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I agree, it's very easy to underestimate a place like Death Valley. I was there this winter, so while I did not experience the blistering heat, I was absolutely

I agree, it's very easy to underestimate a place like Death Valley. I was there this winter, so while I did not experience the blistering heat, I was absolutely taken in by the sheer scale and hostility of the place (I'm from the Netherlands and we simply have nothing to compare it to). Driving around on main roads during the day, you can drive for hours and only occasionally run into other people. Leave the main roads unprepared and you may end up on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_by_GPS https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_by_GPS Even main roads are not a guarantee for a good experience. We stayed in the park a bit too long and wanted to avoid driving out in the dark via the steep winding roads near Panamint Springs on the way out by taking the 178 to Ridgecrest. Driving 70 miles of pothole-riddled desert road in pitch black with not a soul nearby was not fun. And this is a California state route that we researched in advance.

ewams 8y ago
It always has potholes. Have been there several times and you can tell they patch it but the heavy excavation vehicles and the temperature probably play a big part. City folk underestimate what true darkness really is, and each time I have been we always have the same thought as you but you get so captivated in this unique environment that you just don't want to leave! Also for folks not familiar with USA roads, you can be on a State Highway, US Highway, or even the Interstate system and still be pothole ridden. Every state has jokes about their roads being the worst and the neighboring being the best (and they all think they are unique). Just the nature of roadways and government management.
- micheljansen 8y ago
  > City folk underestimate what true darkness really is In the Netherlands, no matter how far you go from major cities, it is never as dark as in the middle of the desert. I enjoyed some beautiful views of the Milky Way, with thousands of stars normally hidden by light pollution, but then quickly got back into the safety of the car ;)

ewams 8y ago

It always has potholes. Have been there several times and you can tell they patch it but the heavy excavation vehicles and the temperature probably play a big part. City folk underestimate what true darkness really is, and each time I have been we always have the same thought as you but you get so captivated in this unique environment that you just don't want to leave! Also for folks not familiar with USA roads, you can be on a State Highway, US Highway, or even the Interstate system and still be pothole ridden. Every state has jokes about their roads being the worst and the neighboring being the best (and they all think they are unique). Just the nature of roadways and government management.

micheljansen 8y ago
> City folk underestimate what true darkness really is In the Netherlands, no matter how far you go from major cities, it is never as dark as in the middle of the desert. I enjoyed some beautiful views of the Milky Way, with thousands of stars normally hidden by light pollution, but then quickly got back into the safety of the car ;)