A Wall at the Top

Over the years, millions of visitors to Dante's View at Death Valley National Park resulted in an eroding hillside, crumbling sidewalks and unsafe conditions. 

Years of visitor access at Dante's View at Death Valley National Park had resulted in crumbling sidewalks and an eroding hillside, plus the site was dangerous because it had no railing or barrier for safety. The erosion was endangering the native landscape as well.

"The site was in desperate need of stabilization and now provides a much better visitor experience,” said Death Valley Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “We were very excited to work with S.T. Rhoades, a contractor familiar with Death Valley’s unique needs and landscape.” S.T. Rhoades also renovated access at the park’s Zabriskie Point in 2015.

To stabilize the peak, S. T. Rhoades' solution included VERSA-LOK Mosaic retaining walls in Weathered texture, known for their random, natural stone appearance. Geogrid soil stabilization was used, and the product was chosen for its ability to incorporate curves into the design without special pieces.

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About the Project

Location
Death Valley National Park, California
Owner
National Park Service
Designer
Contractor
S. T. Rhoades, Redding, California
Manufacturer
American Builder's Supply/Site One, Bakersfield, California
Products Used
Product Color
Toscana
Square Feet
5,000 sq. ft.