Expect the Unexpected

Truth be told, neither my husband or I are attracted to living in the southwest- we enjoy seasonal changes. I can’t wait for a first snow, or the color in the fall. The desert always appeared… static. Unchanging.

Lots of sand that gets in your shoes.

Hot- very hot- like not enough water hot.

That’s what I expected of Death Valley.

As national parks go, Death Valley is not exactly high on the list of places to visit. Most people assume it’s a wretched oven with scorched landscape, and I imagine if you go there in July, that’s exactly what you would find. Average temp in July? 113 degrees. Every year, park rangers have to rescue people from heat-related injuries, and one or two (often experienced) hikers die trying to cross the desert or conquer one of the remote hiking trails.

But February/March is lovely- the desert is blooming, the park is uncrowded, and the weather is hot in the day and cool at night. Average daytime temp is low 80s. While wildlife is tough to spot (most desert animals are nocturnal), the color palette cannot be beat. Not to mention, the amazing geological formations and unusual desert flora (cacti, mesquite, creosote bushes, and pickle weed to name a few) . This desert has an underground aquifer that covers hundreds of miles and feeds different springs, such as Devils Hole, near the park.

I didn’t expect to be impressed by this national park- I have been to so many beautiful ones- but, honestly, I was blown away. The sheer majesty of the desert, with its sweeping views and seemingly infinite horizon, humbled me. Nature is so powerful, and in this case, in a quiet way that it is easy to underestimate that strength. Standing on Dante’s View- a mountaintop point overlooking the valley- my self-importance was adjusted. I felt empowered by being part of something so grand, and at the same time, respectful of my smallness.

The drives in the park are long- this IS the largest national park outside of Alaska- but the landscape along the way is magnificent. Night time is magical- without the light pollution from cities and towns, gazing at the stars easily ranked with the dark sky reserve in New Zealand.

Would I go back? Absolutely, even though it means flying into my least favorite city (Vegas). I’m already planning the next hike!

Stay tuned for part 2- What is a pup fish and why do I want to see it?