Scotty's Castle and Kaleidoscope Canyon

[Bluegreen kayak]

My spring visit to Death Valley was shorter than usual in days, but maybe longer in miles. I started with the Flood Tour of Scotty's Castle. My first time in Death Valley was in 2016 and by then the castle was closed, so this was the first time I saw it in person. The tour was a wonderful one, due to both the place and the volunteer guides we had. I was happy to see it looked in good shape, but then I didn't know how it was before the flood.





























My two day-trip solo canyons for this visit were Kaleidoscope and Mormon Point. Kaleidoscope, because I had been there before and remembered it for its spectacular colors; Mormon Point because I had been there before and couldn't remember anything about it. On the way south on Badwater Road, I passed this egregiously inefficient attempt at off-roading.









Kaleidoscope Canyon was as wonderful as I remembered it being. As I trudged up and passed the side canyon on the left, I thought that maybe on the way back, if I wasn't worn out, I would explore that a bit.



























Somewhere I came across this colorful rock that looked like it had been sheared off by something very forceful.












This was the boulder jam near the end of the colors. It was intimidating; I made it past but swore I was never coming back up here again (keep that in mind).











The upper canyon part wasn't as interesting, so I turned around here.












Walked back down the canyon, enjoying the views from another perspective. When I got to the side canyon, I was ready to venture in, but wanted to check my time first. I reached down to the pants pocket that holds the cell phone and....





Nothing. It's empty. No clue how long the phone has been gone.




So..., back up the canyon, not looking at the walls but sweeping the floor visually all the way. Back to the scary giant boulder I had to shinny past last time; so much for never again. Back to the turn around. On the return, where I had slid down a steep slide, there on a ledge, was my phone. (I could take this picture because I use a camera.)










I was going to take a better shot to show how much of a drop there was below, but suddenly the phone shifted just a bit, and I thought "Forget it" and grabbed it. Such a relief. Back down the canyon again. Kaleidoscope is amusing because I'm so absorbed in the scenery that I don't realize how much elevation I've gained until I turn around. I like it that way.









Cute lizard on the second time descending.











I did go up the side canyon a bit. It was short and didn't have the fantastic colors, but I was so happy to have my phone back that nothing could spoil my mood.









Last time I hiked Kaleidoscope, I drifted too far east in the wash and ended up almost a mile from my van. I was much more observant this time and successfully emerged right where I was parked, still feeling good about the day overall.