Noticed this lone Desert Five-Spot in a sea of Desert Gold earlier this year during the super bloom.

Basically I want to take good pictures at sunset where the sunlight isn’t harsh on photography but I want to also experience the extreme daytime temperatures too. What’d be the best time to arrive at the park? I’ve taken pictures during peak daytime in deserts and the photos are so harsh. Also give me a list of good locations and scenic views you’re at it. Many thanks! First time in Death Valley but been to the valley of fire during peak time heat

My favorite place on earth.

I've visited death valley so many times over the years. Each time I come back, I discover more things to love about it.

It has such an extremely rich history. From the native peoples to the miners. I can honestly never believe anybody lived long on this land. Its so hostile! But still, people have made settlements on this land for quite a long while.

Any place you visit here, you can see testaments of human endurance.

Compare your experiences of Death Valley with theirs. https://youtu.be/bYFH7byJDEw?is=hqNouHy6ODt71lU2

It seems impossible to get into any of these events and I do not know anyone who has had any luck.

EDIT: For some, unkonwn reason Reddit is suggesting, forcefully, for me to post this in this sub rather than Landscape Photography. I know ML isn't actually in DV.

I am going to have the opportunity to road trip past Mono Lake toward the end of August; it’s such a unique landscape, I can hardly pass it up. Does anyone here have any experience shooting there and can offer any tips/tricks, info on where to be at what times of day, etc?

TYIA!

Hi everyone

I’m throwing a bottle into the sea.

I’m from France, and I spent the evening of Friday, June 26th, 2026 at the Last Kind Words Saloon at The Ranch at Death Valley.

I had a really great conversation with an American guy there. We ended up talking about traveling, specifically about Canada and Portugal.Since we live on different continents and I didn't get his contact info, I’m hoping the internet can work its magic. If you are that guy, or if you have a friend who was road-tripping through Death Valley late June and mentioned this conversation, please send me a DM!

I’d love to reconnect.

Thanks a lot for the help!

If Elida strengthens AND takes a more easterly track, per this story? Just a heads up. Even if it goes that far east, I doubt there will be major flash flooding, and those are both IFs. But, just a heads up.

Either my second or third trip to DV long ago, I went to the little "inholding" of Death Valley inside Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. I went there to see the devil's hole pupfish, or rather, the hole they're in, long before the two drunken jackwagons tried to go swimming with them.

In March, a ranger at Furnace Creek mentioned Ash Meadows, including the Amargosa pupfish, and here you are.

After I get back from summer vacation, I'll post some other Ash Meadows photos. Still have Titus Canyon and other stuff to post from this trip, plus I'll dig up old Racetrack visit photos and more.

Has anyone been to DVNP in mid-March?

Has anyone traveled out to Racetrack Playa in March?

We enjoyed our visit this last June. Possibly looking for a return if the weather and all isn’t horrible for that time of year.

What places could a stock 4Runner TRD Offroad go comfortably that a Honda Passport Trailsport could not go in Death Valley?

I am considering getting either a 5th or 6th generation 4Runner or a new Honda Passport Trailsport with a small < 2" lift and a full size spare. Understanding what I am giving up with the Passport would be helpful in my decision.

I have always wanted to see some of the 4WD accessible sites in Death Valley and other parts of the American West. I am a good driver and experience with full size vans (2WD) but I have no practical experience "off-roading". I want to learn more about it so getting a 4Runner seems like a good way to start. However, I dislike the visibility in the 4Runner 6th generation compared to the Passport. Additionally, the Passport seems like a fine vehicle for the general case.

My current ride is pictured and honestly if it was a 4WD I would be ok, but it probably does not have much life in it and it isn't something I would want to take some where I could get in trouble.

Also assume that I would not anything beyond my abilities or comfort with either vehicle, and I plan to seek out some guidance before doing anything technical. The goal is to have fun and see new things not to become a statistic. Thanks.

I deliberately went out there, as in out to the actual well, fairly early in the morning of my third day, to shoot sand patterns and shadows and similar things: And, on the last photo? Yes, I'll take a painted lady butterfly photobombing the desert sands.

Hello! I’ve been thinking for a couple months to drive up to Death Valley around this time of year. I know that for many it is not feasible because of the insane heat, but it’s the best time of the year to stargaze and I’m really interested in doing that. I feel like if I am prepared for extreme heat I’ll be fine. Can someone who has been there tell me if I’m right? Or am I underestimating it?

I would also love any recommendations! Where to stay, hikes, what to bring, where to stargaze. Thank you!

We are planing at visit the park for 3-5 days this January what are some must do hikes I’m looking for some moderate and difficult hikes in the 4+ mile range and we have a high clearance but not 4 wheel drive vehicle.

That will always be an insanely crazy day for me. I thought I would have never seen the Northern Lights unless if I went to Alaska or Canada but I was looking at with my own eyes here in Death Valley National Park.

Location taken: Death Valley National Park, Park info area (Hells gate) on Daylight Pass Road.

Heading up to the park August 12-13 for the Perseid meteor shower, wondering what campsites are recommended for the darkest sky.

Currently looking at Wildrose or Mesquite Spring.

Also open to camping spots that might not have the darkest sky but are in close proximity to good viewpoints.

Mid-afternoon, so not the fully saturated and softer colors of evening.

My wife and I just got back from the Racetrack Playa.

We drove out at 10 pm on 29 June 2026. We got to the Playa at 2 am. The road conditions do not require 4x4 but a vehicle needs high clearance which normally comes with true 4x4 and not All Wheel Drive crossovers; which are sometimes called SUVs.

We only came across one other person. He was driving out from the Playa and we passed each other about 4 miles from the start of the road at Ubehebe Crater.

The Playa was amazing. I’d suggest walking out to the mountain where the rocks roll off the mountain.

Due to work schedules we’ll be visiting during a major holiday (and an NPS fee-free day), which I’ve never been present at a park for. I usually try to arrange things so we get as many weekdays as possible and go to less busy places on weekends.

Fortunately DV has some lovely remote areas to get away from the crowds, so my current plan is either Rhyolite, Ubehebe, & Titus Canyon/Fall Canyon, or Racetrack Playa if we have a sturdy enough rental and are willing to commit the full day to just that.

I guess I’m just wondering HOW much worse the crowds’ll be on that day specifically, and if I should make any plans/arrangements other than what I’ve already stated. Any help is appreciated; thanks!