Death Valley National Park, offers the visiting photographer a wide variety of opportunities. Whether you are a tourist seeking to record your first visit, or an advanced amateur looking to improve upon previous work, no other national park offers such a distinct variety of subjects. From the out-of-this-world Salt Flats of the Badwater area and The Devils Golf Course, to the alpine like conditions of Telescope Peak and its Bristle Cone Pine trees.  For those interested in geology, Death Valley has dozens of exposed alluvial fans and earthquake faults. At the northern end of the park,  Ubehebe Crater and The Race Track with its sliding rocks, afford more unique sights. If the human occupation of Death Valley interests you, a visit to Scotty's Castle or any of the numerous mine ruins scattered about the park, will be of interest.

 

A GUIDE TO PHOTOGRAPHING POPULAR LOCATIONS WITHIN DEATH VALLEY *

LOCATION

MORNING

AFTERNOON

COMMENT

FORMAT SPECIFIC COMMENT

ARTISTS PALETTE

 

X

Best with the last light of the day.  

AGUEREBERRY POINT

 

X

Late afternoon, great with clouds to the east. Larger formats, watch for high winds.

BADWATER

X

 

A DV icon, made more difficult by recent 'improvements' to the area!  

CHARCOAL KILNS

 

X

Can be snowed in during winter months.  

DANTE'S VIEW

X

 

Subject to frequent road closure. Best a couple of hours after sunrise. Larger formats, watch for high winds.

STOVEPIPE DUNES

X

 

Stronger contrast in the morning hours, watch for high winds, can be dangerous.  
DEATH VALLEY JUNCTION X   Morning hours light the building well.  

RACE TRACK

  X A pretty good walk to the rocks, easy with lighter gear.  

RHYOLITE

X   Easy access.  

SALT FLATS

X X Either end of the day can work well, many prefer afternoon light.  

SCOTTY'S CASTLE

  X Easy access.  

TITUS CANYON

X X It depends on where you are in the canyon.  

ZABRISKIE POINT

X   At it's best an hour or so after sunrise, in the late fall, winter and early spring months. Larger formats, watch for high winds.

  * This chart is a rough guide, intended to help those photographers who are not familiar with photographing Death Valley National Park.

 

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