Death Valley is one of my favorite spots on earth. I haven't seen a lot, but I have seen enough to know what I like and Death Valley is a fascinating piece of land in Nevada and California, that needs to be visited multiple times and in different weather conditions, to appreciate its splendor.
A remote region of Death Valley National Park is called the Racetrack Playa. Its a mysterious patch of dirt which turns into a lake, then freezes sometimes and cracked rocks from the adjacent hills race across the thin ice when the conditions are just right. These rock races are not fast paced, nor have they been witnessed by many people. You can see the aftermath of the rock movement by observing the tracks they leave in the wet sand after it dries up. Visiting this space is a special experience and should be done in a safe vehicle and with the utmost respect for the environment. If the playa is wet, stay off! Don't drive on or deface this sacred space and just enjoy the solitude.
Photographing the playa at sunrise or sunset is best with landscape lenses and with a lot of contrast. Just walk around and get some good angles. Think and meditate on the beauty of the land.
