OllieFCR

"Walk to and through the dunes"

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

The landscapes are really dramatic, CRoy. The geology is amazing. Keep in mind that Feb in Death Valley is like June in other places. It was mid-70s for me most days, with an 80s or two thrown in.

Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

It is my understanding that Furnace Creek Ranch and Inn (both now renamed Furnace Creek Oasis) have massive reconstruction and renovation projects going on and some of their facilities such as the main restaurants are closed and the setting is very unappealing due to construction. I don't know all the details but I would suggest checking on this via a phone call and/or internet search.

You might consider renting a 4x4 if you have an interest in getting into the back country. Driving off road is prohibited of course but some of the "roads" scarcely qualify as that. Much of Badwater Road (paved) from Furnace Creek to south of Badwater has some nice photo ops.

I've been to DV almost every spring since 1984 and never tire of this unique place.

Desert Gecko Loc: desert southwest, USA

Scotty's Castle is closed until 2020. Titus Canyon has been closed also, but if it's open now it's a nice slot. Dante's View is also closed through April. I recommend you check the NPS website and also make the visitor center at Furnace Creek your first stop. The rangers there are a great source of info and they can give you the latest info on closures, which are frequent. If you're into night photography, the dunes are a great spot and the MW core might be just high enough for some killer shots.

Be prepared for heat and cold. I've been there many times in the winter with highs ranging from the mid-nineties to lows in the low forties (with a wind chill in the twenties).

https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/historyculture/scottys-castle.htm

Sergo Loc: Washington State

You're in for a real treat. Death Valley is a huge park and you'll be doing a lot of driving and just about anywhere you stop will be something incredible to shoot. You might want to google Robert Hitchens, Photograph America. He has 12 pages on Death Valley on where and when to shoot. It's very handy to have if time is limited. My highest recommendation is to visit the Racetrack Playa. It's 28 miles into the back country on what can sometimes be an iffy road. If you don't want to risk your vehicle, there is a Jeep rental outlet. I believe it's called Larrabees. If you do go to the racetrack, you will witness a phenomenon very few people will ever see called the sailing stones. I'll leave it for you to discover.
Have a great trip. Be sure to post your photos.

BBurns Loc: South Bay, California

I do this trip almost every year the last week of March, hoping to catch the wildflower bloom. Here is my post from my 2016 Death Valley trip.
Here is the Death Valley website. Always be aware of the weather conditions. Check in at the Ranger Station in Furnace Creek.

It is important to to understand the scarcity of gas. There is fuel only in 2 places in the park, Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells. If they have not run out.
Nearest gas outside the park to the south is Shoshone, CA. There is gas in Beatty and Pahrump, NV.
It is extremely important for you to fully understand and be aware of the distances between these locations.

You CANNOT depend on cellphones to call for help.

Rich T.

Don't miss the Harmony Borax Works.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Some Star Wars A New Hope location references in Death Valley:
Dante's Peak is the overlook for Mos Eisley Spaceport
Slot Canyon (near Badwater) where R2D2 was captured by Jawas
Mesquite Dunes where the two Droids separated.

Now:

Mesquite Dunes are excellent for sunrise shots. Don't part at the Mesquite Dunes parking area, the walk is too long. Drive beyond the parking area, pass (2) of the route markers and pull to the side of the road, a lot shorter walk.

Rent a 4x4 at Furnace Creek and make the 2½ hr drive to the Racetrack Beautiful at Sunset. Cost of 4x4 is $300/day.
Take the time to drive to Rhyolite, Nv. Stop in Beatty for lunch. When there, turn to the Northeast. The large peak is Yucca Mountain.
Sunrise at Zabriskie point is a must, but unless you get there waaaaaaaaaaaay early, it is elbow to elbow tripods on the peak. Shooting lower down the road facing north is great illuminated by "The Manly Beacon."
Walk out about 2-3 miles onto the salt flats at Badwater, which is otherworldly. Shoot to the east as the sunset highlights the mountains beautifully.
Astrophotography from the Dunes, or Dante's Peak would be amazing. However in February, it is 21 deg on the valley floor at night. At Dante's it would be a lot colder due to altitude.

jerrydownunder Loc: Newcastle, NSW Australia

Highway 160 doesn't run through Red Rock Canyon, that would be Highway 159, or Charleston Boulevard as it's know through town. As mentioned, further North up I-15, Valley of Fire is a nice trip with plenty of color and some nice petroglyphs. When driving in the desert and it starts raining, be aware of the potential for flash flooding. Never drive through a roadway that's covered with water, there may not be a road underneath. Be sure to go prepared, have a full take of gas, plenty of water and some snacks. In the desert, the weather can change rapidly, so be prepared. Have fun.