There is a desert out there waiting for you...

With all the rains that we have had over the last few months in the Mojave Desert the bloom season is expected to be spectacular, especially in the high deserts around the Las Vegas Valley. An hour drive in any direction will take you to several national parks, monuments and conservation areas that will allow you to enjoy the beauty that the desert has to offer. This weekend I am planning one of my trips to Death Valley National Park to go see the desert bloom. Here are a few photos from my previous trips and some further information about areas in the region for you to enjoy.

For more information on these parks please see the links section of this blog and look under Nature. Or just follow these links...

Goldwell Open Air Museum - http://www.goldwellmuseum.org/
Death Valley National Park - http://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm
China Ranch Date Farm - http://www.chinaranch.com/

If you do plan a trip to Death Valley the best way to get there, at least the most scenic in my opinion, is by taking the I-95 North to Beatty (120 miles or about an hour). Once you get to the stop sign in the middle of town take a left onto the 374. Drive 5 miles to the Rhyolite Ghost Town turn off or continue going forward to the gateway to Death Valley. The road seem to go off into infinity. Make sure to stop by the National Park Sign to take a few photos before you head into the park.

If you are so inclined for a refreshment in Beatty before you head to Death Valley make sure to stop by the Sourdough Saloon one of the best Saloons West of the Mississippi!

Safe Trip!

A bloom of desert flowers near China Ranch Date Farm

Rhyolite Ghost Town at the Gateway to Death Valley

Rhyolite Ghost Town Train Depot

Goldwell Open Air Museum sculptures near Rhyolite
(this photo posted with permission from the Goldwell Open Air Museum)

Scotty's Castle in Death Valley

Ubehebe Crater Death Valley

Photos taken by Brian Paco Alvarez