America's Best Idea

Death Valley National Park

It was Spring Break in 2012, and boy, did I need a break. As Tim and I boarded our flight to Las Vegas, we were excited to rent a convertible car for our adventure. With the car's top always down, the experience was truly something else. The sensation of the warm desert breeze against my skin, the sun shining down after a long, cold winter back home—it was incredibly invigorating. I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of freedom as we cruised along the open road, the wind messing up my hair and taking in the beautiful sights. The music was playing loudly from the car's speakers, and it added the perfect soundtrack to this sensory journey. This was a welcome change from the tough reality we were facing at home, as my father's chemo treatments and caregiving responsibilities had cast a shadow over us. This break was our escape from life's tough times.

Our escape led us to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a special place filled with canyons and tall rocks that feel like a maze full of surprises. It's a dream for outdoor lovers, offering scenic drives, hiking, and climbing. You might even come across some burros (donkeys) wandering along the way. My favorite spot in this natural wonder is the Black Corridor, a narrow section with climbing routes on both sides, split into upper and lower parts by some big rocks. It's like having two great choices for climbing excitement. But even the bravest adventurers need a day off every now and then.

After researching and discovering a National Park is just a 2-hour drive away, we paused our cliff hanging to visit Death Valley National Park. This park is the biggest national park in the lower 48 states, covering over 3.4 million acres. Our first stop was Dante's View, on the ridge of Black Mountains towering at 5,575 ft. This viewpoint is considered one of the best scenic vistas in the park. On the clearest days, you can see both the highest peak and lowest point in the contiguous United States. Mount Whitney, the highest at 14,505 feet, and Badwater Basin, the lowest at 282 feet below sea level. Luckily, we were blessed with a picture-perfect day to witness this beautiful landscape.

After seeing Badwater Basin from above, now it was time to check it out down below. Walking through the basin felt like strolling on bright white salt flats that stretched as far as the eye could see. The ground looked like it had been split into giant puzzle pieces, cracked by the extreme heat and dryness, showing how harsh this desert can be. Here's an interesting tidbit about this area: roughly 17 miles from the basin, in Furnace Creek, the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth reached a scorching 134°F in July 1913.

Our next stop was Zabriskie Point, where we were amazed by the rock formations shaped by nature. Zabriskie Point has changed over time because of natural erosion and weathering. The extreme temperature changes, occasional heavy rain, and steady winds have all had a part in creating the unique, wavy rock formations and layers we see today. The hills and valleys here were like life's highs and lows, its victories and trials. As we gazed upon these breathtaking badlands, a mix of feelings swept over me. The desert's quietness allowed me to reflect on the challenges we were going through, serving as a symbol of life's rollercoaster. It dawned on me that this place was exactly what I needed for some healing. The beauty of nature and the resilience of the land lifted my spirits. It felt as if Death Valley possessed the ability to mend my tired soul, providing an escape from life's toughest moments.

This journey taught me a meaningful lesson: don't be afraid to face death, accept it and learn from it. My dad taught me to be brave and understand that life goes on. Things change, just like the weather changes the land, but the memories always remain; we just need to adjust our sails.

Leaving Death Valley, I felt stronger and more hopeful, carrying the memories of our incredible trip with me. The timing of our visit, while witnessing a loved one's journey towards the end of life, added a unique layer of significance. It served as a poignant reminder that even in the face of life's toughest moments, there are opportunities for solace and personal growth, waiting to be embraced.