First Death Valley trip

So things finally came together and I bought my 2017 Tacoma trd off road January 15th. I had my eyes set on getting to Death Valley and exploring the back country there. I had been there before but only saw a few things from the paved roads, but my mind knew there was more to see there. After what seemed like months even though it was only weeks the trip came together. The wife got work off and we bought some new supplies and packed up the new truck. After a nice but long drive we headed out to the first place I wanted to see, The Race track.

So after a bumpy ride the sun was just about down so we found a spot here at Tea Kettle Junction and setup the tent and got some sleep, in the cold.


Rise and shine


The Race track area was really cool


Kept going past the race track on a nice trail. Found some cool mines out there.


Loved this section of trails after the tight winding trails of the morning.


After the cold night before I decided to sleep at low elevation. This was the closet place to where I had came back to the main road. Panamint Springs, this wound up being my favorite spot. They had a clean bathroom and a hot shower.


When I woke up we decided to head to the Darwin Falls. After a lot of trying I failed to find what was on the post card my wife had. I think you had to hike to find that. We did see some cool stuff along the way though.


I was tired after all the driving so after a short trip to one more place to only find the road closed, I decided to go to Stovepipe Wells and setup the tent a little early. I laid down and napped. When I woke I went across the street to the saloon for dinner.


I bought a new map found a way around to an other place the wife wanted to see. We found the kilns, but that was as far as you could go, more closed trails in this area. This picture was shot on the gopro.


After the kilns I drove to the other side of the park and went up to Chloride hill. It was a nice ride up with a few more difficult sections.


Saw these people in a rental jeep and they seemed to be going pretty steady. I took it pretty slow in my truck.


I was tired from all the driving after this so I decided to head down and found a nice way out to the main road that pointed me in the right direction home. 4 days in death valley total. What a place it went way past what I thought would it would. The truck handled every thing with ease, and the weather was great. For sure going back as soon as I can. If you can make it to this place it will change you.

 

Cool post thanks for sharing

 

My fav. place. Thanks for sharing!

 

Nice truck and good looking dog, thanks for the trip pics!

 

that is a big dog

 

^^^ My thoughts, exactly.

Nice photos. Looks like a nice place to visit. Thanks for sharing!

 

Very cool. Great write up.

 

Nice, DV is most go spot for everyone!

 

Great to see exploring in a third gen

 

Now you're hooked...
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/death-valley-off-road-adventures.60777/