Artist's Palette

Artist's Palette is a popular stop in Death Valley to see the different colour soil that is from volcanic deposits. These colours are caused by the oxidation of different metals (iron compounds produce red, pink and yellow, decomposition of tuff-derived mica produces green, and manganese produces purple). This area is easily accessible along Artists Drive, a one way route traveled from south to north. The 9-mile drive climbs above Badwater Road for an impressive perspective on Death Valley below. There are plenty of turnouts to allow visitors to get out of the car and take pictures. Best times to go is at sunset to get the most colour pop. (Death Valley National Park, California, USA)