Off to Death Valley VERY early tomorrow morning! Probably make it to Torna Pinnacles for sunrise or at least early morning light. Then off to Stovepipe Wells and beyond. Heard the wildflowers were great south of Badwater down towards Ashford Mill.

I don't want to spend the whole weekend around hundreds of people...any suggestions of places to get in a normal car that might be a little more off the beaten path??

Was thinking about the Dunes at Mesquite Flat for sunrise Sunday and then maybe Zabriskie Point for sunset, then VERY long drive home to LA.

Wow a lot of time in the car for 2 days, but won't get there any other time this year if I don't go tomorrow. Was lucky to get a room at Stovepipe Wells by phone today!

Was just there a couple of weeks ago. Stovepipe wells dunes shouldn't be too crowded. I think Zabriskie point in the early morning is more pleasing. Badwater at sunrise can be nice if you walk way out into the pans. Ubehebe crater was closed due to working on the road. I wouldn't suggest going out to Scotties Castle because of traffic delays. Sunset out on Aguerriberry Point might be nice. With as little time as you have, the southern end of the valley would probably be best. The 20 mule team road near Zabriskie is a nice spot but again early morning would probably be best. Afternoon the winds start to whip up and the lighting would be better early. I saw some regular cars going down Titus Canyon. They must have been rentals because I wouldn't take my passenger car down that road. It is not 4wheel drive but high clearance is preferable. The racetrack is out due to the road work. Trona pinnacles should provide some good early morning shots for you. Panamint dunes might be worth the walk and even less crowded.

I opted for Dante's view at sunset (great view over Badwater and Panamint) and Mesquite flat sand dunes at sunrise... and I did not regret the choice.

I have 2 sunsets but only one sunrise in the Park. Sunrise at Trona tomorrow morning is a must for me. Love that place and have never shot there at sunrise. Besides it's only about 2.5 hours from here, can sleep till about 3:30am and still make it by 1st light.

I know Z Point is better at sunrise, but not sure I want to drive all the way over there by sunrise Sunday. I think the dunes at Mesquite will be a good choice too!! Thanks guys!!

....and when will you share your results? any luck? :))

One rejected here on 1x.


Few B&W Trona shot here:
http://www.clydebeamer.com/tronabw/index.html

One little portrait from Ballarat Ghost Town:
http://www.clydebeamer.com/2010/04/lookin-on/

more to come...

The racetrack is my favorite...

Hope your trip was fruitful.

@Ansel, couldn't get up to The Racetrack, but really wanted to. Lack of time, road construction and lack of 4wd vehicle (required this time of year after a wet winter).

Here's a wee sample of some stuff from Mesquite Flats, much more to come:

http://www.clydebeamer.com/2010/04/death-valley-1/

Scotty's Castle is interesting. You might wanna look into that. I know that there is a scenic route on the way to the devil's golf course, its not great for photography, but its a pretty fun car ride.

Hey look out for beamer. If ou find an old cattle head , He's sure to be close