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Dazzling Panoramic Scenery: Dante’s View to Mt. Perry Hike plus Badwater Basin Bonus!

February 27, 2024November 5, 2024livevigorously

Distance: ~8 Miles

Elevation Gain: ~2,346ft

Difficulty: Strenuous to moderate, depending on your fitness level. Trail runnable until you reach the top scree and talus portion.

The unofficial trail begins at the north end of the Dantes View parking lot. The unmarked single-track rim trail climbs and descends different ridges eventually leading to the peak of Mt. Perry (5,378 ft). The vast views in every direction are enchanting—across the valley to snow-capped Telescope Peak and down to the mesmerizing turquoise, emerald waters of Badwater Basin below.

Towards the peak, the loose scree and talus field get gnarly and may require a “4 on the floor”(hands and feet) approach. There’s no shame in stopping short if the rugged terrain becomes too disagreeable—the view is spectacular all along the way and at any of 3 false summits.

If you don’t have time to hike, Dante’s View is worth the drive up, especially at sunrise or sunset.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Lake Manly/ Badwater Basin with water!

Whether you drive by it or up to Dante’s for the bird’s eye view, you must visit Badwater Basin, especially now! The lowest point in North America and the United States, Badwater Basin, an expansive salt flat, is the remnant of a vast and deep (600 ft deep) ancient lake that existed tens of thousands of years ago. During the past six months, thanks to the recent record-setting “atmospheric rivers,” the ancient “lake” has resurfaced into a 6-mile by 3-mile shallow (1 ft deep) “lake”. With warmer temperatures around the corner, the lake will evaporate before long, leaving only the vast, barren salt flat. For those lucky enough to see Lake Manly with water, that ephemeral glimmering experience will remain imprinted like a mirage flickering in our memories (and captured in our photos).

Happy Trails!

Couldn’t resist the once-in-a-lifetime yogi pose reflection photoshoot at Badwater!

Getting there: Dante’s View is a ~45-minute drive from Furnace Creek. Take the main Highway 190 route SE for 11 miles. Pass Zabriskie’s Point and turn right on Dante’s View Road (13 miles). Badwater Basin is a 17-mile drive from Furnace Creek via the 190, turn right on Badwater Basin Road.

Hike smart: Dante’s View to Mt. Perry is completely exposed. Summer hiking after 10AM is not recommended.

Hanging 10 at the Elusive Wave. Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, AZ

February 25, 2024February 27, 2024livevigorously

After diligently trying for 3 years, my adventure partner Bernie finally lucked out and won the highly sought-after lottery for “The Wave” / Coyote Buttes North—one of the most striking geological wonders of the world. The trailhead is in Utah, but the Wave and the 3-mile hike to it are in Arizona.

The landscape was enchanting from start to finish. The colorful, striped, groovy rock formations that comprise this mesmerizing geological wonderland are part of the 112K acre Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness.

The Wave was awe-inspiring, though the area was much smaller than I’d envisioned. My photos don’t do it justice, but there are plenty out there that do.

Unexpected highlights included some colorful formations along the way, an alcove, and a double arch beyond the Wave.

And we had the good fortune to run into some of the locals who get to call this area their home.

The maximum group size is 6, with a daily maximum of 64 people permitted. I’m for lotteries in these exquisite natural areas . It eliminates undesirable crowds, optimizes the visitor’s experience, and helps keep our natural wonders pristine. However, the lottery system for the Wave is complex and, as with most lotteries, not rigged in the player’s favor. One of our friends has been trying for 10 years! Some would argue that the system favors two tour companies that often swoop up the most permits and charge $200 per head to escort people to the main attraction and other points of interest when the group is game and time permits. Permit info.

One clear advantage of going with the guides is that they assume the risk of the notorious 9-mile drive to the Wirepass Trailhead on the rough and often unruly/treacherous House Rock Road. The perfect storm of ingredients, precipitation (rain or melting snow), thick sand, deep mud, and slick clay coagulates like quicksand to trap jeeps, trucks, and those silly enough to attempt the drive without a 4-wheel drive in their tracks. The tow cost alone likely would be several times the cost of a group tour. Our group evaluated the risks and the weather and took the tour with Dreamland Tours. Great operation, and I highly recommend our guide, Melanie Rader.

Naturally, despite doomsday predictions from the BLM and Visitor Center, the road was tame and easily passible with any 4-wheel drive on the day we went. Better safe than sorry as they say.

While we were disappointed that we couldn’t explore on our own, we appreciated the insights and highlights that Mel shared. We’re looking forward to exploring White Pocket next, along with the permitted Coyote Buttes South. A daily maximum of 20 people is permitted to visit Coyote Buttes South. Permit info.

Ok, so I didn’t exactly hang ten here, but our friend, Cris did.

The yoga pose photobomber strikes again and again! Perhaps my yogi balance poses or headstand count?

Happy Adventures!

Zion Photopost: Waterfalls, big horn sheep, and yoga—a few of my favorite things.

February 22, 2024February 22, 2024livevigorously

Happy Trails!

Zooming around the Zabriskie Point Loop, Death Valley National Park

February 6, 2024February 27, 2024livevigorously

Miles: ~7, options for additional explorations along the way in Gower Gulch, Gold Canyon, and Red Cathedral. You can also take the shorter, easier Badlands Loop (2.5 miles) for a quick immersion. If you’re not up for a hike, you can take the ¼ mile walk up a hill on a paved path to the lookout.

Elevation gain: 827 ft

Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on your fitness level. The trail is “runnable” when crowds are light.

Rated # 3 top hike in Death Valley National Park.

Among the most photographed spots in Death Valley National Park, Zabriskie Point boasts expansive views of yellow and brown striped hills, the badlands and salt flats beyond, and the Eastern Sierras in the far distance. Great for sunrise and sunset pics! I got there just before sunset so made it a fast zoom around. I’ve explored Golden Gulch before that’s worth it too!

The dance of light and shadow on the stark dramatic landscape is compelling in color and black and white. It’s obvious why this area was one of Ansel Adam’s favorite photography playgrounds.

If you look closely at the picture on the right above, you can see the trail tracing its way up to the ridge.

Fun Fact: Death Valley is the hottest place on earth and the lowest, driest place in North America.

Getting there: The Zabriskie Point lookout and trailhead parking lot for both Badlands and the Zabriskie loop is a 15-minute drive East on Highway 190 from Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

Happy Trails!

Cuba Cycling Adventures Series (3): Varadero to Matanzas

December 23, 2023November 5, 2024livevigorously

Day 2 was one of my favorite days on my Cuba cycling adventure: a tranquil coastal ride, a swim in turquoise waters, a tour of Matanzas art district and historical square, and a modern art luncheon experience, followed by beach time and a decadent lobster feast back in Varadero.

In the quiet of the morning, a white heron took flight as we rode by a lush green wetland area. The many shades of the shimmering turquoise sea were mesmerizing. Lucky me, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the tropical sea at a secluded cove while we waited for the rest of the group to catch up.

Back on the bikes, we rode along the beautiful beach esplanade, discovering one magnificent sculpture after another. It was a perfect prelude into the art-filled, picturesque town of Matanzas (known as the Venice of Cuba or City of Bridges).

In Matanzas, we enjoyed a casual stroll along the canal way that was lined with more sculptures, tile art, frescoes, galleries, and restaurants.

Next, we explored the charming town square.

It was lunchtime next, and we dined in fine style—indulging in the local flavors and feasting our eyes on more colorful art and stained glass windows.

Upon return to Varadero, we enjoyed some beach time followed by another decadent lobster feast for me.

And so another amazing day with Cuban Adventures and my new friend, Vanessa, came to an end. Fortunately, the tour was just beginning! Stay tuned for the next postcard.

Happy Adventure Travels! Salud!