California Photo Scout

Panamit Mountains as seen from Father Crowley Point

Father Crowley viewpoint displays sweeping views of the colorful Panamit Valley and Panamit Range. The short drive and conveniently accessible location make this a great place to get in the mood for a weekend in Death Valley. Depending on the weather conditions, you can walk away with dramatic images.

How to get there

If you arrive on Highway 190 from California, you will be able to see the turnoff to Father Crowley Point right at the first viewpoint (GPS below). You can drive along the unpaved road to the second viewpoint. To go all the way to the last viewpoint you need a high clearance vehicle.  It is just over 100 m between the two viewpoints, so you can easily walk the last meters and leave your car.

GPS position

First viewpoint:

• 36°21’5.08″N 117°33’4.75″W

Second viewpoint:

• 36°21’18.19″N 117°32’32.83″W

Third (final) viewpoint:

• 36°21’16.49″N 117°32’28.90″W

How to photograph Father Crowley Point

Desert Gold

Look for dramatic light and use a long telephoto lens to isolate interesting subjects. The golden appearance of the salt flat above is purely lighting. I enhanced the contrast with levels in the RAW converter and boosted saturation with a simple Photoshop action. I happened to be here during an overcast day with spot lighting. If you come during days with almost no clouds, you will get very contrasty shots and you may have to utilize split neutral density filters or combine several exposures (tripod) to deal with the dynamic range.

The wind and the distance make it hard to incorporate foreground elements in your composition. Use the sloping road and a normal lens to create leading lines and guide the viewer or use the features of the canyons to frame your shots and direct attention where you want it.

Always eliminate clutter and focus on the important elements in your compositions. Keep it simple when you incorporate foreground elements. Do not confuse viewers.

Best Time of the Day and Best Season

This is a great spot for late afternoon and sunset shots. If you arrive on Highway 190 from the California side during the late afternoon, a pullout at Father Crowley point is well worth it.

Time required

With a high clearance vehicle, you can drive to this point in just 5 minutes. Options for compositions are limited. Unless you come for sunrise or sunset shots, you will not need much more than 15 minutes shooting time.

Equipment

• A high clearance vehicle
• Telephoto lens
• Normal lens
• Polarizing filter
• Split neutral density filter
• Tripod

Close Locations in Death Valley

• Darwin Falls
• Harrisburg
• Aguereberry Point
• Skidoo
• Charcoal Kilns
• Mesquite Flat Dunes (near Stovepipe Wells)
• Zabriskie Point
• Death Valley Wildflowers
• The Racetrack
• Lost Burro Mine

Close Locations outside Death Valley

• Darwin
• Trona Pinnacles
• Ballarat Ghost Town
• Red Rock Canyon State Recreation Area
• Alabama Hills
• Owens Valley

Useful Resources

• My Death Valley Photos
• Flickr Tag Page for Father Crowley Point
• Historical Information about Father Crowley

Subscribe to my feed and be the first to learn about the secret places to photograph.