Death Valley NP, CA

“Has anyone here backpacked or just spent time in Death Valley National Park? What are the temperatures like in January? If you were going to be spending just under amonth in the field there...what items might you take with you?”

“I've spent some time there. You'll love it in the winter. I was there a couple winters ago during the record rains and paddled Badwater, 282' below sea level. What an experience!

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=3262292&size=lg

I think Snow Nymph might be your best source for extensive hiking there. It's a BYOB place (bring your own bottledwater) when it comes to hiking. You could spend a lot of time just exploring with your vehicle and doing some dayhikes to keep you plenty busy for a long time.”

“Jan will be nice temp and lighting for photos. I've not spent a lot of time there but the hikes I liked the best was Telescope Peak ( probably too snowed in in Jan, unless dry winter), up Suprise to the old cabins in Panamint City, Trail Canyon up to old mine and cabin there, Mosaic canyon, Fall Canyon, drive thru Titus Canyon, and up to the Keane Wonder Mine with wonder views along the old tram way.
Oh, and the Jeep trip to Charles Mansons' old place the Barker ranch, the loop thru Pleasant and South Park--a nailbiter driving the Jeep around "chicken corners", and Striped Butte Valley---the cabins--Geology, Stella Anderson's, Russel Camp. And the warm springs at Warm springs!!

The Racetrack Playa is worth a trip, have a good spare tire, and south in the park is the little visited Ibex sand dunes.

Enjoy!!”

“It's getting closer! Two and a half weeks left before my class and I head out to Death Valley for the majority of the month of January. So much to do as far as preparations go but I'm super excited! Geo-jet setting. Got to love it!”

“Death Valley is excellent. You will really enjoy it. Go visit some ghost towns.”