Death Valley

For a lot of folks, the name Death Valley hardly suggests a great place to take your next vacation. Most people know it for one thing: that it is the lowest point in the United States, some 282 feet below sea level. It is also know for being one of the hottest places in the US. But put those things aside for a moment and consider that there are many miles of hiking trails there, mountain biking opportunities and a string of superb campsites where you can hang out at night and gaze up at some of the clearest skies this side of the MIssissippi (as if the skies East of the Mississippi are any good either). And believe it or not, but flowers do bloom in Death Valley, and when they do, the effect is said to be explosive, with yellows and oranges and reds rolling on and on over the hills. There is also a bona fide National Park there, with extensive exhibits that talk about the region's past aas well as where it got its name (several miners during the gold rush thought they'd take the desert as a detour...bad mistake).

So if you';re interested in taking a weekend off to do something rather unconventional, give Death Valley a look-see. Also, for accomodations, try the Furnace Creek Inn, Furnace Creek Ranch, and/or the Sunset Campground.

Filed under: History, North America, United States, Camping