Before anyone else in the group woke up, Chis, Alissa and Wyatt had a spectacular sunrise all to themselves. Thanks to Alissa for capturing a few pictures. It seems that Death Valley never disappoints when it comes to lighting the sky at the beginning and ending of a day.

PC: Alissa R.

PC: Alissa R.

PC: Alissa R.

PC: Alissa R.

Wake up! Coffee. Breakfast. Clean. Pack. Go.

Sort of unsure of what to do with the day we all came up with a plan of attack. Ryan and Ashley nor the kids had been through the main park of Death Valley before so we’d start there. Along the way we’d hit up all the touristy parts and attempt to blend in.

Off to Panamint Springs for some gas and to restock on some $23.00 6 packs of Ballast Point. Our next stop would be to check out Skidoo, Harrisburg and Aguereberry Point.

When we got to the top of the grade and went to make the turn onto Emigrant Canyon Rd, we were greeted by some road barriers signifying the road has been closed. It looks as if people had been going around, but didn’t want to risk getting caught being somewhere we shouldn’t and moved onto the Mesquite Sand Dunes.

People walking in lines through the dunes. Reminded me of a giant ant mount.

The Relentless Fabrication group heading west.

Next stop was to see the 20 Mule Team

Three of these vehicle are not like the rest…

Our last stop in the park would be at Badwater. Driven by quite a few times but never stopped to see. We walked a bit in feeling a bit out of place, but at least now can say we were there.

With how much fun the kids were having at Mesquite Sand Dunes, we asked them if they would like to camp somewhere like it. Of course they answered with a very enthusiastic “YEAH!!!”. That being said Dumont Dunes would be our final camp spot for the trip. To get there we would cut off well over an hour of driving by taking Saratoga Springs road instead of following the 178 through Jubilee Pass.

PC: Alissa R.

PC: Alissa R.

The Armagosa “River” was flowing

PC: Alissa R.

Being a holiday weekend, we could see Dumont was packed the closer we got. Paid for our passes, bought (and made) flags and I went to have a talk with a couple rangers about a suitable camping spot away from the crazyness. They instructed to head south the small dunes where it’s much more laid back and there should be plenty of great places to setup at.

PC: Alissa R.

PC: Alissa R.

We had a blast playing in the dunes while looking for a suitable camping spot.

PC: Alissa R.

PC: Alissa R.

We finally came across the perfect area. Off the beaten path and positioned on a dune that’s visible for a long distance. The kids had an absolute blast.

No coffee or breakfast this morning, instead we got a super early jump on the day to get home at a decent time. Another awesome trip and look forward to getting to the areas we didn’t make it this time around.

Until next time!