Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Landscape Photography Locations => Topic started by: vazuw55 on January 05, 2013, 01:47:57 pm

Title: Death Valley
Post by: vazuw55 on January 05, 2013, 01:47:57 pm
Looking for information , advice on Death Valley. I'd like to be there near the spring bloom. I'm also interested in the more upscale places to stay. Thanks
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Jeremy Roussak on January 05, 2013, 07:21:01 pm
I was there a couple of months ago. I stayed at the Furnace Creek Inn (not the ranch). I liked it a lot, although the service in the restaurant left a little to be desired. It's expensive.

I loved it, particularly a great sunset visit to the Mesquite Dunes at Stovepipe Wells, about a half hour drive from the Inn. Dawn at Zabriskie was wonderful as well.

I spent only two nights there, alas, and barely scratched the surface of the place. I shall be back as soon as I can manage it. I envy you!

Jeremy
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Schewe on January 06, 2013, 01:19:20 am
You definitely want to stay at the Furnace Creek Resort (http://www.furnacecreekresort.com/the-inn-at-furnace-creek-1222.html). (the ranch is more like a motel). Personally, I liked the place (been there 3 times) but remember, you are in the middle of nowhere so it's not gonna be a 5 star anything. The net access was iffy...

There are literally a ton of places to shoot before 10AM and after 4PM...the light kinda sucks in between because, well it's down and not across...

The one place that is worth the effort but tough to get to is Race Track (http://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/the-racetrack.htm). The reason why it's tough is that it takes a LONG time to drive from Furnace Creek to Race Track...and the road into Race Track is really, really rough (all-wheel or 4-wheel with good ground clearance required, don't even try it in a "car"–seriously!!!).

There are a lot of places to shoot, but some are better at sunrise and some at sunset. Some are easy to get to: Zabriskie Point, Artist's Palette (sunrise or sunset) and others take a trek: the sand dunes & Badwater Salt Flats (perhaps either sunrise or sunset). Remember, Death Valley is in a valley, so getting light on things happens after sunrise and before sunset...

Dante's View is a pretty long drive but gives a high view of almost all of Death Valley. Scotty's Castle is a tourist trap (Google it) and the ghost town Rhyolite is prolly a waste of time (the buildings are now fenced off and look crappy).
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: neile on January 06, 2013, 11:25:58 pm
If you don't have an appropriate high-clearance vehicle to get to Race Track you can rent one from Farabee Jeep Rentals (http://www.yelp.com/biz/farabee-jeep-rentals-death-valley#query:jeep%20rental). It's a little spendy but they are great folks, they know what they're doing, they give you a tea kettle for the junction, and... they're the only game in Death Valley for a Jeep rental :)

My photos from Death Valley are up at http://www.danecreekphotography.com/dvalley.html. It's a beautiful place, you'll have a great time.

I stayed at the Ranch and didn't mind it at all.

Neil
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Peter McLennan on January 07, 2013, 12:23:21 pm
Dante's View is a pretty long drive but gives a high view of almost all of Death Valley.


(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5263/5640597303_423f31e009_b.jpg)

Dante's View is a must-see if it's your first time in DV.  The drive is spectacular, the view when you arrive even more so. 
Morning is best.  These snowy peaks are west of the camera.

Image is a 6 image stitch.  A self portrait on the occasion of my 65th birthday.  :D



(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5307/5639479360_2f506f61c1_b.jpg)
Frequently overlooked are Eureka Dunes in the far north end of the park.  Their singular advantage is also their disadvantage.  They're a long drive, but you'll have them pretty well to yourself.  The road is good.  Any vehicle will do.



(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5301/5639932414_0d36f192f4_b.jpg)

Also, you get to park right at the dunes, rather than a half-hour hike away.


(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5109/5639931994_4f31772eef_b.jpg)
There are occasional visitors, but their stay is usually brief.

Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Smoothjazz on January 07, 2013, 04:20:49 pm
Are the Eureka dunes better at sunrise or sunset?
It would be helpful to know in planning my next trip.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Peter McLennan on January 07, 2013, 05:38:54 pm
Are the Eureka dunes better at sunrise or sunset?

Either one. I stayed there for two days.  The above image is mid-morning, looking approximately south.

Other than a pit toilet and campsites with fire rings, there are zero facilities.

(edit)  There are concrete picnic tables.
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Rand47 on January 08, 2013, 02:03:27 am
Looking for information , advice on Death Valley. I'd like to be there near the spring bloom. I'm also interested in the more upscale places to stay. Thanks

The racetrack is wonderful, as Jeff says:

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Other/Death-Valley-2009/i-MkW8wjJ/0/X2/sliding%20rock-X2.jpg)

And while there don't neglect the Grand Stand on the northern section, I found it more fascinating than the moving rocks, to be honest:

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Other/Death-Valley-2009/i-XZL5FL6/0/X2/race%20track-X2.jpg)

Here's Tea Kettle Junction, kinda fun:

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Other/Death-Valley-2009/i-xZmpMMH/0/X2/_DSC1293-Edit-Edit-X2.jpg)

And the Ubehebe crater "on the way" to Race Track:

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Other/Death-Valley-2009/i-3fVXSZC/0/X2/ubehebe%20crater-2-X2.jpg)

I even found Moses' burning bush on one of the mountains! :-)

(http://rsadams.smugmug.com/Other/Death-Valley-2009/i-hQcjz6h/0/X2/bush%20b%20and%20w-X2.jpg)

In and around the well traveled spots you're OK on your own, but if you plan to go more remote take water, appropriate clothing for the weather, and file a general travel plan with someone.

For my money (if there are constraints at all) I prefer the Furnace Creek Ranch.  I'd rather stay a few days longer for the same lodging cost. It is decent, and has a great old fashioned huge swimming pool.  But if upscale is no problem at all the "Inn" is all there is that comes close to truly upscale.  A bit spendy for what you get IMO.  Rates run approx $345 / night and up. 

Have fun!
Rand
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Peter McLennan on January 08, 2013, 12:02:24 pm
A bit spendy for what you get IMO.  Rates run approx $345 / night and up.  

Wow.  I had no idea.  $345 and up is a lot of fuel.  

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5230/5639478680_9e9e044c09_b.jpg)

I prefer this style of accommodations.  At dawn, I'm a hundred feet from the dunes.

Lovely images, Rand. I'm afraid The Racetrack is off-limits to Frito, though.  I did try, but turned back.  It's just too rough.
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Rand47 on January 08, 2013, 12:29:07 pm
Peter,

I know this drags this thread off topic, but I'd be fascinated to see more of the interior of your vehicle.  I've toyed with the idea of a customized sprinter for photo expeditions!  So, with apologies to the OP, show us more of the interior!

I did the road to the race track in the dark in order to be there before sunrise.  4wd w/ decent ground clearance.  Beat the snot out of the vehicle trying to go at a decent pace. 

And thanks for the kind comment on my photos.

Rand
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: vazuw55 on January 08, 2013, 01:06:44 pm
Thanks so much for the Great advice, and Info.  ;D
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Rajan Parrikar on January 08, 2013, 01:32:13 pm
I have stayed at both the Furnace Creek Inn and the Furnace Creek Ranch and I prefer the Ranch by a long margin.  The Inn has pretensions to luxury but succeeds in matching the Four Seasons in price and price only.  The Ranch is much better (get the Deluxe rooms instead of the Standard if you are a light sleeper).  The wi-fi internet has improved a lot now and is included in the room rate.  And you get cell phone signal now in and around Furnace Creek.
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Rajan Parrikar on January 08, 2013, 01:37:53 pm
...and the ghost town Rhyolite is prolly a waste of time (the buildings are now fenced off and look crappy).

Alas, true.  I had to position myself behind creosote to obscure the fences while composing shots of the ruins.
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Jeremy Roussak on January 08, 2013, 02:18:48 pm
Alas, true.  I had to position myself behind creosote to obscure the fences while composing shots of the ruins.

I was disappointed by Rhyolite as well. On the other hand, I did get one shot there that I'm going to use sooner or later in a lecture. Show first image (top half); comment that "Appeals to people's better nature often carry more force..."; show full image; "... when reinforced by threats".

Jeremy
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Peter McLennan on January 08, 2013, 03:35:58 pm
Here ya go, Rand.  More Sprinter info than you can stand. 

The short version?  This is the perfect landscape photography vehicle.



http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14166&highlight=frito%27s+bulkhead

http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15640&highlight=Frito%27s+Excellent

http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7135

http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7473&highlight=shuttle+launch+road+trip
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Rand47 on January 08, 2013, 04:03:03 pm
Here ya go, Rand.  More Sprinter info than you can stand. 
. . .

Many thanks!  Enjoyed the writing & photos as well.

Rand
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Rajan Parrikar on January 08, 2013, 05:26:27 pm
Peter, those are delightful photos, especially the plane buzzing you.
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Peter McLennan on January 08, 2013, 06:41:11 pm
Peter, those are delightful photos, especially the plane buzzing you.

Thanks, Rajan.  Coming from you, that's a heck of a compliment. 

On the F-18 shot, I must confess:  I had a rehearsal.  There were two of them and the first time they buzzed me, I was away from the vehicle, camera-less.  I watched them circle the dry lake and I barely made it back to the camera in time to grab a few images when they gave me a second chance.  I estimated their height at about 200 ft.  The sound was beyond description.

I'll be back in Death Valley in a couple of months for my (I'm guessing) tenth visit.  I can hardly wait.
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Frank Sirona on January 21, 2013, 03:23:34 pm
Are the Eureka dunes better at sunrise or sunset?

Neither nor, unfortunately. They are encircled by mountain ranges, so throughout the year they will never catch rising or setting sun. Nevertheless they are well worth a visit. But be aware that the road there is pretty rough, and it´s quite a distance to go. So definitely make sure to bring not only lots of water, but also a spare tire and tools to change tires.
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: pluton on January 23, 2013, 05:15:25 am
Neither nor, unfortunately. They are encircled by mountain ranges, so throughout the year they will never catch rising or setting sun. Nevertheless they are well worth a visit. But be aware that the road there is pretty rough, and it´s quite a distance to go. So definitely make sure to bring not only lots of water, but also a spare tire and tools to change tires.

However, the E. Dunes are much farther away from the mountains on their west, much closer to the mountains on their eastern side, so you can get almost horizontal light on them at sunset.
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Roman Racela on January 24, 2013, 09:36:25 pm
Did you come from the south entrance of the park or through Big Pine from the north going to Eureka Dunes?

I went to Eureka Dunes in December from the south so I'm trying to find out if the northern route is much better, shorter and easier.

Thanks.



(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5263/5640597303_423f31e009_b.jpg)

Dante's View is a must-see if it's your first time in DV.  The drive is spectacular, the view when you arrive even more so. 
Morning is best.  These snowy peaks are west of the camera.

Image is a 6 image stitch.  A self portrait on the occasion of my 65th birthday.  :D



(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5307/5639479360_2f506f61c1_b.jpg)
Frequently overlooked are Eureka Dunes in the far north end of the park.  Their singular advantage is also their disadvantage.  They're a long drive, but you'll have them pretty well to yourself.  The road is good.  Any vehicle will do.



(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5301/5639932414_0d36f192f4_b.jpg)

Also, you get to park right at the dunes, rather than a half-hour hike away.


(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5109/5639931994_4f31772eef_b.jpg)
There are occasional visitors, but their stay is usually brief.


Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Peter McLennan on January 25, 2013, 12:17:10 am
Did you come from the south entrance of the park or through Big Pine from the north going to Eureka Dunes?
I went to Eureka Dunes in December from the south so I'm trying to find out if the northern route is much better, shorter and easier.
Thanks.

I entered from Big Pine, exited down Death Valley Road southwards.  That road is rough, slow and flat. If you're bound for the rest of the southern park, it's a tossup which is better - continuing south or returning to Big Pine and entering via Town Pass. The road in from Big Pine is paved for a large part of the route but the last ten miles or so are rough gravel.  No clearance problems, but if you value your vehicle, it's 10 mph.

pluton is correct.  The lowest available angle of light (and hence the longest "magic hour") would be at sunset, not sunrise.  The close mountains to the east probably delay direct sunlight by as much as an hour.

If you value desert solitude, Eureka Dunes is it.
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Roman Racela on January 25, 2013, 12:25:23 am
Not sure where Town Pass is. Is that the same road that you would usually take to get to White Mountain? I am planning on heading out there next week and was wondering if you think there is a possibility of road closures because of snow. I'm bringing a Jeep with 36-inch (diameter) tires so it should be fun driving but it does get old after your jaw has been rattling constantly for over an hour.

Thanks for the info again.


I entered from Big Pine, exited down Death Valley Road southwards.  That road is rough, slow and flat. If you're bound for the rest of the southern park, it's a tossup which is better - continuing south or returning to Big Pine and entering via Town Pass. The road in from Big Pine is paved for a large part of the route but the last ten miles or so are rough gravel.  No clearance problems, but if you value your vehicle, it's 10 mph.

pluton is correct.  The lowest available angle of light (and hence the longest "magic hour") would be at sunset, not sunrise.  The close mountains to the east probably delay direct sunlight by as much as an hour.

If you value desert solitude, Eureka Dunes is it.
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: pluton on January 27, 2013, 02:04:24 am
Roman, Townes Pass is the pass on CA route 190 as the road crosses the Panamint Mountains; you cross it as you approach Death Valley from the west(Panamint Springs, Lone Pine);  You're already in the park at Townes Pass.  If by 'White Mountain' you mean the White Mountain Peak, where the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is, that's roughly 100 miles farther north.  Check out the "Morning Report" on the DVNP website for road conditions---it's usually updated daily.  Expect snow accumulation only at high elevations(7000 feet plus).
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Peter McLennan on January 27, 2013, 12:51:50 pm
Roman, Townes Pass is the pass on CA route 190

pluton, thanks for the correction.  It's Townes Pass, not "Town Pass", as I incorrectly stated.  For those not familiar with it, it's a superb drive.  Here's the approach from the west.

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5305/5639479044_df2b8b2c9b_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Roman Racela on January 27, 2013, 11:20:46 pm
The first time I went to Eureka Dunes I used the Scotty's Castle/Death Valley Road route from Stovepipe Wells. Looking for a different route, bit for some reason I cannot find Townes Pass from CA 190 on Googel Maps. There seems to be another way from Big Pine via CA 168 then head south on Death Valley Road to Eureka Dunes. I guess I'll uew the old route again if I can't find Townes Pass.

Thanks for the tips though.


Roman, Townes Pass is the pass on CA route 190 as the road crosses the Panamint Mountains; you cross it as you approach Death Valley from the west(Panamint Springs, Lone Pine);  You're already in the park at Townes Pass.  If by 'White Mountain' you mean the White Mountain Peak, where the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is, that's roughly 100 miles farther north.  Check out the "Morning Report" on the DVNP website for road conditions---it's usually updated daily.  Expect snow accumulation only at high elevations(7000 feet plus).
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Peter McLennan on January 28, 2013, 11:33:31 am
The pass is not shown on Google Maps.  CA 190 is the road from Panamint Springs to Stovepipe Wells.  Take it and you will traverse Townes Pass.
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: spreeg on January 28, 2013, 06:16:21 pm
This last weekend was particularly interesting there as the storm clouds settled into the valley for a rare look for Death Valley, here is a first and last frame of a timelapse I did just after sunrise from Dante's as the clouds moved like waves through the valley.
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Roman Racela on January 28, 2013, 06:23:57 pm
Thank you both, Peter and Pluton.  I hope this road is accessible and without snow this weekend when I go or I'll just take my usual route to Eureka Dunes.

I'll show some images on this thread when I get back from the trip.

BTW Peter. You Sprinter van makes me want to build one like yours!!! You can looks so sweet!!!

The pass is not shown on Google Maps.  CA 190 is the road from Panamint Springs to Stovepipe Wells.  Take it and you will traverse Townes Pass.
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Frank Sirona on January 29, 2013, 05:37:05 pm
There is an interesting phenomenon that can be observed at Eureka Dunes. From a distance, the sand appears to be plain gray. At a closer look, though, you´ll find that the dunes consist of two different sorts of sand grains: dark, anthracite colored ones and a second sort that is light gray. The amazing thing is that there must be some physical parameter distinguishing both (density, I guess) which prevents them from forming the uniform mixture you would expect to form. Rather, it looks as if mixing and separating would be competing, resulting in patches of two-colored patterns formed by the wind. You can see an example of such a pattern in the attached JPG, together with a closeup (actually, an extreme crop from the original 5x7 slide) where you can distinguish the two different sorts of sand grains.

Who said that entropy always wins?
Title: Another way to go to the main Dunes
Post by: kgelner on January 31, 2013, 01:02:38 am
I wanted to also mention an alternate way to shoot the Dunes in the middle of the park (by Stovepipe Wells). 

The normal way to shoot it is to park nearby on the road and walk in, like so:

(http://m9.i.pbase.com/g2/19/216919/3/148559439.sY6JTBI7.jpg)

But there's an alternate approach, which is to park to the east of the dunes and walk in from the side/back - to do so instead of turning towards Stovepipe Wells, at the junction you turn onto Scotty's Castle road, and take the first dirt road off to the left into a parking lot there and walk:

(http://m0.i.pbase.com/g2/19/216919/2/148559440.512WK9s9.jpg)

The main approach is nice, but I think a little taxing (because you are walking up and over a series of sand dune peaks) to get into the more interesting dunes.  There are also a lot of people, meaning a lot of tracks. 

You can find some examples of shooting sunset there from a recent trip I took:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kigiphoto/sets/72157632627635454/

With shots like:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kigiphoto/8421635972/in/set-72157632627635454
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8466/8421635972_c6bfbe910e_b.jpg)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kigiphoto/8420529551/in/set-72157632627635454
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8055/8420529551_089be22089_b.jpg)

(http://m6.i.pbase.com/g6/19/216919/2/76279826.ze43Xh9w.jpg)

The back approach is a much longer walk as you can tell by the map.  But that is offset by the walk being much flatter, and as you reach the dunes you are generally wandering through dune valleys to get into the dunes, and not up as many peaks.  But it is far more remote so make sure to bring lots of water, and it's probably a good idea to go in with someone...  it's also probably a good idea only to do this when the temperatures are still low (like early spring).

Also the back area has almost no-one in it, so the dunes are less tracked.  And there are interesting dried and drying mud patterns along the way, possibly small ponds depending on the rainfall in Death Valley that year. 

Some examples of the back side:

Water in this set:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kigiphoto/sets/72157615145445011/

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3647/3352298367_631c850ae6_b.jpg)

and some drying mud pattern images:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kigiphoto/5411943642/in/set-72157625963963490
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5133/5411943642_c64d2f7b8e_b.jpg)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kigiphoto/5411381793/in/set-72157625963963490
(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4141/5411381793_640af5877c_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Roman Racela on January 31, 2013, 04:51:42 am
I actually took that alternate route when I shot this sunrise on Dec 2nd...

It was worth the hike and waking up early.

(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h88/romanwarrior/_MGL7076_zpsfb014fcf.jpg)
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Scott O. on February 04, 2013, 01:59:29 am
Doesn't appear that this will be a booming wildflower year. Death Valley has had less than 2" of rain since last July. I am going for a week at the end of the month, but don't expect to be spending much time shooting flowers.
Title: Re: Death Valley
Post by: Roman Racela on February 04, 2013, 03:07:28 am
I just got back from Eureka Dunes but visited other areas of the park. Looks like no blooms this year. 4 years ago West Side Road had some flowers. I haven't seen that since...

I took the Scotty's Castle route going to Eureka Dunes and took the Big Pine route on the way out. The Big Pine route is maybe 85% paved. There was a Toyota Coralla at the dunes so I know even a low clearance vehicle will make it to this spot...but I did take a Jeep so going over 60mph off-road was fun.

(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h88/romanwarrior/_MGL9844_zpsa2d7aef4.jpg)