It is stark and inhospitable to say the least and would make a great training ground for NASA in planning missions to the moon and Mars. That's what it looks like. The valley itself is in the rain shadow of mountain ranges on the west and east and hot winds circulate constantly without dissipating. It's basically a big convection oven.
We spent the day visiting Badwater Basin, elevation -282 ft., and hiked to a natural bridge. We also hiked the fantastically colored formations at the Artists Palette, a 6 mile one-way road, which showcases the valley in all its glory. It is beautiful in an otherworldly sort of way and is a Nirvana for Geologists. I must have been hungry when hiking as it reminded me of Spumoni ice cream with chocolate sauce.
We will be here for 4 days and will explore other parts of the Park so another post will be coming soon. For any of you with snow on the ground we offer our sincere condolences and hope these photos remind you of warmer places. Till next time.....