An absolute favorite for traveling, and a regular source of inspiration, Death Valley National Park offers exceedingly different landscapes depending on what part you visit. Adding to this beauty is the fact that the views can change dramatically between seasons, times of day, and weather conditions, making each trip a truly unique experience. With all the precipitation that has been passing through southern California and Nevada, recent trips to Death Valley have shown us a side of it that too few get to see. With the luck of time off on a particularly stormy day around the outside of the valley, faint snow flurries were even seen in Bad Water (a place that often records the hottest temperatures on the planet). Just up the road from there the rain over the Artist’s Pallet brought intense depth to the reds, purples, and greens of the iron compounds, mica, and manganese found there. A word of caution, however, if you plan on making the trip to Death Valley during the rainy season: the American desert is very prone to flash-flooding, even if the storm has subsided the mountains can continue to pour water into the valley below. You can expect many locations to be closed and barricaded, even to those with the best off-roading capability, please heed those warnings for your safety and the safety of the people that would have to rescue you if something were to happen. Another good reminder for the rainy season, for all seasons really, is to make sure you have fuel, water, and snacks before entering the park. It is recommended that you have at least one gallon of water per person for your trip, two if you on hotter days and/or longer trips. Pahrump and Beatty, in Nevada, tend to be the closest to the most frequented stopping points in the park and are often the the more cost-effective option compared to stopping in the park or on the California side (Google is an amazing planning tool). While there are some fueling points and places to shop in the park, they are few and far between and can see long lines on busy days. We recommend that everyone try and plan at least one visit to Death Valley, but make sure you are prepared when you go. It is a regular and favorite destination of ours so, keep half an eye on the people as you take in the scenery and you may just catch us. Hope to see you there!