For pilots in the Southwest US a trip to Death Valley is a must do during cooler weather. The unique landscape of the valley, high snow capped mountain peaks, lack of vegetation and unique colors makes Death Valley a very special place. The air is usually crystal clear distorting distance and depth perception. Death Valley's Furnace Creek is my first choice but don't discount Stovepipe Wells. Stovepipe Wells The village of Stovepipe Wells is an easy half mile walk from the airport. You'll find a motel, gas station, general store, gift shop, ranger station, a restaurant and a saloon. The motel has a van and seems happy to take you to surrounding locations. All of Stovepipe Wells services are operated by Xanterra Parks and Resorts. Within a few minutes of landing a car from the motel arrived and suggested places to visit, we had never called for a car. Javier(?) became our transpiration dropping us off at a location and asking when we wanted to be picked up. He always showed up on time taking us to the next place. Be sure to tip the driver so pilots continue to get this great service. The Toll Road Restaurant has limited hours. Breakfast 7:00 to 10:00, Lunch 11:30 to 2:00 and Dinner 5:30 to 9:00. I suspect these hours may change as the season changes and suggest you call ahead. Naturally, we arrived at the restaurant at 2:05 so we made due at the General Store across the street. Mosaic Canyon Located 2.5 miles from Stovepipe Wells (3 miles from the airport) on a washboard filled dirt road though the desert. The road ends at a parking lot, the mouth of Mosaic Canyon. From here it's a 4 mile round trip hike back into the canyon. The hike is pretty easy with lots of shade and places to stop. Bring some water, don't forget this is Death Valley. Lots of polished marble on this hike, watch where you step, polished marble can be slippery. Stay out of the canyon during rain fall. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Located 1.5 miles from Stovepipe wells (2 miles from the airport) on a paved road. There is a new visitor area with parking and bathrooms. It screams for benches since everyone's shoes are full of sand. The Sand Dunes are what you want to make out of it. They can been seen from the parking lot but I suggest you walk out past the footprints of others and take some photos. I didn't find the need to climb the highest dune but you may. It would be best to photograph this location at sunrise or sunset. My other Death Valley pages: Click for Leadfield, Scotty's Castle or Furnace Creek .
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