Death Valley Trip Wrap-up

 We had a wonderful time on our 2014 Spring trip to Death Valley. Although occasionally windy this time of year, spring is a good time to visit the California Deserts.  The nights can be quite chilly and afternoons surprisingly warm and remember to carry extra water.

Below is an interactive map showing where we camped, hiked, and the attractions we found particularly interesting. Feel free to scroll down and turn off/on different layers, as well as, adjust the size on the map below:

• Campsites
• Hikes
• Points of Interest

 

 Favorites

China Date Ranch	China Date Ranch This stop was an unexpected pleasure. We learned about it from brochures while registering for a campsite at Tecopa Hot Springs. It's an amazing oasis close to the Old Spanish Trail, which offers good hiking on a historic trail.  Yes, Kit Carson really did sleep here.
Artists' Drive	Artists' Drive in Death Valley Although we had both been to Death Valley many times before, neither one of us had ever taken this one-way drive. The Artists' Palette cutoff is particularly worthwhile.  It offers a wide array of colored minerals created in a volcanic eruption much like paint on a palette.
Alabama Hills	Alabama Hills  These rocky hills in front of Mt. Whitney and the Sierras are just outside of Lone Pine. It's not surprising these hills have been used for location shooting in several Hollywood Movies. We plan to return.
	Morro Bay This area is a favorite of ours. The long beaches, Morro Rock and harbor, as well as good restaurants, and many outdoor activities keep us returning. Plus we get to drive the Big Sur Coastline.

Be Awares

Tour Ticket Catch-22 at Scotty's Castle If you want tour tickets for Scotty's Castle, the best way is to get them is online or by phone before you go.  Be aware that both WiFi and cell coverage is sketchy at best in most of Death Valley except for the Furnace Creek area. The tours themselves are supposed to be great.
Mad Greek Cafe in Baker CA Everything changes, just not always for the better. Unfortunately the new management is more interested in squeezing money out of this place rather than offering good food and an interesting experience for their clients.

Resources

	AAA Maps - Public Lands Campgrounds (for Southern and Northern California) New from AAA! We are delighted with them. These maps are a great for finding low cost campgrounds. Plus the info is packed into a small package usable without WiFi, cell coverage, or electricity. Not sure if these maps exist yet for other states.
	Moon Outdoors California Deserts Camping and Hiking Love this series. Good accurate information in a low-cost small package usable without WiFi, cell coverage, or electricity.
	Phone App RVparky

Salt pan at the lowest part of Death Valley