My take on the 2026 flowers in Death Valley

[ProCaliberTraveler]

I wrote in @MonikaC's post about her excursion into Death Valley that I visited the area "a few weeks ago". I actually went there all the way back on February 14!

Anyway, these images were just one part of a day trip during which I drove nearly 500 miles. It started in Bakersfield at sunrise. I had breakfast in Tehachapi, had a brief fuel break in Baker off Interstate 15, recharged in a private hot tub in Tecopa Hot Springs, and drove into Death Valley via Jubilee Pass near Shoshone. There were only a small handful of vehicles on the shoulder in this area and it was quite pleasant. The journey past Badwater where all the tourons seem to think they all need to park their vehicles like sardines in a tiny can wasn't exactly relaxing.

While I think the flowers a few years ago were more numerous, I do like how these patches developed and the images that resulted.

 

[AlanLichty]

Sweet - I like your take on these blooms in these areas. Not surprised to hear that Badwater was also Bad Touron since it's an oft featured Instagram destination. The contrasts between the blooms and the naked mountainsides are quite nice.

 

[Michael13]

That's a better display than I've ever witnessed. But then I've only been in the fall. Maybe next year. I had to look up touron, yes these animals are prevalent in all National Parks!

 

[AlanLichty]

That's a better display than I've ever witnessed. But then I've only been in the fall. Maybe next year. I had to look up touron, yes these animals are prevalent in all National Parks!

Touron - the ultimate invasive species

 

[JimFox]

These are some really sweet displays Michael. You sure got some great flower images here.

Although I have my own special spots on Badwater road to stop and then walk out into Badwater for some great polygons. count me as a Touron then as well, as I often stop at the main parking area for Badwater. A couple of reasons, 1st there is always some pools of water around the parking lot area even in dry years. And also it's the best way to walk out to get to Lake Manley. And finally it is a great way to get out more into the middle of Badwater without crunching a bunch of polygons.

So, while I have my preferred special spots, at Badwater, I do also enjoy the Touron location as well. Count me weird I guess.

 

[MonikaC]

It's a good study of how well the sand verbenas last since we were in the same areas 3 weeks apart.
When Lake Manly was bigger a few years ago, I found it virtually impossible to get a decent shot as van lifers were parked along the shore in groups with their super bright rows of lights on as well as brightly lit watercraft out on the lake (now prohibited).