Corkscrew Victory

The top of Corkscrew Peak in Death Valley National Park has eluded me for two seasons.  Attempts have been made in the past, all with unsuccessful results.  I had one last open weekend and decided I was going to conquer this peak.  For this attempt, however, I had numbers on my side.  I went with one of my coworkers and his visiting daughter and son-in-law.

It was a beautiful day.  Clear skies, light breeze, not too hot, not too cold.

Part way up the trail, looking at the goal.  If it looks straight up, it is.  I think this is the steepest trail I have ever hiked.

We've had a lovely wildflower season here in Death Valley.  On the hike, I saw my first desert five spot.  I've seen pictures of this lovely wildflower but have never seen it in person.  There was a beautiful patch of these desert beauties along the trail.

The view from the top was pretty spectacular.  Looking south to Badwater Basin.

We got up high enough to see the Sierra and snow-capped Mount Whitney.

Looking north-northeast into Titus canyon.  I love the colors and the geology of this place.

Crazy geology.  In Death Valley you can have horizontal and vertical lines, ridges, and layers within feet of each other.  How?!  How does that happen?

The conquering party.

My season in Death Valley is fast drawing to a close.  I will be returning to Yosemite National Park for the summer where new and exciting hikes await.  Fellow hikers always welcome!