Proud of how many places you’ve paddled? Act quickly and you can put a new one on your list that not many people ever have a chance to: California’s Death Valley.
Yep, thanks to a series of record rainstorms, kayakers, suppers and other paddlers have been flocking to dop their blades in Death Valley Naitonal Park, typically one of the driest places on Earth, whose usually dry-to-the-bone Lake Manly now has water in it thanks to El Nino, fueling a series of storms that have brought more than double the park’s annual rainfall in the past six months.
In the past six months, Death Valley has received more than double its annual rainfall amount, recording nearly 5 inches compared to a typical year that gets about 2 inches. As a result, Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, has had its white salt flats ringed by mountains now filled with water, drawing paddlers and other onlookers.
“To have as much water as we have now — and for it to be as deep and lasting as long as it has — is extremely uncommon,” Park ranger Nichole Andler told AP. “If it’s not once-in-a-lifetime, it’s nearly.”
Reports note that the water will stay into April and perhaps May—but then get ready for a mud zone before it returns to its normal salt flats.
Making the trip to Paddle Death Valley?
Death Valley is hot, so prepare accordingly. Check the park’s website for information on weather conditions, road closures, and events. Also be sure to book your accommodations well in advance, as lodging options are limited. Off road vehicles or four-wheel drive is not needed to access most trails and landmarks but be prepared to drive on dirt roads and pavements in most areas.
Getting there
Death Valley is located in eastern California within the Mojave Desert and stretches across Inyo County and San Bernardino County. Access it from various directions, including from the east via Nevada and Las Vegas or from the west through California, near the town of Lone Pine. The two closest airports are Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The drive from LAS is around 2h 30m and the drive from LAX is about 4h 30m. Palm Springs is another option, a five-hour drive away.
Spots to Hit
Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America, sitting at an elevation of 282 feet below sea level. It’s a vast salt flat, stretching over 200 square miles made up of evaporated remnants of a large lake (that’s now paddle-able!)
Devil’s Golf Course is a fairytale landscape made of evaporated salt crystals, creating an endless moonscape-like expanse of textures.
Zabriskie Point is one of the most photographed locations in the park, with views of vibrant badlands.
Artist’s Palette is another popular spot for photographers, whose rich colors are created by minerals and oxidation.
Read more about visiting here: https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/blog/post/your-guide-to-death-valley/
Read complete paddling story on MSN HERE: