"Lively" trip to Death Valley

When we bought our RV I started planning trips right away. One trip was a return trip to Death Valley. We had been there about 6 years ago during a full moon and always wanted to go back when there was no moon.

We had the trip planned for 3 nights, 4 days. We left on Friday morning and took our time getting there since its only about 3 hours from us. We got there right as it was getting dark so we just found our site and settled in for the night. We were both beat so really didn't do any 'star gazing' that night. Got up the next day, moved the rig to fill with water since we were boon docking, got settled again and took off exploring.

Now before I tell you where we went , I should tell you what we did on the way to Death Valley. I have been driving a Honda Accord for almost 3 years, and we have been talking about getting a truck for when we are "full time" so we can do more exploring. Well, we found a 2015 GMC Canyon 4x4 we liked in Vegas , so we stopped on the way to Death Valley and traded my Accord in for it!

We love it!! So on Saturday we decided to go check out Rhyolite NV . This is a very interesting Ghost town with lots of history. Learn more about the history here

We walked all around and it was amazing the decor art that is there and the remains of buildings still somewhat standing. It made for some fun pictures.

There are also the buildings that are deteriorating, and all the cans that have been left to rust was crazy! Some neat old cars as well!

Looking into what was someones home really made me think about what their life most have been like back then. How simple, most likely cold at night in the winter and hot in the summer. Not many luxuries like we have and take for granted today.

We continued into the town and checked out the other buildings.

We then decided, or I should say "Gus" decided that we should check out this Titus Canyon dirt road since we have a 4 x 4 now. Well, this "dirt road" according to the map you get from the national park just said, 23 mile of dirt road, (Its really 27 miles) nothing else, no warnings,etc.

So off we go!

It was a washboard road for about 12 miles I think. Then the road starts to get narrow and winding.

But the views were beautiful!!

The road is a one way, thank goodness, cause there was no room for 2 vehicles! About half way through there is an old ghost town.

We made it out of the mountain about 2 1/2 hours later! Gus sure does "take me places!" It was definitely a part of Death Valley most people do not see We went back to camp, made dinner, and stargazed . Wow! The stars are amazing there! Hardly any light distraction except for a few campers that left their lights on!

The next day as we were drinking our coffee we decided to stay on paved roads, LOL.

So we headed to the other side of Death Valley towards Panamint Springs and then to Father Crowley's vista point. It is a nice winding road to get there, nicely paved, would be great on the Harley. You go from below sea level to about 4500 ft above sea level. We later learned fighter jets practice flying through here!

We then headed back down the mountain towards Badwater. We did pack a lunch that day so we stopped for lunch in Furnace Creek. Found some tables along the road and had a quick bite. No restrooms there but when you gotta go, you gotta go. LOL. I waited to we got to Badwater Basin.

We then headed towards Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the contiguous United States. And here is a fun fact we learned. Did you know that the lowest and highest elevation in the US are only 84.6 miles apart? Mount Whitney's elevation is 14,505 above sea level!

Badwater Basin is 282 ft below sea level.

The salt there is really amazing. Of course it is one of the most visited sites in Death Valley . One thing we have noticed in all the National Parks that we have visited is the amount of foreign visitors. There really is so much beauty to see in the United States!

We got a picture of Gus 6 years ago when we were here so this year it was my turn. The picture with the blue circle is the sign that shows where sea level is .

We then headed at Artist Palette. Another one way road, nicely paved and would be a great ride on the Harley!

Here's a video I did of the winding road leading back out to the valley.

We then headed back to the campground to relax the rest of the day. We had a nice spot, lots of room, and close to the potable water and dump and the restrooms .

Had a nice dinner, had a campfire and then stargazed the rest of the night.

Slept in a bit the next morning and headed home.

We would recommend a visit to Death Valley if you have never been there. We would also recommend going in January or February for the best weather. If camping, the Furnace Creek campground is the nicest. There are a few full hook up sites and they book up fast! I booked this trip 6 months ago and could not get one! Death Valley is also the largest National Park outside of Alaska!