Natural History Wanderings

DesertUSA has the following new report for Death Valley

I followed advice in previous reports and focused on Greenwater Valley (via Furnace Creek Wash Rd, aka the Greenwater Valley Rd, a well-maintained dirt/gravel road suitable for any vehicle). Still a nice show! The 10-mile stretch south of Dante’s View Rd was impressive. A splash of variety in some spots (first photo, along the roadside), and carpets of yellow desert dandelion and white pincushion in others (2nd photo, on one of the turnoff roads to the west). I’d put peak bloom elevation at 4000′-5000’+ in this area, and recommend taking one of the turnoffs to the west to climb up in elevation (as far as your vehicle can go) and see the change in flower freshness and variety, and as always: get out and walk around! I didn’t get a chance to see Gold Valley (previously reported as great), but based on its somewhat lower elevation, it may be dried out by now.

I also drove up to Dante’s View – didn’t have much time to get out and hunt flowers, but looks like one of the best areas to do so now (top pick by a park ranger last wknd, and the road tops out at 5500′). With the recent cool-down, these areas could be good for another week, maybe longer. Finally, went to Salsberry Pass (again, based on previous good reports), and it may be drying out a bit, but still had a nice variety if you get out and walk around.

See photos at  Death Valley Wildflower Report – DesertUSA.