Death Valley is the largest national park in the contiguous United States, as well as the hottest, driest and lowest of all the national parks in the United States. More than 93% of the park is a designated wilderness area, which means—among other things—that your dog cannot go to those parts. As we took Bodie on this trip, we didn’t get to do much hiking. But there is still plenty to see close to vehicle access, especially when you have a four wheel drive.

Recent heavy rain made kayaking possible in Badwater Basin (Lake Manley). This is kinda impressive, but 120,000 years ago, Lake Manley was 600 ft—not knee—deep. The “high tide” lines are visible, high above the valley floor.

Everywhere you look in Death Valley, you witness geological time. But the cool thing about Ubehebe Crater is that it formed so very recently; conceivably, another one could blow tomorrow.

Best part of the day? Dinner cooked and eaten on an isolated knoll on the road to Skidoo ghost town, with views of the Valley and mountains and crescent moon. Magic.