Artists Palette, so called for the brilliant colors of its volcanic deposits, is one of the most magnificent sights in Death Valley. The colors are caused by the oxidation of different metals - red, pink and yellow from iron salts, green from mica and purple from manganese. The area is accessible via a one-way road off Badwater Road called the Artists Drive. This nine-mile one-way paved track through the foothills of the Black Mountains is a favorite of photographers, especially at sunrise or sunset. The intense purples, greens, reds, and browns are especially gorgeous in the late afternoon sun.
Directions
Artists Drive starts about 8 miles north of Badwater (about 10 miles south of Furnace Creek) off Badwater Road.
