Death Valley in December Photo Tour

Posted by: Greg Clure

December 9-15, 2012 • $799 • The largest national park in the lower 48 states, Death Valley is known for extremes: It is North America's driest and hottest spot with average annual rainfall of less than 2 inches and the hottest recorded temperature of 134°F. The land is being pulled apart faster than it can be filled in by erosion creating the lowest elevation in the Western Hemisphere--282 feet below sea level at Badwater. Telescope Peak, towering above the valley floor tops out at 11,049 feet, along with the other Panamint Range peaks that contribute to blocking moisture coming in from the northwest by capturing the majority of the rainfall. These extremes create scenic vistas and ecological niches that support a startling biological diversity. Over 1,000 native plant and wildlife species coax out a living here, some that are found nowhere else. Highlights of this tour include, but are not limited to, Zabriskie Point, Dantes View, Badwater Salt Flats, Devils Golf Course, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Aguereberry Point, Titus, Mosaic, and Golden Canyon, Artist Palette, Darwin Falls and the Racetrack. When the majority of the nation is bracing for winter, Death Valley’s average daily highs this time of year will be in the upper 60s to low 70s with lows in the mid-40s. This time of the year also sees the least amount of visitors to the park so we will likely have many of the best locations to ourselves. Join me in the warmth of the desert as we photograph the best of Death Valley in December.