“Desert Gold, Snow-Capped Peaks” — Desert Gold flowers bloom with snow-capped desert mountains in the distance.
This photograph epitomizes the extraordinary diversity of Death Valley National Park. It includes two subjects that might surprise those unfamiliar with the place — wildflowers and snow. Because it is known as the place registering the world’s highest recorded temperature, many imagine it to be a place of sand dunes and barren salt playas. Those are part to its landscape, but they are far from the “all of it.”
These wildflowers are desert gold, which was blooming in great fields of yellow in many lowland locations when we visited in late February. I spotted these flowers on a small rise and set up my camera so that they were backed by Telescope Peak, the highest point in the snow-capped Payment Range of desert mountains.
“Desert Gold Field” — Late afternoon light on field of desert gold wildflowers in southern Death Valley.
A day or two ago I thought that I was finished with the photographs from our late-February visit to Death Valley. But I decided to make another pass at the raw files from the trip, and I found a few more photographs that I think help fill out the story of this trip. (Update: Since I wrote that I have found even more!) The highlights — and my primary photographic targets — were the exceptional wildflower bloom and Lake Manly. Here’s another of the wildflower photographs, one which illustrates the extent of some of the larger fields of color.
If you visit this spot during most of the year you might not notice much vegetation at all. Aside from a few bushes, it would mainly give the appearance of a gentle gravel slope. But in February the desert gold plants were taking full advantage of the season’s above-normal rainfall, and some places like this one were more or less carpeted with colorful flowers.
“Wildflowers, Playa, and Mountains” — Desert gold blooms on gravel hills backed by Death Valley playa and desert mountains.
This was one of the first photographs I made on our late-February visit to Death Valley National Park. It was literally the first time I took the camera out after arriving, and the second exposure I made. We had entered the Valley, crossed it, and were starting our drive toward Beatty, Nevada. I felt that the scene encapsulated the scale of this valley and the surrounding desert mountains, and the patch of desert gold flowers was the icing on the cake.
When arriving at a location after a very long drive, it can be tempting to just set up camp or go to the hotel and crash. But I prefer to take the camera out and at least “prime the pump” by making a few photographs. That helps get things going, and marks my switch to photographer mode for the rest of the visit.
“Blue Playa” — Intensely blue dry mud on Death Valley’s hidden “Blue Playa.”
I have photographed in Death Valley National Park for almost three decades. I have heard whispered rumors of this remarkable “Blue Playa” for years, but no one would share anything definite about it. All I knew was that somewhere in a remote and seldom-visited area of this vast park there was purportedly a small playa featuring astonishingly colorful soil which, in the right lighting conditions, is so blue that it rivals the color of a clear sky. This has been on my mind for years.
Since those who know weren’t talking, it was clear that I’d have to do some sleuthing. All I knew was that the place is remote, surrounded by difficult mountains, and not terribly large. Out of respect for the feature — and concern about potential damage should the location become widely known — I’m going to omit specific details. But here’s as much of the story as I can share publicly.
Photographer and visual opportunist. Daily photos since 2005, plus articles, reviews, news, and ideas.
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