Feeler for a Norcal Death Valley Trip

Count me in. Most likely would be myself and the misses... We're pretty open as long as we know in advance what time off we'll need!

 

Uhhhh I kinda want somewhat of good wheeling, especially if I'm driving 10 hours to get there lol. Ian!!! Let's get a good route

 

Yeah I want to check out the high clearance trails too.

 

never been to DV before but as far as camp site, do we just camp as we go on the trails or there's an area for camp spot.

 

We could base camp it. I'd be happy just to be out there and can help make some cheese bread.

 

There are several established sites. In the 'valley' proper, Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek are the two biggies. Some of the primitive sites are closed due to road damage (from the recent floods). There are other options as well.

Here' a list of the established sites.

 

I can commit to a date but I'm definitely down if I'm free, I'll have to wait till the dates get closer. I've never been but always wanted to go.

 

I'm assuming 2 of the 3 or 4 days will be Sat & Sun, yea?

 

Here's some info from 2009. It's a collection of information on Death Valley Off-Road Adventures.

 

I gotta think we should go to the Racetrack and if we don't get a bunch more washouts over the winter we should be able to plot out some fun routes

 

The ideal way would be to meet up in Lone Pine then take Saline Valley into the park. Stopping at the Race Track. A lot of the route depends on the road conditions.

There are some things I'd like to see that aren't necessarily along hard 4x4 roads. Mostly the old mines & towns. There are definitely hard spots but I would probably call this more of an overland trip.

Maybe there's a way to allow for both and meet up at some point?

 

I should think so, If we go earlier, Tioga may not be open to get there from the north, may be easier to hit 395 and come up from the south?

 

That sound good to me, I like a mix. Nothing I like more then just exploring!

 

It's an awesome drive through the kern river valley, 178.

 

yeah, there's an historical Japanese internment camp site called Manzanar along that route I've wanted to visit.

 

Tioga definitely won't be open.

The routes are either across the Sierra (80 or 50) or from the South, 178. Then 395 South or North to Lone Pine and Saline Valley Road. 178 goes into the park as well as 190.

 

That'll be a long drive.

 

A late winter storm could mess up 50, 80 and/or 395 from the north, I would be comin in from the south, i know those roads will be open

 

I went to racetrack, the dunes, scotty's castle earlier this year in May. My mall crawler went everywhere we needed to go. Didn't go up any difficult 4x4 trails obiviously, but still, we were able to get to most of the cool stuff. Id be interested to go once you guys decide on dates. It was already hot as fuck in late Apr/May when we went.

My dad and grandparents didnt like it to much when they were there.

 

I'll bet they didn't like it at all