It was all over social media and news outlets – there is a super bloom in Death Valley this year. The super bloom is a rare event that happens about every 10 years. This winter, El Niño had given Death Valley enough rain for this spectacular event to take place. I asked my most spontaneous friend if she was interested in discovering just how many flowers there were in Death Valley. A week later we got a first hand experience on just how amazing the super bloom can be.
Beatty Cutoff
After setting up camp we immediately went to the Death Valley Visitor’s Center for information on flowers. The park ranger recommended multiple locations, but since it was later in the day we drove to the closest location. The drive up Beatty Cutoff surprised us with a beautiful yellow carpet of flowers covering the entire hillside, stretching to the base of the mountains.
Although yellow was the main color found here, hidden among the yellows were also purple flowers, white flowers, pink flowers, and so many flowers flowers flowers! The area just off the road was impressive, but after a short stroll the flowers got even more dense. They stretched out in every direction and I suddenly realized this trip was going to exceed my expectations.
Mesquite Sand Dunes
It was getting late and we drove to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes to watch the sun go down. The sun peeked out of the clouds just in time for a nice sunset. After watching the colors scatter across the sky we played in the Sand Dunes until it was dark. Then we headed to the campsite for dinner and some much needed sleep.
Dantes Viewpoint
We woke up at 4:45 AM. Typically not ones to be up early, our aim was to catch the sunrise from Dantes Viewpoint. There was a perfect view into the valley and the sunrise colors just got better and better. The sun slowly crept across the snow-covered top of Telescope Peak. It was a good moment to appreciate the snow, mountains, desert, and flowers all rolled up into one beautiful package.
We didn’t only come to Dante’s Viewpoint to watch the sunrise, but to hike Dante’s Ridge. With the original goal of hiking the entire ridge, we had to change plans once we saw how many flowers there were. Our pace slowed to a crawl with every new flower we discovered.
We realized just how slow we were going and finally got serious and hiked three miles. The views from the ridge down into the valley were incredible. The sky was clear and it seemed like the perfect day for this hike. Our pace was nothing to brag about, but we had plenty of flower pictures to make up for it.
Badwater Basin
We got back to the car around noon and drove to our next stop – a meadow south of Badwater Basin that was rumored to be covered in flowers. Since the location of the super bloom changed with each week, the exact location of the flowers was unknown. However, it wasn’t long after we passed the lowest point in North America that we suddenly saw yellow. So much yellow in fact, that we both let out a squeal of excitement.
Although it was very hot we unfolded an old beach blanket and enjoyed lunch in the middle of the super bloom. Sitting down among the flowers made me appreciate just how many there were! Surrounded by flowers, we munched happily on sandwiches and grapes. We spent some time frolicking through the flower fields (literally), but soon enough it was time to move on. After a quick stop at Badwater Basin we made our way back North.
Artist’s Palette
Excited about the prospect of a place called “Artist’s Palette,” we stopped at the first sign on the road just to be disappointed. The real Artist’s Palette was further down the road, and after another short drive it appeared before us. It was beautiful! Colors were spread all over the hillside and it definitely lived up to its name (although my picture doesn’t do it justice).
Realizing we would miss the sunset, we rushed to our final stop of the day, Zabriskie Point. The sun sank behind the mountains just as we arrived. Still, it was an enjoyable evening as the temperature dropped to a lovely, cool temperature. When the stars came out it was time to head back to the campsite, and I was grateful to flop into the tent for a good night’s sleep.
Zabriskie Point
Although this morning was meant for sleeping in, both of us were awake at 7:30am. After some deliberating we went back to Zabriskie Point. Our plan to hike four miles went awry when we took the wrong turn and did an eight mile loop to Golden Canyon instead.
The vistas, colors, and general scenery made the extended hike worthwhile. However, it got hotter with every mile and I began to get uncomfortable. With my history of heat stroke we took no chances and made frequent stops during the last two miles. Come 1 o’clock we were at the car and I poured the remaining water on my head. It felt heavenly.
Salt Creek
Sadly, it was time to head in the direction of home. While heading out of the park we stopped at Salt Creek to walk down the boardwalk and check out the fish. Pupfish are little fish that can survive in high saline water and high temperatures. The boardwalk’s explanation of pupfish behavior showed just how hard it was to be a fish in this part of the world.
Mosaic Canyon
After the short stop at Salt Creek we went to Mosaic Canyon. There was beautifully colored marble all along the canyon walls. It was smooth and cool against my skin and I enjoyed leaning up against it. Death Valley showed me that many different geological formations could be in quite close proximity to one another.
Darwin Falls
The final stop was Darwin Falls, a year-round waterfall in Death Valley. It seemed too bizarre to be true. The waterfall can be found down a 2.5 mile dirt road on the edge of Death Valley National Park. Step over little streams and navigate around rocks to find this gem of a waterfall.
I had assumed a waterfall in Death Valley was going to be a lame trickle of water down a vertical slope. That was not the case! The amount of flowing water was impressive, especially for being in the middle of a desert. This 1-mile hike was lush and green, and a surprise ending to our last-minute trip.
Conclusion
Travelers came from far and wide to see the super bloom and I was lucky enough to be within driving distance. The result? After looking through hundreds of pictures we counted a total of 42 different flowers! Death Valley is known to be a dead and desolate piece of the world. To have the opportunity to see the park come alive with color was wonderful.
Collage courtesy of KN
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