2022 USA – V9 – Mosaic Canyon and Dantes View in Death Valley

The temperatures in Death Valley were extremely pleasant at around 37 degrees Celsius, after we had come almost straight from winter in California. So we decided to do a little hike in Death Valley. The distances are quite short for European conditions, however, one should not neglect the heat and especially the solar radiation.

Later we visited other places in Death Valley and finally Dante’s View with quite a nice view. Here, unfortunately, the storm still made itself felt, which met us now already for 10 days often times and made us the camping life difficult. The next day it should become a full-blown sandstorm.

Mosaic Canyon is a popular hiking trail located in Death Valley National Park, California. The canyon is known for its unique geologic features, including smooth marble walls and colorful mosaics of rock. The trailhead is located near the Stovepipe Wells area and is a moderate hike that offers visitors a chance to explore a unique and colorful landscape.

The trail starts at the parking area and follows a well-defined path through the canyon. The trail takes visitors through the narrow, marble-walled canyon, and offers views of the colorful mosaics of rock that give the canyon its name. The trail is relatively short, but it can be strenuous due to the rocky terrain.

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.

As with many hikes in Death Valley, it’s important to note that hiking in Mosaic Canyon 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.

Dante’s View is a popular viewpoint located in Death Valley National Park, California. The viewpoint is located on the Black Mountains and offers a panoramic view of the park and the surrounding landscape. The viewpoint is named after Dante Alighieri, the Italian poet, and it’s said that the viewpoint offers a view that is similar to the one described in his famous work, “Inferno”.

Dante’s View offers a view of the park that is unparalleled in its scope and beauty. Visitors can see the Badwater Basin, which is the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, the Panamint Mountains, and the Amargosa Range. On a clear day, visitors can see as far as the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which are over 100 miles away.

The viewpoint is located at an elevation of 5,475 feet, and it’s accessible by car. A short walk from the parking lot leads to the viewpoint, offering a panoramic view of the park. There are picnic tables and restrooms available at the viewpoint.

Dante’s View is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset, as the colors of the landscape change with the light and it can be a great spot for photography.

It’s important to note that the viewpoint is located at a high elevation, and it can be much cooler than the valley floor. Visitors should bring warm clothing and water, even in the summer months. Also, it’s important to be aware of the park’s regulations and guidelines and to be prepared for the extreme heat and lack of water sources.