Spending time in Death Valley National Park was an overwhelmingly creative experience. I think it is for many artists because it is one of the most beautiful and strangely diverse landscapes in America. This is the first of several posts about life in Death Valley.
The Racetrack Playa at Dusk by Richard Lewis 2013
A Day at the Racetrack in Death Valley
The Racetrack Valley is one of several valleys that make up Death Valley National Park. It is very remote and only accessible by a 4×4 vehicle. The most unique feature of the valley is the Racetrack Playa. A playa is a desert basin that fills with water and leaves a flat layer of mud or salt when the water evaporates or soaks into the ground. What makes the Racetrack worth the trip are the rocks that fall onto the playa and strangely move leaving trails behind them. The reason for this phenomena is not really known although there are theories that range from wind to spirits to vibrations and more.
Ubehebe Crater
On the way to the Racetrack is the Ubehebe Crater which is actually a series of volcanic craters in the middle of the desert. It is a very popular spot and I argued against stopping but was overruled by my wife and son. Sometimes it is good to be outvoted.
Ubehebe Crater by Richard Lewis 2013
Ubehebe Crater Wall in Death Valley National Park by Richard Lewis 2013
Volcanic Desert Near the Ubehebe Crater in Death Valley by Richard Lewis 2013
How I Did It – One way to photograph landscapes with crowds around is to be very patient and wait for the crowds to thin. Another way is to go where they are not going. While the crater itself is spectacular, the area around it is a pristine, dark, volcanic landscape. We arrived at midday which would normally be a bad time to photograph because of the harsh desert sun. Luckily, it was partly cloudy which diffused the sunlight just enough.
Old Miner’s Cabin
Old Miner’s Cabin by Richard Lewis 2013
How I Did It – There are several side trails on the way to the Racetrack and we decided to take one and visit an old lead mine. Normally I shy away from photographing the human presence in the landscape. But keeping an open mind, I realized this broken building shows the history of the struggle to make a living in this beautiful, but extreme desert environment.
The Race Track Playa
Racing Rock, Death Valley National Park by Richard Lewis 2013
This is what rocks at the Racetrack do. They race and can travel long distances leaving a trail behind them. We nicknamed this one “Speedy” because of it’s particularly long trail.
The Racetrack in Death Valley National Park by Richard Lewis 2013
This panorama shows The Racetrack in the late day sun. The dark little rock outcropping is appropriately called The Grandstand, which is a unique feature of the Racetrack playa.
Water on the Racetrack in Death Valley National Park by Richard Lewis 2013
Water on a playa is rare, but there was a small remnant of recent rain at on one edge of the Racetrack. While this looks like a lake, the water is only an inch or two deep and probably disappears quickly. Note how the light at dusk changes the color of the mountains.
How I did It – Traveling to the Racetrack involves a 3 to 4 hour drive on a very rough Jeep road. Most visitors leave in the morning and arrive at midday to provide plenty of time to drive back before dark. I wanted to photograph in the beautiful late afternoon and evening light, so that meant arriving late in the day and tackling the rough road back in the dark. The willingness to accept a little extra challenge can mean the difference between a mediocre and memorable experience both photographically and otherwise.
More Death Valley to come!
Want to be more creative with your camera? I can help so feel free to contact me.
The “Racing Rock” foreground shot is by far my favorite! Very nice set!
Thanks for your comment. Racing Rock is my favorite too.
Great set of images, Rich. The Racing Rock is also my favorite. I really like the format of your blog with the “how I did it” portion. Adds a lot, I think. Looking forward to more.
Thanks Linda. I’m partial to the Racing Rock photograph too. Thanks for the feedback on the blog format. I’m trying to make it more informational without overwhelming people.
Another beautiful and informative post. Thanks!
Thanks Skip, I appreciate it.
Wonderful shots Rich! The crater wall is so amazing.
Thanks Bonnie, Ubehebe Crater was really spectacular. The texture of the walls and the whole landscape around there was really fascinating.
Your comment about humanoids in your photos is appreciated……reason for that is that I am of the other persuasion….love human intervention, but put that aside, you have a knack for huge canvasses, that delight me immensely and your comps and displays of natural areas take me there…..it’s magical….thanks Rich.
Thank you Rudi. Photography is an amazing art that has room for all sorts of styles and approaches. You have always been one of my favorite photographers when it comes to people in their environments. I get the same magical feeling when I see what comes out of your camera.
What a unique & beautiful landscape…Have to agree, Racing Rock is my favorite. So fascinating! I look forward to the upcoming posts in the series.
Thanks Cathy. The landscape in Death Valley is unique. I spent the whole week in total awe of what I was looking at.
WOW … after looking at your wonderful images I have added Death Valley to my list of ‘must go to places’. I love the vast feeling of the collection but my favorites are Ubehebe Crater Wall and Racing Rock. Did you get to see the rock move or do they only do it when no one is looking?
Thanks Denise. I would strongly encourage you to head out there because I would love to see what you come up with. The crater walls are pretty amazing. There are several craters ranging from small to large and all the walls have interesting textures and features. The rocks at the Racetrack are apparently pretty shy. I spent about a half hour with the one shown here and it didn’t move at all.
Very nice shots. I just visited DV for the 8th time, realized I’ve spent 2 months of my life there. I could easily be a ranger there and love it.
Rich,
Wonderful and powerful images. Would love to hear about your trip (live) at the next SJCC meeting. I may need to move this National Park further up on my list. Ever been to Arches National Park?
Scott
Thanks Scott. I would love to tell you more about this trip. I have not been to Arches NP but it is on our list.