Mesquite Dunes

Located in the midst of Death Valley National Park, adjacent to Stovepipe Wells, are the Mesquite Dunes. Smaller versions of the sand dunes farther north, they are none the less quite large in size. Dawn is the preferred time to arrive, as the heat of the day has not started to get it's grip on the sand. Bring twice as much water and half as much weight as you think safe.



Dawn is also nice because most people don't make it out that early and the solitude is amazing. You can feel as though you're the only person in an apocalyptic world.

The wind is quick to wipe footprints, particularly at the tops of the dunes. So a compass can be a good idea, with frequent bearing checks.

This image was shot on FP4+ in 120 size, developed in Pyrocat HD, 2:2:100, and printed on fotospeed lith paper in LD20 lith developer.