r/DeathValleyNP

March 2026. Not half as impressive as people who actually know how to photograph amazing things... this is just off my phone unprepared. Couldn't believe I was in the middle of nowhere @ 03:00am and still surrounded by over forty people. For some reason I truly thought I'd be the only soul there just passing through on a whim. Everyone had professional camera setups and laser pointers and star trackers etc. Learned that in this small world, when something is this awe inspiring, you're going to be sharing it with your fellow humans. As much as shared experiences feel more important, it's getting harder and harder to enjoy awe in isolation.

For all making plans, on the "Plan Your Visit/Conditions" webpage:

>Titus Canyon Road: Is temporarily open after initial repairs. It may be closed occassional days. It will be closed for the second phase of repairs October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

So, there's an exact date.

(An NPS news release republished on the Eastern Sierra website from about the same time said through end of April for Phase 2, but with the caveat that it could run later. I'd take the Sept. 30 as likely more than April 30.)

First time pointing my camera at the Milky Way. Death Valley delivered.
Taken last night- 5/15/26

The most underrated National Park.
Beauty carved by extremes

It alliterates! From my March vacation. I've been to Salt Creek before, but man, I don't remember the biting flies being that bad before. I don't know if it was the record-crushing heat wave, the leftover bits of Lake Manly downstream, or what.

Anyway, the pipit was a semi-lifer. I'd seen one once before, but only a crappy photo.

Zabriskie Point at sunset, Sidewinder slot canyons, Golden Canyon, Mosaic Canyon, Ubehebe Crater, Pupfish at Salt Creek, badwater basin/lake Manley. Had such a good time, lots of different stuff to see.

Shot today 5/16 around 5pm with temps hovering around 105F. Hope you had a nice walk!

More from my late March vacation. With Furnace Creek hitting 110 that day, it made me mindful of that being near the top end of temperature for borax extraction, as well as the fun of driving those 20-mule teams. I drove into Mustard Canyon and then got a "badlands" shot.

My appreciation for the wonders of Death Valley is never ending.

A few remarkable moments from my last bday trip out to the DV backcountry.

Chukar chicks and burro foals galore. A panoply of critters out for springtime.

I'll always be humbled by this environment.

may 2 -3 2026

Got there relatively early in the morning, so much of the canyon was still largely blocked out from direct sunlight at the start of the hike. With sun exposure, I shot some stuff of faulting and rock lines.