Big Bear, CA
I quiet mountain community full of back country adventure.
Zabriskie Point
Zabriskie Point is perhaps one of the best known and popular overlooks in the entire Death Valley National Park, California. The landmark is named for Christian Brevoort Zabriskie who was the Vice President of the Pacific Coast Borax Company.
The elevated overlook of a huge area of yellow-brown-black ancient mud lands composed of sediments from the ancient Furnace Creek Lake. A short hike from the parking lot allows is a visitor to see the expanse of the badlands. A longer hike will take the explorer down through Golden Canyon to the floor of Death National National Park. The site is best visited during the “golden hours” of warm light in the evening and mornings. The best viewing occurs at sunrise.
The site was made famous in popular culture by a movie from 1970 of the same name. For those of us who grew up in the 1980s, the cover of the U2 Album, The Joshua Tree features a photograph by Anton Corbijn at Zabriskie Point.
The only draw back with visiting this location is that it is almost always crowded during the prime months.
Zabriskie Point Map
References
Badwater Basin
Badwater Basin, located in Death Valley National Park, Inyo County, California, is the lowest point in North America, sitting at 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level. This endorheic basin spans approximately 200 square miles (518 square km) and is characterized by vast salt flats composed primarily of sodium chloride (table salt), along with calcite, gypsum, and borax. The basin features a small, spring-fed pool near Badwater Road, named “Badwater” due to its high salinity, which renders the water undrinkable. Despite this, the pool supports unique life forms, including the endemic Badwater snail, aquatic insects, and salt-tolerant plants like pickleweed. The surrounding salt flats form striking hexagonal patterns due to repeated freeze-thaw and evaporation cycles, creating a surreal, otherworldly landscape. A notable “sea level” sign on the cliffs above the basin highlights its extreme elevation, and the dramatic vertical relief to Telescope Peak (11,049 feet) in the Panamint Range, visible to the west, underscores the region’s rugged topography. The basin’s extreme heat, with summer temperatures often exceeding 120°F (49°C), and its high evaporation rate of 150 inches annually make it one of the harshest environments in the United States. Visitors can access the basin via a boardwalk from the parking lot off Badwater Road, with the best views of the salt polygons requiring a 1.5- to 2-mile roundtrip walk onto the flats.
History
Badwater Basin’s name originates from a story of an early prospector whose mule refused to drink from the salty pool, leading to the moniker “Badwater.” Before becoming part of Death Valley National Park, the area was an active mining region for centuries, with prospectors like Alexander “Shorty” Borden and Walter Scott exploring for valuable minerals.
The basin’s geological history spans millions of years, shaped by tectonic activity, erosion, and climatic shifts since at least the Pleistocene epoch (possibly up to 3 million years ago). During wetter periods, streams from surrounding mountains filled Death Valley, forming Lake Manly, which at its peak was 80 miles long and up to 600 feet deep. As an endorheic lake with no outlet, Lake Manly’s evaporation led to hypersalinity, leaving behind thick salt deposits (95% sodium chloride) that form the basin’s iconic crust, ranging from 3 to 60 inches thick. Periodic flooding from rare rainstorms temporarily revives Lake Manly, as seen in 2005 and 2023, but the water quickly evaporates, redepositing clean salt crystals. The region’s geological cycles, influenced by the nearby San Andreas Fault and the Colorado River’s alluvial deposits, have created a dynamic landscape of evaporating and reforming lakes over the Quaternary Period.
Despite its arid appearance, Death Valley sits atop one of the world’s largest aquifers, a remnant of these ancient water systems. Badwater Basin also holds historical significance for Native American settlements, which utilized the desert’s resources, and for 19th-century explorers and settlers who braved its harsh conditions during westward expansion.
Today, it remains a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors to its stark beauty and geological wonders, with the Badwater Ultramarathon challenging athletes in its extreme environment.
Badwater 135
Badwater is host to the starting line for the Badwater 135, an ultra-marathon for the ultra-crazy. The marathon starts at Badwater and runners, run, jog, and walk over one hundred and thirty miles to the Mount Whitney Portal Campground. Over the course of about two days, the runners gain over 14,600 feet in total elevation and this is done in the heat of midsummer just to make it interesting.
Summary
| Name | Badwater Basin |
| Location | Death Valley National Park, California |
| Latitude, Longitude | 36.250278, -116.825833 |
| Elevation | -282 feet |
| Other | Round Trip Length: 1 mile (1.6km) to edge of salt flat Round Trip Time: 40 minutes Dificulty: Easy Elevation Gain: Flat Trail Type: Boardwalk then route, out and back Location: Badwater Road, 30 minutes (17 miles/27km) south of Furnace Creek Parking: Paved parking lot with large spaces for RVs and buses Closest Restroom: Vault toilet located in parking lot Route: An ADA accessible ramp leads down to a wooden boardwalk. The walking surface is firm and wide beyond the boardwalk. |
Badwater Basin Map
References
Beatty Nevada State Historic Marker #173
Beatty NSHM 173 is Nevada State Historical Marker number one hundred and seventy three five and is located just off of highway 95 in the town of Beatty in Nye County, Nevada. This marker is posted just off the highway on an island. Its orientation is such that when travelling north through town, it is quite visible, but may be difficult to find when travelling south. Beatty, Nevada was an old mining town and served as ta border town for old Nevada. The boomtown was provided passengers, frieght and mail service by three railroads, Tonopah and Tidewater Road, Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad and the Bullfrog and Goldfield.
In 1867, the Nevada Legislature approved the action of Congress to add that portion of the Territory of Arizona which lay to the south of this line, west of the 114 degree west longitude and the Colorado River, and to the east of the boundary of California. This action, taken on January 18, 1867, gave to the State of Nevada the permanent boundaries as they are today.
Nevada State Historical Markers identify significant places of interest in Nevada’s history. The Nevada State Legislature started the program in 1967 to bring the state’s heritage to the public’s attention with on-site markers. Budget cuts to the program caused the program to become dormant in 2009. Many of the markers are lost of damaged.
Nevada State Historic Marker Summary
| ID | 173 |
| Name | Beatty |
| Location | Nye County, Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 36.5922, -116.7558 |
Nevada State Historic Marker Map
Nevada State Historic Marker Text
During 1906-’07 three railroads were built in this area. The Las Vegas and Tonopah built from Las Vegas through Beatty and Rhyolite to Goldfield. The Bullfrog Goldfield built south from Goldfield to Beatty and Rhyolite. The Tonopah and Tidewater built north from Ludlow, California to Gold Center and used the BG tracks from Gold Center to Beatty and Rhyolite until 1914.
Rancher M.M. Beatty drove the last spike here on April 18, 1907, marking the completion of the first and only north-south railroad system in the state. Rails were torn up at Beatty beginning on July 18, 1942.
Nevada State Historic Marker #165
References
Nevada Test Site State Historic Marker #165
Nevada Test Site NSHM 165 is Nevada State Historical Marker number one hundred and sixty five and is located about 20 miles west of Indian Springs on Highway 95 in Clark County, Nevada. This marker is posted just off the highway and its orientation is parallel with the highway and can be difficult to see even when you are looking for it. There are very small highway signs in both directions on either side of the highway.
An Explosive History
Previously known as the Nevada Proving Grounds, the Nevada Test Site is operated by the United States Department of Energy and used for testing of nuclear weapons during the cold war. The site was established as a 680-square-mile area by President Harry S. Truman on December 18, 1950. The proving grounds are found within the Nellis Air Force Gunnery and Bombing Range. Beginning January 27th, 1951 and continuing for four decades the United States detonated over 1,000 nuclear war heads above ground.
During the 1950’s and 1960’s, air detonations created a tourist industry in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fallout from theses tests spread east on westly winds into St. George and Southern Utah. This fallout caused an increased rate in cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, thyroid cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, bone cancer, brain tumors, and gastrointestinal tract cancers.
On August 5, 1963, President John Kennedy signed the Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty which effectively banning atmospheric testing in the United States and other member countries. This move prohibited all above-ground testing at the NTS but did not address underground detonations. A further 828 nuclear tests were carried out underground following the Kennedy ban.
Nevada State Historical Markers identify significant places of interest in Nevada’s history. The Nevada State Legislature started the program in 1967 to bring the state’s heritage to the public’s attention with on-site markers. Budget cuts to the program caused the program to become dormant in 2009. Many of the markers are lost of damaged.
Nevada State Historic Marker Summary
| ID | 165 |
| Name | Nevada State Hsitoric Marker 165 – Nevada Test Site |
| Location | Clark County, Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 36.5923, -116.0297 |
Nevada State Historic Marker #165 Map
Nevada State Historic Marker #165 Text
Testing of weapons for defense and for peaceful uses of nuclear explosives is conducted here. The nation’s principal nuclear explosives testing laboratory is located within this 1,350-square-mile, geologically complex area in the isolated valleys of Jackass, Yucca and Frenchman Flats. Selected as on-continent test site in 1950, the first test took place on Frenchman Flat in January, 1951.
Archeological studies of the NTS area have revealed continuous occupation by prehistoric man from about 9,500 years ago. Several prehistoric cultures are represented. The last aboriginal group to occupy the site was the Southern Paiute, who foraged plant foods in season and occupied the area until the coming of the pioneers.
Nevada State Historic Marker #165
References
Ophir Nevada
Ophir Nevada is a ghost town and Nevada State Historical Marker number sixty four and is located in Lander County, Nevada.
In 1864, R. B. Canfield purchased the principal ledge, also known as the Murphy ledge. Canfield utilized the Twin River Mining Company to secure financing. A wagon road is constructed, in 1865, to the site from the Big Smokey Valley for a cost of $8,000 for the two and a half mile road. The steep route suffered from grades of 10 degrees and nine creek crossings are made with wooden bridges.
A Growing Town
The newly founded Toiyabe City has a population of 400 citizens and a tri-weekly stage from Austin brought in people and supplies for the mines. In 1886, a twenty stamp mill is constructed at great costs, from the natural granite and shale sourced in the area. The mill produced over $750,000 in silver in the next two years. Despite this seemingly high rate of production, the mines did not produce a profit, due to the unusually dense rock which slowed operations considerably.
During its heyday, Ophir Canyon boasted saloons, stores and hotels. A post office operated at the site from June 18, 1867 to December 5, 1893.
Nevada State Historical Markers identify significant places of interest in Nevada’s history. The Nevada State Legislature started the program in 1967 to bring the state’s heritage to the public’s attention with on-site markers. Budget cuts to the program caused the program to become dormant in 2009. Many of the markers are lost of damaged.
Nevada State Historic Marker Text
Well up into the canyon above, the massive stone foundations of a costly and splendid stamp mill as well as the stone walls of an elegant office and mansion are visible. This is the site of Ophir, now a ghost town.
In 1863, S. Boulerond discovered ore at Ophir. In 1864, the Murphy Mine opened and became the leading local producer. In 1865, a 20-stamp mill was completed costing over $200,000. This included the first experimental Stetefeldt furnace ever built. When the Murphy Mill was built, the town of Toiyabe City was established, growing to a population of 400. Through poor management, the work in the mines declined in 1869. Ophir was almost deserted. In the 1880s, the mines were reactivated, and Ophir had another period of prosperity. By the 1890s, the town was deserted but some mining activity at the Murphy Mine continued sporadically into the 20th century.
More than $3,000,000 worth of gold and silver were mined from the Murphy vein and from surrounding properties. Iron, copper and arsenic were also found in the area.
Ophir managed to have all the accouterments of a large community, including a school, a church, various lodges, and, of course, several saloons.
STATE HISTORICAL MARKER NO. 64
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
CENTRAL NEVADA REDEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
Nevada State Historic Marker Summary
| ID | 64 |
| Name | Ophir, Nevada |
| Location | Lander County, Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 38.9385, -117.1971 |