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Been there now!!!

Staines, United...
posts: 29
reviews: 4
Been there now!!!

We have just got back from our Vegas, Death Valley, Yosemite, San Fransisco holiday and I have to admit that Death Valley was my absolute favourite. We barely touched it, just done the real touristy bits on the way in from Vegas, but absolute loved getting out the car in 20 Mule Team Canyon and clambering up some of the small hills and climbs, couldnt believe how easy it was to lose sight of the car!!! We also stopped at Dantes View and Zabriski Point before getting to Furnace Creek Ranch. had a dip in the warm pool, strange, and also had a very enjoyable meal in the restaurant.

I was blown away by our time spent there that day but the next morning we got up to watch the sunrise and drove almost to the Sand Dunes before pulling over in a lay by to watch the sun come over the mountains. Not another car came by and the silence was almost eerie but oh my, watching the light change on the mountains was so awesome, to say it was stunning is not an exaggeration. We drove on to the sand dunes and suddenly became kids again (we are in our mid 50s) trying to climb the dunes, playing with the shadows we were making, looking at all the snake trails etc. Yet again we seemed to lose where we had parked the car!!!

Before we went I was a bit worried we would not get the best out of this but found it so easy to get around. if anyone is considering going then I urge you to go......now.

However much water you intend to take with you, stop and take more, more, more as it is sooooooooo hot, but it is amazing to be there in amongst it.

Loved it, loved it, loved it so a big thank you to all who helped in planning it beforehand. I feel I want to stand and shout to everyone ' you have to go' ......and maybe I have to go back to experience more of this amazing place. At times I felt quite emotional standing there in the midst of it all.

14 replies to this topic
Chicago, Illinois
Destination Expert
for Dusseldorf
posts: 2,186
reviews: 189
1. Re: Been there now!!!

Wonderful to read trip reports like this. You get it. You got it. And once you have it, Death Valley just cannot be resisted. II is a magic desert and your post really captures that. Thanks!

ZB

San Francisco
Destination Expert
for Death Valley Junction, Death Valley National Park
posts: 9,137
reviews: 37
2. Re: Been there now!!!

What a great trip report! It's always a pleasure to hear that people enjoyed their trip, and to read the details of what they saw and did. But when someone actually appreciates the beauty, splendor, and uniqueness of Death Valley and its essence as a place, it’s extra special.

I had to look up your earlier thread to refresh my memory, and I see that you were wondering if you’d allowed enough time for Death Valley. Now you know. And of course you’ll go home and start planning your next trip!

Thanks for telling us about your experience. :)

Bedford,U.K
posts: 505
reviews: 5
3. Re: Been there now!!!

Im going to D.V for the first time in 10 days time, having always seeming to skip it somehow in 5 previous visits to the surrounding areas.

Since its been planned, ive also realised what a fascinating place this is and am sure will exceed my expectations too.

Its only when you read up about it and find whats actually there and the variations of geology and scenery, you soon realise its not just a wasteland of desert.

Cant wait. Thanks for the report.

CA
posts: 6
4. Re: Been there now!!!

Thanks for this wonderful descriptions of Death Valley. I am planning a trip to Vegas in December. After reading your report thinking about including death valley in my Trip. But I have no idea of December weather in Death valley. any suggestions?

stockport
posts: 313
reviews: 17
5. Re: Been there now!!!

Great report. Its a year since we were there. We're planning to definitely go back next September and stay longer. last time we only stayed the night. I LOVE this place.

Germany
posts: 642
reviews: 3
6. Re: Been there now!!!

What a great read! We are going in the beginning of October and hope to fit in Death Valley too. Soooo exciting!

Staines, United...
posts: 29
reviews: 4
7. Re: Been there now!!!

As you will know after reading my original post I loved this place and the question would have to be ' when can I go back?'

Well............our son has just announced he is getting married in Las Vegas Sept 2013.........................problem sorted!!!!!!!!!!!!

The next bit to plan (along with the wedding of course) is what to we want to do in DV this time, now we know how fantastic it is.

Back to you guys who I am sure will be able to help us take this newfound passion a stage deeper. Cant wait.

Atlanta, Georgia
posts: 84
8. Re: Been there now!!!

My first trip to DV was the result of a cancellation at Grand Canyon beyond our control. I had to find someplace easy to get to from Vegas and settled on DV. I went from thinking "Yeah, we could kill a few days there", to being sorry we only had those few days by the time we left.

I'm also returning first week in October for 5 nights, and It was wonderful reading (and feeling) your enthusiasm for your trip. I think DV is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

San Francisco
Destination Expert
for Death Valley Junction, Death Valley National Park
posts: 9,137
reviews: 37
9. Re: Been there now!!!

msherriff, it's too bad Furnace Creek Inn won't be open for the season yet in September. :)

It would be a perfect place for a honeymoon, if the newlyweds are OK with somewhat balmy weather. The rooms on the garden side with a view of the Panamint range and the salt flats are especially nice.

Stoke on Trent...
posts: 468
reviews: 16
10. Re: Been there now!!!

msherriff....that happened to us too. We had a trip in June 2010 then our daughter announced her Vegas wedding in Sept 2011.

I just fell in love with DV the first time and loved it just as much second time. I don't know when we'll get over again but I'm determined to do so. It is such an amazing place and so different from anything we have in the UK.

You can tell how much I loved it as I still try to keep up with the forums.

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