February 19, 2016
After our little hike into the Titus Canyon Narrows I headed to the Mesquite Sand Dunes in a hurry as the sun was setting fast and I wanted to see the light and shadows on the dunes.
I wasn’t really in the mood to walk far out on the dunes at dusk but others did and helped put the dune size in perspective.
Can you see the tiny dots on the ridgeline?
Sure beat our last visit to the dunes with wind blown sand everywhere.
Basically found a nice place and watched the light and shadows change.
Those last rays lit the eastern mountains in a warm glow that didn’t reflect the quickly dropping temperatures.
Then a quick stop for sunset while headed back to camp.
And last light on the mountains under the moon.
We wanted to make it an early night as we left Death Valley in the morning to explore Mojave National Preserve.
Simply gorgeous pictures Gaelyn. We loved the light on the dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park. The dunes are so huge it is nearly unbelievable.
Thanks Sherry. I think light and shadows on the dunes is more fun than walking on them.
Great pictures of the dune shadows.
Thanks George.
So love the shadows on those dunes! Being in Death Valley is all about where to be at sunrise and sunset. When we were there in April one year it was so hot (105) that we spent a few hours at dawn and a couple more at sunset and the rest of the time in the MoHo or the car driving somewhere! Even swimming at the pool at Furnace Creek was hot!
For me it’s sunset as I’m not usually awake for the rise. 😉 Don’t think I’d want to be in Death Valley at 105.
Lighting sure makes the dunes look much more interesting. Great photos!
Look forward to your post on Mojave as we will most likely be there next week.
Thanks Gayle. Bill really liked Mojave, and more dunes plus. You can camp at the Kelso Dunes for free.
Thanks for these stunning photos, I am so looking forward to seeing this for myself 🙂 Have a good day Diane
Thanks Diane. Death Valley could be 100F+ when you’re here.
This was one hike we didn’t do. Slogging through deep sand does nothing for us. So we just watched others and enjoyed the view:) Love the shadows you captured with the sunset:)
We didn’t hike into the dunes either. The light show was from a distance.
Awww . . . walking barefoot on the dunes is one of my favorite things in Death Valley. I’ve never walked out as far as those big dunes, though. That just seems like work.
Unfortunately I no longer barefoot anywhere, and don’t like sand between my toes. Sure did enjoy the light show from afar.
Ha. I can see where walking barefoot in the sand would be a problem if you don’t like sand between your toes. 🙂 The late afternoon light is certainly spectacular on those dunes and the surrounding mountains.
The shadow play on the dunes is magnificent!
These are some of the best photos I have ever seen of the area and I’m a So Cal native!
Thank you Janis.
Fabulous sunset photos – the sand dunes undulate in the light and shadow.
Thanks Barb.
I sure miss the desert sometimes. Glad the sand wasn’t blowing around, not only is it uncomfortable, it is very bad for cameras.
I would miss the desert. Camera already has enough problems don’t need any more sand.
Amazing light play – you definitely found a good spot to watch it play out. Thanks for taking us along!
Amazing pictures Gaelyn. I especially love #2 and #4.
Thanks Sue.