FIVE PICTURE FRIDAY! - Death Valley

Taken January 17, 2026

Death Valley National Park is overwhelming both in scale and complexity. Nestled in eastern California against the Nevada border, the Park goes mostly ignored when considering the great landscapes of the American West. Yet Death Valley challenges most traditional definitions of beauty. A literal Star Wars landscape - canyons and rocks, intermittent desert blooms, quickly disappearing lakes, unbearable summer heat, and elevation ranges that defy comprehension - all combine to create a destination like no other.

About “Five Picture Friday”

Every other Friday, I produce a short photo-essay on an interesting location. I try to capture the essence of the place, distilled down into a few images. It’s a fun way to practice my photography, and I hope you enjoy a little armchair travel!

Want a print?

For those desperate for some wall decor or simply infatuated with one of my photos, prints are now available for a nominal fee - basically ‘at cost’. Send me an email with your request, and I’ll make it happen.

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Disclaimer:

All content and opinions are solely those of the author (Jack), and not representative of my employer, former employers, clients, anyone in Congress, my family, former college roommates, Baptists, the good citizens of Colorado, or my dog Mabel.