Death Valley

In mid August we are taking a large road trip, part of this trip had us driving from Disneyland to Reno, I had decided to take 395 over I-5, thats when the wife suggested we take a couple hours and at least drive into Death Valley NP. So it looks like we will make it to Stovepipe Wells and turn around. I am just starting my research into the area, and looking for advise. It will be mid day and HOT I know this, I also know its not the best time for photography but that's not the point of this trip. If I can walk way with 1-2 good shots I will be happy.

Alright location suggestions coming in from the West to Stovepipe.

Not Death Valley, but consider Lone Pine. They used to film many of the western shows and movies there, Bonanza I think. Also, they have an impressive Vista point in Joshua Tree NP, it has a view of the whole Owens valley.

You aren't kidding about HOT, probably 120 or so. I would drive down to Badwater, very cool (as in neat) place. Then hit Zabriskie Point, and if you have some more time, drive up to Dante's View. None of these distances are that great. The Mesquite Dunes are also good, but you need to walk out into those things, and it will be too hot for much of that, plus photographically speaking those are either evening or morning shots, midday with flat light and you'll get nothing in the way of a photo.

http://www.weather.com …er/tenday/l/USC​A0286:1:US

I would not touch DV in mid-day August. People die hiking in August. If I had a couple of hours for a side trip off 395, I'd skip DV and hit Yosemite and Mono Lake instead.

tandemhearts wrote in post #17611138
I would not touch DV in mid-day August. People die hiking in August. If I had a couple of hours for a side trip off 395, I'd skip DV and hit Yosemite and Mono Lake instead.

Yup, you cannot hike anywhere in the summer, it would be strictly a see the sights from the car sort of trip, but still worthwhile I think. If they drive up to Dante's view it will probably be 20 degrees cooler, maybe only 100.

There is this thing -

https://en.wikipedia.o​rg/wiki/Badwater_Ultra​marathon

tandemhearts wrote in post #17611138
I would not touch DV in mid-day August. People die hiking in August. If I had a couple of hours for a side trip off 395, I'd skip DV and hit Yosemite and Mono Lake instead.

Its someplace we have wanted to visit for a long while now so this feels like the perfect chance to at least drive in and see a bit of it. I had zero plans to do any sort of hiking.

patrick j wrote in post #17611137
You aren't kidding about HOT, probably 120 or so. I would drive down to Badwater, very cool (as in neat) place. Then hit Zabriskie Point, and if you have some more time, drive up to Dante's View. None of these distances are that great. The Mesquite Dunes are also good, but you need to walk out into those things, and it will be too hot for much of that, plus photographically speaking those are either evening or morning shots, midday with flat light and you'll get nothing in the way of a photo.

http://www.weather.com …er/tenday/l/USC​A0286:1:US

Thank you for the location tips I will be checking those out today.

patrick j wrote in post #17611142
Yup, you cannot hike anywhere in the summer, it would be strictly a see the sights from the car sort of trip, but still worthwhile I think. If they drive up to Dante's view it will probably be 20 degrees cooler, maybe only 100.

There is this thing -

https://en.wikipedia.o​rg/wiki/Badwater_Ultra​marathon

That race sounds like a very bad idea for an out of shape photographer lol.

Before you go to Death Valley in August, it is advisable to consult your mobile carrier's coverage map to see where the holes in their coverage are, in the event of breakdown of your car. For example, here is ATT coverage of Death Valley...