Canyon People - Part 2

April 4, 2018
Amargosa Valley, Nevada

We were told. We were even "shown". Still, Titus Canyon in Death Valley National Park is a beautiful and exciting surprise. Once we get over the several miles of rough, washboard, teeth rattling dirt and rock from the highway to the hills, the drive is full of many Wows!.

Everything we've seen in Death Valley has been wonderful, but this is definitely the highlight of our visit. Thanks John and Pam (Oh the Places They Go) for making sure we didn't miss this!!

This shy female quail Chukar (thanks Sue!) greets us as we near the hills. Love her markings.

I always look back at photos of the start of trails and think "We had no idea how amazing this was going to be!"

Colorful mounds,

and dark ridges line our entry.

Tessa likes taking me to the top.

Others show up along the way, but for most of the day we're on our own. Ahhhhh....

This is a one-way loop drive so I remember to look back.

The only other wildlife sighting of the day.

We finally go topless like real canyon people. Bill is happier about this than he looks :-)

Although it is in John's blog post, this section of narrow, shelf road looks "less fun" from the bottom.

Not that bad, and so worth the views!

Our anticipation is for the "slot canyon for cars" that we've heard so much about, so when we come over the top of the pass we are blown away by the beauty below. The colors and textures are stunning. It's a road you have to pay attention to, with large rocks and deeps ruts, but it is a beautiful area. 

Down the road we come to Leadville, a small mining ghost town where the post office was only open for six months before closing permanently. 

Another Jeep has the "prime spot", and gives good perspective for the long views.

At the summit.

What a palette!

In the dictionary under switchback......this.

Surrounded by drama.

1926 gold mine

I like our place better.

Just past our stop at Leadville, we come to the first canyon. With the top off we have views in every direction. We're also reminded to bring hats when we do this next time!

Between canyons, the road enters a wide area where a small panel of petroglyphs sits at the edge. Many seem to be layered, and it is difficult to tell how many are ancient story telling.

What awaits around the corner?

We should have done this a long time ago.

That sun's warm!

We imagine dozens of critters watching us pass below.

It's a privilege to visit this remote place.

The canyon widens.

I'm happy to see that throughout this area, people have stayed on trail, ensuring our continued access.

A park sign marks the location of the petroglyphs, but provides no information on their origin.

The last section of Titus Canyon is a twisting, narrow, tall canyon that is the star of the show. There is a feeling of amusement park fun combined with an ancient sacred path. We take our time and enjoy every minute.

Getting snug.

Fluffy reflections.

Another photographer makes a quick stop and shows how deep the road is in the canyon.

Finding some shade along a short side canyon.

Natural formations mimic rock art.

Up close!

Up high!

Weaving our way through.....

.....and all too soon we're out the other side.

There are no signs for high-clearance or four-wheel-drive for this route, but I wouldn't take anything else. One of the guys we talked to at Leadville said he wished he'd known or had better tires. Another pickup was changing their flat tire in the wash. Again, we're very happy we have our Jeep.

Thursday we move on to Pahrump - where we find some more canyons to explore!