After touring the opulence of Scotty’s Castle we headed out to Ubehebe Crater in Death Valley National Park. (Say it out loud, all long vowels, a very fun name with an unknown origin.) It was very windy on the crater’s rim so we opted not to hike around it.
.jpg "Ubehebe Crater Death Valley NP CA")
Ubehebe Crater
A few thousand years ago a tremendous explosion occurred in Death Valley leaving behind a crater .5 mile (.8 km) across and 500 feet (152.4 meters) deep. A rising plume of molten basalt came in contact with the overlying watertable causing a violent release of underground steam pressure that left volcanic cinders and ash up to 150 feet (45.72 meters) deep covering the ground from 2-5 miles (3.21-8.04 meters) in every direction.
.jpg "Interp sign Ubehebe Crater Death Valley NP CA")
photo of sign
There are actually several explosion craters in the area; some may be younger than Ubehebe.
.jpg "Gaelyn and Jeremy at Ubehebe Crater Death Valley NP CA")
Gaelyn and Jeremy
We really wanted to visit Death Valley’s famous rock Racetrack but it requires a high-clearance vehicle over 27 miles (43.45 km) of rough gravel road. Large boulders weighing up to 400 pounds mysteriously move across a dry lakebed leaving gouged trails behind. No one has actually seen the rocks move but scientists speculate that very strong winds blow the rocks when the surface is slick from occasional light rains. I’d rather believe they just go for a st-roll.From Ubehebe Crater we headed to Titus Canyon for a hike.
Ubehebe CraterA few thousand years ago a tremendous explosion occurred in Death Valley leaving behind a crater .5 mile (.8 km) across and 500 feet (152.4 meters) deep. A rising plume of molten basalt came in contact with the overlying watertable causing a violent release of underground steam pressure that left volcanic cinders and ash up to 150 feet (45.72 meters) deep covering the ground from 2-5 miles (3.21-8.04 meters) in every direction.
photo of signThere are actually several explosion craters in the area; some may be younger than Ubehebe.
Gaelyn and JeremyWe really wanted to visit Death Valley’s famous rock Racetrack but it requires a high-clearance vehicle over 27 miles (43.45 km) of rough gravel road. Large boulders weighing up to 400 pounds mysteriously move across a dry lakebed leaving gouged trails behind. No one has actually seen the rocks move but scientists speculate that very strong winds blow the rocks when the surface is slick from occasional light rains. I’d rather believe they just go for a st-roll.From Ubehebe Crater we headed to Titus Canyon for a hike.
This is so cool, Gaelyn. Last night I watched a documentary about Death Valley on National Geographic and thought of you. They showed the Racetrack area and Badwater and all manner of things you've mentioned in your blog. Did you visit the singing/booming dunes? I found that fascinating!!!
Surprised to learn about so many interesting places to visit at Death Valley. Ubehebe Crater looks fascinating, great pics!
I must return to Death Valley this winter! These are great photos!
What a difference after Scotty's Castle. Course the boulders just go for a stroll. Who ever heard of very strong winds blowing great big rocks around!!
You photograph the most amazing sights, Gaelyn, and tell the most amazing stories! So glad I can visit virtually with you.
Great photo, Gaelyn. The name Ubehebe is rolling off my tongue, can't seem to stop saying it (LOL!) What a majestic part of the world you live in.
I like the facts you post, Gaelyn – I'm always learning something new from you. If I had another life to live, I'd be a Geologist. (I like to think of the rocks strolling, too!)
Haha, thats great. Rocks on a stroll. I think your right! Its amazing how many different things are going on in Death Valley. So many completely unique formations.
Its amazing to see Ubehebe crater and to think of the enormous power it took to create it.
Thanks for the views, Gaelyn. Quite an impressive place.
Fascinating as usual Gaelyn. This was a great trip by the looks of it.
Ubehebe Crater is awesome. I would really like to visit the rock Racetrack. I want to see the rock out strolling. MB
The closest I'm going to get to a desert in the upcoming months is a trip to Doha, Qatar. Stopping there on my way back from India to see some teaching friends, and they've arranged for a day trip to the dunes…no crater, but there are some singing dunes!
Again, Gaelyn, one day I hope to walk/drive in your 'footsteps.'
Those craters are amazing! Looks like a moonscape.
Another very interesting spot in Death Vally. I am amazed at hom much there is to see around there. Pity you missed the Racetrack. One of the pics on my screensaver is from there and I would love the see the place for myself.
Very glad you got to see the crater. I just watched a series on TV about how Earth was made and then made over many times. Interesting but also frightening because of the large pool of lava under Yellowstone.
Those st-rolling rocks sound pretty cool!
That's an amazing crater. Must have taken quite an explosion.
Gaelyn: Really neat photos of the crater and a cute photo of you in front of the massive structure.
Ubehebe crater and Racetrack put me in mind of a youthful adventure, The memory makes me smile. Thanks for the memory.
Quite a varied and fascinating place. What a history all laid bare to see clearly. I have really enjoyed your posts. I like the photo of you and J.
Seems that you always have so many people comment on your blog. I'm just one of them. As always this enter was another that was interesting. That "grey sand" looks like a real nuisance and will get into everything. It seems that Death Valley has so much to see.
Les
I think it's this crater that I've seen on paintings. I've heard that artists from other countries come to Death Valley to paint!
For you, interested in geology, this must have been a very interesting trip.
Jeremy must be tall!
Ubehebe has always been windy, every time I've been there! The hike down to the bottom is quite an experience, too. It's way deeper than it looks!