Death Valley Deep Dive 2024

[Beardilocks]

I decided to bag a peak this week and check off one thing off my long “to-do” list in Death Valley:  Hit the ridge-line somewhere overlooking Eureka Dunes on the East from the Last Chance Range.  Or more accurately, Brice was hitting it and I tagged along.  But boy was it worth it.  Sandy Point Benchmark.  *Warning: Gratuitous view photos*

We climbed up from Big Pine/Death Valley Rd, East of Crater.  The bushwacking for the two miles or so was moderately annoying but we soon climbed up out of it and the views started.  First looking at the far North end of Death Valley and Slate Ridge.


Looking down through and unnamed canyon. 


Opposite canyon looking towards Eureka Valley. 


The hike is a nice mix of terrain, keeping it interesting. 


I love ridgeline hiking.


First peek at Eureka Dunes.


There they are.  4000ft below.  Lovely. 


At the peak.


Gratuitous dune shots.








Looking South towards Death Valley proper. 



Ridge headed back.


Absolutely gorgeous hike.  Not a killer at ~11mi round trip with around 2200ft of gain.  And views in one direction or another the whole way up.