On our second trip to Death Valley, the plan was to visit some of the more remote places in the park. We found that the journey was actually as interesting as the destination and often revealed interesting and unusual things about the desert.

The moon was a big factor in my photography this trip. It was full and just happened to rise, set, or appear at the most convenient times while photographing.

Moon Set in Death Valley

Very early one morning, as I left the the hotel room, I noticed the moon setting. I have never seen a moon set quite like this one. It looked like some kind of bizarre, alien sunset. I had to photograph this, but the moon had already set. The only option was to race up a mountain to create this photograph as the moon set again from the higher vantage point.

Moon Set in Death Valley by Richard Lewis

Moon Set in Death Valley by Richard Lewis 2015

The Badlands of 20 Mule Team Canyon

In order to find a good spot to photograph at sunrise, we spent a day hiking up and down the canyons that spill into the 20 Mule Team Canyon. Not being on marked trails means you have to pay attention to where you are. More than once, we hiked up one canyon and started down another only to find that if we kept going we would end up miles away from our car.

The Badlands of Death Valley by Richard Lewis

The Badlands of Death Valley by Richard Lewis 2015

The Last Chance Mountains

The last Chance Mountains stand between Death Valley and the Eureka Dunes, a remote set of high country sand dunes. At sunset, we found ourselves in the pass which runs through these mountains, catching the full moon in a great spot to be photographed.

Full Moon in the Last Chance Mountains by Richard Lewis

Full Moon in the Last Chance Mountains by Richard Lewis 2015

Bad Water Basin

The interplay of wind and rain will cause geometric shapes to form in the playas (flat basins) of Death Valley. These polygon shapes are always changing. Sometimes they look almost as smooth as ceramic tile floors. This year they were still forming and very rough in appearance.

Badwater Basin by Richard Lewis

Badwater Basin by Richard Lewis 2015

Like No Other National Park

You sometimes come across relics in Death Valley from the time before it was a national park. These two old and shot up cars were just sitting in the middle of the desert begging to be photographed.

Together in Death (Valley) by Richard Lewis

Together in Death (Valley) by Richard Lewis 2015

Watch for a few more images from our trip to Death Valley.

Enjoy