Kicking Things Off at Mesquite Sand Dunes
You ever try walking through sand with a backpack in 90-degree heat? It’s like nature’s version of a StairMaster. That’s how my Death Valley trip started, at the famous Mesquite Sand Dunes. There’s no real trail here, just a whole lot of soft, foot-sinking terrain and some serious choose-your-own-adventure energy.
I pushed my way up to one of the taller dunes, sweating and swearing the whole way but the payoff was unreal. Mountains in the distance, golden sand all around, and silence so deep it almost hummed. Worth every awkward, slow-motion step.
Mosaic Canyon: Scramble Mode Activated
Next stop was Mosaic Canyon, and this one fed my inner mountain goat. It starts mellow, just a wide, dry wash but then the fun kicks in. You’ve got to climb, squeeze, and shimmy your way over polished rock and stacked boulders. It’s like nature built a jungle gym just for hikers.
I had a blast figuring out the path of least resistance, full-send style. There were plenty of moments where I was half-laughing, half-crawling, using more ass scoots than I care to admit. No shame here, it was pure, messy fun.
Decision Time and the Long, Beautiful Drive
After Mosaic, I thought about squeezing in one more trail… but my legs voted nope. I decided to call it and head to camp. What I didn’t know was just how far that campsite actually was. No signal meant no GPS, which meant me winging it for hours through a stunning desert maze.
The drive was cinematic. Endless open roads, jagged cliffs, skies that went on forever. By the time I finally found a site, most of the good ones were taken but somehow, I scored THE jackpot.
Alabama Hills: A Moment of Pure Magic
I’m not exaggerating when I say this spot took my breath away. Alabama Hills, with the Sierra Nevada Mountains front and center, a tiny stream flowing nearby, and the kind of quiet that wraps around you like a hug. I was in pure paradise.
I had what I call the “autistic zoomies” hardcore. Just pure joy and excitement geeked out of me. I was geeking out hard. I went live on Instagram, talked with friends, fixed something on my car (because why not), then cooked up a solid dinner while the sun dipped behind the mountain peaks.
That night felt… perfect. Like everything was exactly as it should be. I sat by the fire, overwhelmed in a good way. For a second, I thought about staying an extra day. Honestly? Kinda wish I had. It was an extremely emotional experience.
Dantes View: Good Morning, Death Valley
The next day started with Dante’s View, a one-mile trail with arguably the best view in the entire park. You’re up 5,500 feet, looking down at the salt flats, surrounded by mountains. It’s short, sweet, and totally humbling. Great way to shake off the morning sleepiness.
Zabriskie Point to Golden Canyon: A Surprise Hometown Moment
When I rolled into Zabriskie Point, the parking lot was packed. Not my vibe. But I sucked it up and good thing I did. Most people were just there for the viewpoint, not the actual hike into Golden Canyon.
About halfway through the trail, a guy noticed my Green Bay Packers shirt and started chatting. Turns out, he was from Madison, Wisconsin, my hometown. We ended up talking about high school, old neighborhoods, and favorite hangouts like we were back in the Midwest. Wild how small the world is, huh?
Artists Palette: Earth’s Version of Tie-Dye
Before heading to my next camp, I made a quick detour to Artists Palette. And wow. The hills here are streaked with colors so unreal they look painted on, pinks, greens, purples, from all the volcanic deposits and mineral magic. It was like walking into a Bob Ross fever dream.
I sprinted around like a kid on sugar, snapping photos and grinning like an idiot. It didn’t even feel like Earth anymore. Just straight-up beautiful chaos.
Shoshone Tepoca: A Wind-Down Kinda Night
That night, I camped at Shoshone Tepoca. It wasn’t as jaw-dropping as Alabama Hills, but it had its charm, calm, quiet, and great views of Ashford Junction. It was the perfect place to recharge and reflect before wrapping up this leg of the trip.
Final Thoughts
Death Valley was a rollercoaster in the best way. It challenged me physically, moved me emotionally, and gifted me some of the most vivid memories I’ve had in a long time. This wasn’t just a trip, it was a reset. A reminder that the world’s full of beauty, connection, and weird surprises if you’re willing to chase them.
And trust me… I’ll be chasing more soon.
