Took a quick weekend to visit the dunes of Death Valley and other locations in the area. This set is from the Ibex dune field in the far southern part of the park - good timing as recent storms had swept the dunes clean for the day we were there. Note to visitors - Harry Wade Road to the north was quite a challenge - deep sand had drifted across the road where it crosses the valley - tough in our 4x4 truck with deflated tires. This set is B/W, I'll share a color portfolio in a few days.
I really like 2 & 4, great images Brian! Look forward to seeing the color also.
I have been wanting to go there for some years now but I feel intimidated about the road conditions even though I have a 4WD truck. Deep sand is what makes me most cautious, as getting stuck there would be an extremely expensive vehicle rescue. If you stop before the sandy section, how far would the one-way hike be to reach the closest dunes worth photographing?
Ross Martin wrote:
I really like 2 & 4, great images Brian! Look forward to seeing the color also.
I have been wanting to go there for some years now but I feel intimidated about the road conditions even though I have a 4WD truck. Deep sand is what makes me most cautious, as getting stuck there would be an extremely expensive vehicle rescue. If you stop before the sandy section, how far would the one-way hike be to reach the closest dunes worth photographing?
Great question Ross! Apologies I wasn't more clear - coming in from the south (from Hwy 127) to the Ibex Dunes isn't too bad at all - most any 4WD should make it fine and there isn't much sand to contend with (at least when we were there last week). Harry Wade Road to the north is another question entirely - the 'trouble' section is about 1/2 way to Ashford Mill. I've circled it on the map below for reference.
then take saratoga springs turnoff, dunes clearly visible on right in near distance.
at saratoga springs fork, go right. park along the road at what you think is closest to dunes and walk 20-30 minutes.
no soft sand driving whatsoever. graded but shalely.
if you drive the entire harry wade from badwater (40 minutes), take care not to sidewall puncture but i've done it many times with good 10ply bf goodrich all terrain tires with no problems.
if shooting at sunset take a bearing or find a landmark above where you're parked (i've even used a glow stick on my cargo box!!) cause you'll be dark walking on the way back.
awesome place to overnight. so isolated, so quiet . . . bliss!!
Klimowski wrote:
Great question Ross! Apologies I wasn't more clear - coming in from the south (from Hwy 127) to the Ibex Dunes isn't too bad at all - most any 4WD should make it fine and there isn't much sand to contend with (at least when we were there last week). Harry Wade Road to the north is another question entirely - the 'trouble' section is about 1/2 way to Ashford Mill. I've circled it on the map below for reference.
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D. von Briesen wrote:
from hwy 127, 10 minutes on harry wade road.
then take saratoga springs turnoff, dunes clearly visible on right in near distance.
at saratoga springs fork, go right. park along the road at what you think is closest to dunes and walk 20-30 minutes.
no soft sand driving whatsoever. graded but shalely.
if you drive the entire harry wade from badwater (40 minutes), take care not to sidewall puncture but i've done it many times with good 10ply bf goodrich all terrain tires with no problems.
if shooting at sunset take a bearing or find a landmark above where you're parked (i've even used a glow stick on my cargo box!!) cause you'll be dark walking on the way back.
awesome place to overnight. so isolated, so quiet . . . bliss!!...Show more →
D. von Briesen wrote:
nice set brian. gorgeous conditions, beautifully captured.
Thank you Derek! This is my first time back to the area since you took me there on my birthday trip in 2010! What great memories - look forward to shooting with you again soon.
