Death Valley

Boulder City

We arrived in Boulder City mid afternoon. The first thing we noticed when we got out of the car was the lack of that whoosh of hot air. It was a comfortable 38°C. Our accommodation was a room in the Boulder Dam Hotel in the Historic Downtown. Also on the premises is a restaurant, art shop, gift shop, and a museum detailing the history of Boulder City and the Dam.

The hotel was built in 1933 for dignitaries, politicians, and Hollywood stars that were coming to see the Hoover Dam being built. The historic hotel has 21 rooms and the building and rooms stay true to its traditional décor.

We arrived on a Sunday for two nights. Unfortunately, not much is open on those days in the Historic Downtown. Dinner was a bit of a challenge – looking for quality food at a restaurant that was open. Both nights we settled on Little City Grille – a fun small town diner. Each table is adorned with pictures from locals back in the 30s during the time Boulder City was formed and the Hoover Dam was being built.

We stayed in Boulder City as a stop on the way to the Grand Canyon and to see the famous Hoover Dam. The Dam is massive and impressive.

The Hoover Dam began construction in 1931 and the last concrete was poured in 1935. The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.

The Dam was built to protect the low lying lands along the Colorado River from flooding.

The power plant wings were completed in 1936 with the first generator operating. The 17th and final generator went into commercial operation in 1961.

The hydroelectric power is used in Nevada, Arizona, and California. The Hoover Dam is one of the America’s largest hydropower facilities.

The building of the Dam created Lake Mead – America’s largest man-made reservoir.

The Lake can store 9.2 trillion gallons of water.

Boulder City was a great stop – beautiful historic hotel and an impressive part of American engineering history.

Our next stop was The Grand Canyon. On the way we took a bit of an alternate route along a section of the famous Route 66.

Route 66 was the original highway of America spanning from Chicago to Santa Monica.

Next stop – the Grand Canyon!

We landed in Vegas, caught a shuttle to the car rental building, picked up our (ugh) Hyundi SUV and headed west towards Furnace Creek, Death Valley.

The landscape quickly changed as we gradually dipped below sea level. The closer we got to Death Valley, the more mesmerizing the scenery. We were in a constant state of awe…

When we hit Badwater Basin, we got out of the car to check out the salt flats. We were immediately hit with the whoosh of HOT air. Badwater Basin is 282 ft / 85.5 m below sea level.

The salt flats consist of a thin white crust over mud making it squishy to walk on. One tour bus there had a bucket of water outside the door for the passengers to wash their footwear before boarding.

We stayed at Furnace Creek Ranch – a basic (motel-like) accommodation in the middle of nowhere.

The complex had a couple of eateries, a gift shop/convenience store, a small Borax museum, and a pool.

The temperature while we were in Death Valley was HOT! On Saturday, it was 44.5°C at 5 PM. But, that didn’t stop us from exploring some of the surrounding area.

After a good night’s sleep, we stopped by the Visitor’s Centre and then drove to Scottys Castle. Such an interesting story…

The short version – Scotty (a conman, swindler, and storyteller) began to look for investors in his gold mine in Death Valley after he was fired from the Wild Bill Show.

One of the investors, Albert Johnson, eventually doubted the legitimacy of the gold mine and travelled from his home in Chicago to Death Valley to see the mine for himself. He discovered Scotty’s gold mine was non-existent and that Scotty was a fabulous “story teller”.

Albert loved the adventures that Scotty offered and Albert’s health greatly improved in the desert climate. They became life-long friends. Albert and his wife, Bessie, built their winter home (castle) in Death Valley “over Scotty’s gold mine”.

The home built in the middle of the desert between 1922-31 was beyond its time with technology – running water / plumbing – hydro generation with Pelton water wheel and diesel backup – a solar water heater.

The story Scotty started lived on. Even though he never lived in the Johnson’s home, the story people were led to believe was that it was Scotty’s and it was built over his gold mine. The Johnsons let Scotty have his fun and continue to spin tales. They loved the laughter he brought them.

Scotty outlived both the Johnsons, passing away in 1954. He is buried on the site. The site is now owned by the National Parks Association.

On the way back from Scottys Castle, we stopped at Ubehebe Crater. It is over 2000 years old, ½ mile across, and 500 ft deep.

Not a bad picture for standing at the top of the crater with a 50 MPH tailwind !

After a late lunch/early dinner at the saloon in Stovepipe Wells, we visited Mesquite Sand Dunes. The sand was BURNING hot!

The depth of the sand at its crest is over 130 ft. The area was used in the Star Wars sand dune scenes.

After a long day in the heat, we decided to take a dip in the spring water fed pool in the complex – water was really warm….

Before leaving Death Valley on Sunday (temperature predicted to reach 47°C), we did a drive along Artists Drive.

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A stunning array of colours awaits the drive through.

A deep canyon in the Black Mountains caused by volcanic action and the subsequent chemical reactions produce a multitude of colours along the way.

Part way through the drive, a slight detour leads to Artist’s Palette. The colours are even more intense and contrasting.

Death Valley was an amazing first stop on our Vegas and Beyond Adventure – it was HOT, it was desolate, it was surreal, it was absolutely beautiful!

Next Stop Boulder City and The Hoover Dam !

Category: Death Valley – Las Vegas & Beyond

Las Vegas and Beyond Post 2

Boulder City

Las Vegas and Beyond – Death Valley Post 1

Death Valley