Death Valley

From Death Valley

This is the hottest and driest place in North America. Its a very large, very desolate park. Although there is a little water in the valley, it is very salty and can only support a few forms of life.

You wouldn’t think that a place as inhospitable as this would have such a diverse landscape. There are rocky plains, crazy sandstone hills, canyons, sand dunes, rivers, and salt flats. The lowest place on earth is in Death Valley also. It’s called Badwater Basin and is 282 feet below sea level.

I got some really cool pictures this time.

Nevada

From Nevada

After the Grand Canyon I drove into Nevada to get to Las Vegas. For some reason I had to drive right by the Hoover Damn. That really killed my driving time.

I didn’t really care for Vegas much. I don’t gamble so all I did was drink while walking up and down the strip … which got old after a couple drinks.

One night was plenty for me.  Off to Death Valley

Grand Canyon

From Grand Canyon

An amazing place to experience. The actual park was very impressive too. They have natural gas shuttles that run all over the park all day. The shuttles really helped me see as much as possible in the few days I was at the canyon.

I spent the first day rim hiking along the south rim. Parts of the south rim are very tourist friendly (paved trails, etc) and other parts are nice and rustic. I preferred the rustic parts where it was difficult to tell whether or not you were on the trail.

The second day I did a hike into the canyon in the morning on the south Kiabob trail. I got half way to the base before I had to turn back. Next time I’ll be sure to get a camping permit so I can hike all the way to the river. It is advised not to attempt hiking to the river and back to the rim in a single day. Half way and back was exhausting enough for one day for me. I spent the rest of the day taking the shuttles to different points along the south rim.

I spent the third day pretty much the same as the second except I tackled a different canyon trail in the morning. I think it was called the Bright Angel trail. It is supposed to be a really excellent trail, but since I only hiked part of it I think I missed the really great views.

Getting a camping permit from the natives is a must. I think there is a four month waiting list though.