Possibly my favorite place in North America, Death Valley became a frequent destination for photographic treks from about 1967 – 1978. One such visit took place over a long Thanksgiving weekend in 1971; some new finds from the negative archives are presented here. From about 1974 on, the Land Rover was the vehicle of choice to traverse terrifying mining trails. But in 1971, it was the VW camper (pictured a couple of times here). (I have also done Death Valley with Ford truck, Porsche and Alfa Romeo at various times.) There is no bad time to go — of course, 120+ degree summers scare off many people, but in some ways that is the best experience. Thanksgiving is ideal in terms of moderate weather and the least tourists (springtime is most popular: decent weather and sometimes surprising blooming flowers). Don’t get me started about Death Valley … it can feel like several distinct planets and a religious experience (think Carlos Castaneda) and more.
