arrived at the Zabriskie Point parking lot not really knowing what to do, but fortunately for me, I had my 4Runner with folding back seats. I guess this will be my hotel for the night. I wasn’t really able to sleep that night, since it was the first time in the back of my car, but that prepared me for the day ahead of me. I really wasn’t able to see much during the predawn hour as I walked up to the view point, it was completely dark with no moonlight to assist my views. As the sun began to inch its way towards the horizon, many other visiters followed suit. I was able to get an interesting color casted on the iconic Zabriske Point view while others were stumbling around still.

I moved around as dawn approached and gifted me with a wonderful view of the Valley ahead. I wanted to capture the whole scene, but as more and more patrons attended lighting spectacle, I was getting more and more distractions in my view. I decided to move down the viewing platform to get another view of the Valley.

Here is a view of the others as the sun was beginning to rise.

I moved around a bit, also taking time to get a panorama of the area.

As the sun peaked, I was able to see the golden light illuminate the rocks ahead. It was magnificent to see the natural glow, which is my favorite type of light to capture while taking landscapes.

I moved around and soon also took a photo of the other side waiting for the exact moment the light accented the ridges of the stone below.

Later that day I decided to fill my afternoon hours prior to sunset at the Mesquite Dunes, this would give me an idea for the sunrise the following day. The sand directly adjacent to the parking lot was completely trampled upon, I had to hike a good mile or two in the sand to find out where I should setup the next day. I soon headed down to Titus Canyon for an off road run toward the little ghost town of Leadfield.

My car, all dirty.

A view of Titus Canyon from the inside, with Bruce for some reference.

My next destination would be the Racetrack. I had some time to kill, so I decided to check out Ubehebe Crater. This large volcanic crater was massive, you can make out little people at the bottom of the crater. I didn’t have enough time for this adventure and was somewhat exhausted from the Mesquite Dunes hike.

After an hour drive down a head jarring road, I arrived at the Racetrack. I was a little befuddled at first, since the large lake bed seemed barren and lacking the iconic rocks. With a little bit of curiosity, I was able to find some interesting rocks and the tracks they left behind.

As the sun set, I was rushing to get all the rocks I had framed and picked for my trip there. I had a beautiful sky to work with for this piece that I call “Near Miss Collision” or for short Near Miss.

A shot after the sun had set, which I thought was a pretty interesting shot.

I had to drive another hour out in pitch dark, it is early how lifeless it seems during the night. Although the park is called Death Valley, I find it refreshing and intriguing as the landscapes vary drastically in such a short distance. I had to find a place to sleep at night, and wasn’t sure if I would be welcome at the Mesquite Dunes parking lot. I found a few others also squatting the lot, possibly preparing for the next day. Well the next morning was a good indication that these cars were also chasing my same intent, the sunrise. I though I had started late, treading through marked sands as I arrived at the perfect moment to capture both stunning images as well as clear sand.

The eye of life peaks as the sun reaches out to warm the land in it’s sight.

I wanted to get a more abstract view of the dunes, which I usually get through the observation of texture or simplifying the scene. Here are some shots of a beautiful sand dune.

The tracks that I, and many others leave behind in search of our images.

I moved a long, looking for more images during the golden hour.

I had to fill my day up with some sites for this day as well. I drove up to Dante’s View to get panoramic view and images of the lowest point in the States.

I was also able to hike through Golden Canyon and up to Natural Bridge during the day. I have a few photos that were less than ideal but just good for my own sake. Later I decided to check out Devil’s Golf Course as well. This area wasn’t my favorite, but it also showed me how many visitors are very unaware and ignorant on the sustainability of the land. Small salt spheres ideally form to resemble golf balls in the area, but I wasn’t able to see any. Instead I just took a photo of the jagged rocks that permeate throughout the area.

And lastly, but not least the final destination for sunset at Badwater. I had always loved the images produced here, but you have to be both lucky and persistant to get a truly unique image. I may have to come back sometime when there are clouds in the forecast to hopefully get a fiery sky to complement the names of the attractions and Death Valley National Park.