Desert Dreamland

This view from the summit of Red Cathedral, taken shortly after dawn, is one of the greatest desert scenes I have ever seen and can imagine. Below lie spectacular Manly Beacon and the colorful, rugged badlands of the Golden Canyon/Gower Gulch area. Beyond them is the salt pan of Death Valley, the lowest and hottest place in the Western Hemisphere. And in the distance is Telescope Peak, still bound in winter while the salt pan bakes more than 11,300 feet below. Click on the large view to fully appreciate this scene. Death Valley National Park, CA-- March 2008