2022 USA – V8 – Driving to the Death Valley

After spending a night in the strange place with its strange surroundings Ridgecrest, we now continued towards Death Valley. Once again, I had completely underestimated the distance – in the end, there were still a few hundred kilometers to go.

So we drove north out of Ridgecrest through a nearby strange desert town and finally just through the desert in the parallel valley to Death Valley. On the way there were also two ghost towns to visit, but they were not really ghost towns. We ended the day finally in the campground directly in the center of Death Valley.

Ridgecrest is a city located in Kern County, California, United States. It is situated in the Indian Wells Valley, near the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The town was founded in the early 1900s and has grown to become the largest city in the Indian Wells Valley.

Ridgecrest is known for its proximity to China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, a large naval installation that is home to the Navy’s China Lake Research Center. The installation is a major employer in the area, and many residents of Ridgecrest work there.

The city also has a strong economy driven by the aerospace and defense industries, retail, and healthcare. Ridgecrest Regional Hospital is a major healthcare provider in the area.

Ridgecrest is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby Indian Wells Valley offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and rock climbing. The nearby Coso Range, which is home to the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, is also a popular destination for hiking, hunting, and off-roading.

Ridgecrest has a strong community, with a variety of clubs, organizations, and events that take place throughout the year. The city also has a vibrant downtown with a variety of shops and restaurants.

Death Valley is a desert valley located in eastern California, in the United States. It is part of the Mojave Desert and is known for its extreme temperatures, arid landscapes, and unique geologic features. The valley gets its name from the fact that it was considered a death trap for early explorers and settlers, due to the harsh conditions and lack of water.

Death Valley is the lowest, driest, and hottest area in North America, with temperatures that can reach above 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. The valley is home to a variety of unique landscapes, including sand dunes, salt flats, and rocky canyons. It’s also home to a variety of plant and animal life, including Joshua trees, creosote bushes, and desert tortoises.

The valley is also known for its rich mining history, with several mining towns and ghost towns located throughout the area. Visitors can explore the remains of these towns and learn about the history of the area.

Death Valley National Park was established in 1933 and it’s one of the largest national parks in the United States. The park offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and rock climbing. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs and guided tours, which provide visitors with an in-depth understanding of the park’s geology, history, and wildlife.