Death Valley to Hoover Dam Roadtrip

We love driving through the desert. But on this drive you get to experience some of the coolest and most unique places that are offered in the California deserts and south Nevada areas. Death Valley is not just the biggest National Park in California but also the most unique in nearly every way. And it is hard to find a bigger stretch of wide opened desert that takes you from the desert floor up to the high mountains. Down to the lowest place in north America and up and over the mountains again into Nevada. It takes you straight to the most unique places of Nevada. And unto engineering marvels of the last century with this centuries addition, a bridge that is a new connection between Nevada and Arizona. We have been to Hoover Dam before but the bridge walkway was a new way to see this amazing structure.

The distance between Death Valley and Hoover Dam is only two hours.

“We often hold ourselves back simply believing we’re being held back. My friend Michael used to tell me if you tie up a donkey long enough, once you untie him he’ll stay there. You can get so used to being stuck you don’t move once you’re free.” – Regina Brett

 

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

 

This is a fabulous place to visit because there are many dunes here and they cover a large amount of space. The tallest dune is 100 feet tall. There is also Mesquite trees here which allow for some wildlife to be present here. Many brought sleds with them or cardboard and it looked like they had a wonderful time going down the dunes. We didn’t want to get too sandy this time because we were going to be sleeping in our “white school bus” and we weren’t sure if we would have a place to take a shower that night.

 

Located at Death Valley, Ca 92328.

Badwater Basin

 

Badwater Basin is the lowest point of land in all of North America being 282 feet below sea level. It spreads 5 miles wide and 7 miles wide and yes there is water here but due to the salts in the area it is undrinkable. This is definitely a spectacular place to visit when in death valley. We have been here three times with my husband and each time we come it as magical as the first time. This is a must see place. We were so glad that all four of our children were able to experience this magical place.

Located at Death Valley National Park, California.

Goldwell Open Air Museum

Goldwell Open Air Museum is a art museum that is outside. The art is mostly very abstract and made with materials that don’t require protection from UV rays and liquids and the ones that could use protection benefit from not having any. Those who enjoy fascinating art and enjoy being outside will surely enjoy this art museum. Art in the desert is one of our favorite things.

 

Located at 1 Golden St, Beatty, NV 89003.

 

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

 

Red Rock Canyon National Conversation Area is a very beautiful place to visit. When we were there we saw snow which definitely added to the colors but it is definitely worth visiting any time of the year. There are tortoise crossings here.

Located at 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161.

 

Calico 1

High Point Overlook

This is one lookout you won’t want to miss.

Willow Springs Picnic Area

This is our favorite way to eat: with a free view.

Going on two week long trips with six can get expensive if you are eating out each time. We try not to eat out unless we are on a writing assignment and our food is covered or if it is a unique place and we really want to try it out.

We usually always order water if we eat out because drinks can really run up your bill.

We love nature and oftentimes there is no restaurant nearby anyways so we always come prepared. We have a cooler full of cold food and a snack box with us.

If we can find a picnic table that we can park near then we love to eat finger foods such as nuts, cheese, fruit, vegetables, salami, crackers, and hummus. Our favorite is actually bread cut into cube pieces and dipped in a Meyer lemon olive oil and raspberry balsamic vinegar mixture (yummy). If we are hiking and plan on eating on the trail then we will make different kinds of sandwiches.

Do you prefer to eat out when you are on vacation or bring a cooler?

Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam was built during the great depression and created the greatest lake in America by volume. It was built with what equals to 639 million dollars and is made out of concrete. It provides electricity for people in the area and has nearly a million visitors per year.

The Toilet Paper Hero of Hoover Dam is one of the most recognized employees of Hoover Dam. Is job required him to clean outhouses for those doing work in the dam. He was famous among the employees and we know very little about him today except what the other employees at Hoover Dam said about him, for example that he was a older man among the employees there.

 

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