The New Best in the West Guide for the American West
Spectacular Scenic Routesby Joseph A. Sprince - Photography by Gerald B. AllenCalifornia's Death Valley Scenic Byway
Death Valley offers some of the strangest scenery anywhere as well as North America's lowest and hottest place. Besides the colorful, sculpted desert hills, sand dunes, and salt flats, spectacular mountains dominate the backdrop. The snow-covered Sierra Nevada with the tallest peaks in the lower 48 states are visible along the route. (Photo, left: In the heart of Death Valley, the salt flats of Badwater are the lowest point in the western hemisphere. They contrast with the snow-covered peaks in the background. Appropriately, the salt water of Badwater Lake is undrinkable. Photo, below, right: In a place of great contrasts, Telescope Peak at an elevation of 11,049 feet towers high above Badwater, 282 feet below sea level. The steep mountain ranges to the west of Death Valley block the normal weather flow and cause the valley's extreme aridity. This vista can be seen at Dante's View, at the end of a spectacular side route off the main byway.) 
Death Valley Scenic Byway runs 81 miles entirely on California-190, the east-west route roughly bisecting Death Valley National Park. The side routes off of the byway are all extremely scenic with a wide variety of unusual attractions. (Photo below: Death Valley Sand Dunes, near Stovepipe Wells. The best time to photograph the dunes is early in the morning.) 
The colorful scenery at Death Valley is due to the presence of many minerals. The most fantastic example can be seen on the road to Badwater. Take a side trip on Artist Drive to Artist Palette. Here the rock formations are tinted in hues of pink, lavender, blue, red and green. At Golden Canyon, gold-hued Manly Beacon contrasts with thegenerally deep blue sky. Evidence of mining and old mining towns are common throughout the region. Notable examples include the ghost towns of Rhyolite and Skidoo, the Eureka Mine, and the Charcoal Kilns. A can't-miss attraction is Scotty's Castle, 25 miles to the north. The huge and opulent mansion with its man-made oasis is a bit surreal in this stark desert. It was built by Death Vally Scotty, the region's most legendary and flamboyant character, during the early 20th century. Now part of the national park, the mansion is preserved as it was in 1939, and rangers offer daily tours. Death Valley National Park is an easy two hour drive from Las Vegas. The weather is perfect for visitation during the winter. During the summer, it is one of the world's hottest places with temperatures sometimes exceeding 120°F (49°C). Map of California's Death Valley Scenic BywaySome features on this map can be clicked on to view further information.More information:
Best in the West Guide - Spectacular Scenic Routes
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The Explorer's Guide to Death Valley National Park
by T. Scott Bryan, Betty Tucker-Bryan
First complete guide to cover the entire park region, from the habitats and lifestyles of wildlife in the area to backpacking trips, short day walks and full-length hikes. 
Hiking Death Valley: A Guide to Its Natural Wonders & Mining Past
by Michel Digonnet
Illustrated with original topographic maps, this book will guide you to Death Valley's most popular sites and many spectacular, out-of-the-way places, illustrating the remarkable diversity of its terrain, geology, flora, and fauna. 
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Rainbow Bridge I by Gerald Allen
The world's largest known natural bridge in its exquisite setting. Search Our Site
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