2022 USA – V10 – Golden Canyon in Death Valley and Ghost Town Rhyolite

This day we were supposed to hike through Death Valley again. We started early in the morning around 0900 and drove to the Golden Canyon. The good thing about the relatively bad weather was that also relatively few people were on the road. But that was enough to occupy the few parking spaces almost completely, so that we just got a parking space.

In the end I had to realize that the National Parks in the USA are completely overcrowded. No wonder why the prices go higher and higher. After this hike we drove in the direction of Nevada to the next town outside Death Valley to Beatty and finally to the Ghost Town Rhyolite, which was once an extremely large town with three railroad lines and also visited a bottle house.

The Golden Canyon in Death Valley National Park, California, is a popular hiking trail that takes visitors through a narrow, colorful canyon. The canyon is filled with golden-hued rock formations that have been shaped by erosion over millions of years. The trailhead is located near Badwater Basin and is an easy hike, making it a great option for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.

The trail starts at the parking area and follows a well-defined path through the canyon. Visitors can take in the views of the golden-hued rock formations and learn about the geology and history of the area. The trail can be done as a short hike or as a longer hike that leads to the Red Cathedral. The latter offers a more strenuous hike and visitors can enjoy a different perspective of the surrounding landscapes.

The trail offers visitors a chance to see the unique landscapes of Death Valley, which is known for its vast deserts, salt flats, and sand dunes. Along the way, visitors can also see a wide variety of plant and animal life, including Joshua trees, creosote bushes, and desert tortoises.

It’s important to note that hiking in Death Valley can be dangerous due to the extreme heat and lack of water sources, it’s important to come prepared with enough water, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing and footwear. It’s also crucial to check the weather and trail conditions before starting the hike and to be aware of the park’s regulations and guidelines.

Rhyolite is a ghost town located in the Bullfrog Hills, about 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, in Nye County, Nevada, United States. The town was founded in 1904 and quickly grew to become one of the most important mining towns in the area, due to the discovery of gold and silver deposits in the surrounding hills. At its peak, Rhyolite had a population of around 10,000 people, making it one of the most populous towns in Nevada.

However, the mining boom was short-lived, and by 1920, the mines had played out and the population began to decline. The last residents left the town in the 1920s, and it has been a ghost town ever since. Today, Rhyolite is a popular tourist destination, known for its well-preserved ruins and historical significance.

Visitors can see a variety of ruins, including the remains of the three-story Bank Exchange Building, the Bottle House, and the Cook Bank building, which was once the most substantial building in town. Visitors can also see several sculptures made from the town’s bottle dump, an area where the town’s residents used to discard their bottles.

Rhyolite is also known for its proximity to Death Valley National Park, and visitors can take a day trip to the park to explore its unique landscapes and attractions.