Stargazing, Death Valley National Park

Face it, there's not alot of nightlife in Death Valley, but that's not why you went out there, right?. Campfires are only permitted in established campgrounds and are not allowed in the backcountry. So what to do? If you're not already in a remote area camping, hop in your car, check the map they hand out when you enter the park and find a dirt road leading into the desert. Drive a few miles, throw out the folding chairs, grab your favorite beverage from the ice chest and enjoy the show.

Next to backpacking in the Sierras, remote desert sites offer some of the best stargazing. It' hard for me to pick out constellations because there's so many stars. Meteors pass by in the blink of an eye and satellites speed across the sky from horizon to horizon. I have fond memories of sitting in the desert and talking to my father about nothing and everything. I hope my son has fond memories of our conversations under the stars. Sometimes I'll even talk to my wife!

Whilst everyone is down for the night...get in the car and take a cruise at night...you have the park to yourself....if the moons out, you are in for a treat...if not the stargazing is unmatched...grab a couple of cold ones and enjoy the quiet night...the only thing you hear is the bubbles in your bud can...

Dress Code: you dont even have to be dressed!

Pull off the road where there is parking, away from buildings and other lights. Turn off the car lights. Let your eyes adjust. Look up. There are so many stars visible that it is difficult to find even the familiar constellations.
A dark sky is a rapidly-diminishing resource. See it while you can.

Dress Code: It's nighttime, with no clouds to hold in the heat, so dress warmly in the winter.