We started by heading to the ghost town of Rhyolite - a town apparently established during the Gold Rush but eventually abandoned after no gold was found nearby. Before the heat started to rise too much we headed back into Death Valley to do a trek into the interestingly named "Desolation Canyon." Having driven past the track to the trailhead a few times we eventually found the start and the short hike into the canyon. This was pleasant but slightly underwhelming as didn't seem to culminate in much of a view - it just continued to climb. Thankfully this was more than made up for by the spectacular Natural Bridge and Artist's Palette. A short hike into the canyon with some fun bits to clamber up similar to some of the canyons in Arizona. Whilst not quite as hot as yesterday we could certainly feel the heat (100 rather than 108). We visited the vast salt plains about 280ish ft below sea level and then finished the day driving out of Death Valley into an interesting Nevada town of Pahrump and are staying in a casino hotel! Very pleasant though with a room right next to the pool and some great food. The plan for tomorrow is to head to Red Rock Canyon and then go through Las Vegas out on the 15 towards Valley of Fire State Park.
Rhyolite
Desolation Canyon
Salt Plains (Badwater Basin)
Climbing up towards Natural Bridge
Worth the climb - Natural Bridge
Artist's Palette
View of the Salt Plains for the top of Dante's View
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