On paper it looks so easy. Turn right out of the resort. Turn right 1 mile down the road. Ride 17.6 miles to Badwater. Turnaround and ride back.
The terrain was long, rolling hills. Nothing too serious in the cool of the morning at 8:00 but the return trip was a bit more strenuous with just a bit of head wind and full sun. Everyone made it back, including those that took on the added 6 mile 12% challenge of Artist Drive.
Some vanned out to Artist Drive at sunset to view Artist Palette, and the buildup was all worth it. The sides of the mountains there are composed of various minerals and the colors change as the sun sets. Stunning.
There are so many hiking options here. I've noticed though that hikers tends to go out early. So it must not be just our imaginations telling us that the sun is quite intense.
Badwater is only a pullout on the road. You can walk down to and through the salt flats there. You are 282 feet below sea level at that point.
Tomorrow we ride back up out of the valley and return to Las Vegas. The ride out will include 3,000 ft of climb in the first 19 miles, so one final challenge. John and Judy Venenga are coming in from Kingman to meet for supper tomorrow evening, and I'm looking forward to spending some time with them.
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