We crossed Lippencott Pass and were almost immediately presented with a view of the Racetrack, the dry lake bed famous for its mysterious moving rocks and their odd trails racing across the mud-cracked desert playa in this barren and quiet valley. Once dark, we tossed a light-up frisbee on the perfectly flat playa, the light from the frisbee reflecting off the bright playa surface in otherworldly fashion. If the frisbee was designed for anything, it was for just this- it was very memorable. It was a cold, cold night.In the morning we photographed the lake and surroundings, and climbed the Grandstand, the ship-like rock outcrop protruding from the playa. We tried to make the best of this remote place despite poor lighting conditions for photographs.
Note tiny person in front of the Grandstand
We drove on to Teakettle Junction, where curiosity and lack of a plan detoured us up the Hidden Valley Road. We easily found several worthwhile distractions, including exploring the extensive and well-preserved Lost Burro Mine. We climbed the hill above the mines and were rewarded with panoramic views of Hidden Valley, the Racetrack, the Inyos, and Saline Valley in the distance. Snow filled the shadows.
View of the Racetrack. Saline Valley in the distance.
With a few other stops, we arrived at the paved highway in Death Valley proper. About to part ways, Ryan made me realize that I had somehow mixed up my days and did not need to be back until late the next day. I still do not know where this extra day came from, but I happily took it, and we made plans to go canyoning the following day. We drove south, catching a very blue post-sunset at Badwater (wet from the recent rains), leaving a car at the bottom of the canyon, then driving for well over an hour to the top of the canyon where we set up camp for the night. Photos of me by Ryan.
Badwater, lowest place on North America
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