Death Valley Off-Road Adventures

That's no good. Do you know if he still hangs out there or if he was reported to the authorities?

 

Here's a few from my recent trip to DV...

 

I haven't seen him in the last two trips through Goler, my last trip through Goler Wash was in May during the weekend of the total shutdown of the Park. And that is a whole nother story in itself lmao, but for another time. Rocky said pretty much the same thing though. "You tell me where and when you see Em next, we need to call and I don't like doing that". Rocky wouldn't elaborate further on that issue.

 

Has anyone hiked up to the King Midas Mine? Was curious if you park in the same lot as the wonder mill, or if the dirt road over is open? Also, how's the trail conditions up the mule trail? Thanks.

 

Has anyone been to Cerro Gordo? Found about this place on youtube. Some guy bought a whole ghost town and rebuilding it back up!!

 

Yes, do a search on this thread, you'll want to see the Salt Tram too. Head up at Keeler and come out at Swansea. Plenty to see and mostly an easy trail. I did it in a day but didn't stop at Cerro Gordo as they weren't open for visitors. Was there about 4-6 months before it was sold.

 

..never been there. been wanting to camp up near the station..then drop off to the other side..but. I can't blame the guy who bought the Cerro Gordo town, yet to have that old building burn down on his watch..just..wtf.

 

One man army! I heard it from old wiring. who knows?

 

Sounds great! Plenty of room to camp up there. I've heard tales it can be done and Google Earth will show you a couple of potential paths. At some point there had to be a road to service the tram. So why not?

Just be sure to post your next of kin. Hey, even if it goes way worse than planned, it's a great view of Death Valley for a "resting place".

We'll be sure to divvy up your truck.

 

What a way to respond to someone...

This thread has been an example of how helpful TW is otherwise.

 

There is no way down the eastern side of the Inyos by vehicle. There once was but no longer. You can hike parts of the old road but not drive it. Many canyons can be hiked and some require canyoneering skills.

Regarding Cerro Gordo...it lasted a long time before it recently burned down. I'd bet the previous owners never put a great demand on the electrical system.

 

Hard to please everybody.

I made the trip once and gave a little info that I remember from being there and my "research" for the trip.

There are places to camp at the Salt Tram and several others along the routes.

When I looked for info for my trip I wondered about going down the eastern side. I didn't find anything on people who had recently done so and specifically used the word "tales" as an indication of the past and lend doubt to the idea it could still be done. I mentioned Google Earth because one can clearly see these past routes and also see several sketchy, potentially dangerous and impassable spots. I gave up on that idea for me, but someone else may find, or know of a route. I also relied on TW for another member more knowledgeable than I on the area to comment, and that has already happened.

I wanted to stress the importance of not trying it on a whim or without further research, so I made a morbid joke about the downside being death. I had replied to Sawbladeduller and since he "liked" my post I figure he got it, and I am fine with that.

 

Are you referring to Rock Novak (kinda has a hunch on his back) or the older silver haired fellow?
We donated to Rock Novak $30 for some peach moonshine...

 

Yup! And he's no longer the caretaker of Ballarat. But he can still be found nearby in the city of Trona where he now resides.

His moonshine is legendary !!

 

I'm just going to point out moonshine is illegal to make. It's illegal to consume.

I'm surprised at the number of people who apparently don't know that.

 

Only if you get caught...

 

I still wouldn't wanna be the guy who blabbed about it.

 

Thanks Gary!

 

Not entirely true.

Unlike beer, you cannot legally distill the stuff at home though.