Death Valley – Saratoga Springs to Eureka Dunes

Death Valley. The birth place of Explore Desert and The Adventure Continues. An idea born around good friends, a warm campfire and cold beverages. It's been a little over a year since our first documented trip last February, an experience that started something new. New plans. New places. New goals. With the holidays and new year out of the way, it was time to figure out what to do for our first outing of 2016. Ideas were thrown out, but before long it became apparent where to go. Back to the start. So that's what we did, although this go around we'd start near Saratoga Springs, and end north of the Eureka sand dunes. Well away from the touristy khaki pants and ranger hats.

So it was decided.

2 dogs, 3 days, 4 vehicles, 9 people, 920 miles.

Perfect.

Starting off, all vehicle underwent full inspection, repairs and various upgrades to ensure there would be no problems once out in the remote back-country. One of our greatest strengths is ensuring the vehicle are up to the task, eliminating any preventable failure before we get on the trail.



Now we just had to wait until our departure date....

Thursday couldn't go by fast enough. This adventure had been planned for well in advance, finally reaching a point where mere hours were separating unproductive work time from a good time.

Then the clock struck 5 and The Adventure Continued...

That night we drove out to our first nights camp in the Avawatz Mountains, just south of DVNP. It felt good to be back to somewhere familiar, yet new. We lit up a nice camp fire and drowned ourselves in conversation about what the following days would bring.





Woke to a crystal clear morning that gave us our first view of the surroundings. We've been very fortunate when it's come to weather for our trips, and this one was no exception. No fast moving air, rain or temperature extremes.


The Ibex Sand Dunes lay off in the distance






Although the weather was great for us, months prior Death Valley had been pounded by several severe storms, soaking the usually dry ground and creating what is called a "superbloom". A rare occurrence where the valley floor explodes with color from wildflowers. It didn't disappoint while traveling through the southern portion of the park.









With all the flower power we could handle, the group turned west towards Butte Valley. Our route from the desert floor through the mountain range is believed to be the same passage used by the Forty Niner's on their historic and deadly trek to reach the gold fields in Northern California. Today, Warm Springs Canyon is easy going. scenic and hosts life to numerous mines and camps that were operated in the early 1900's.


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Slowly making our way up the canyon, our first glimpse of a new valley came into view. The most iconic of the area, Stripped Butte and the Geologist Cabin, laid off in the distance.



What an amazing place. For years I have seen pictures online and have always dreamed of viewing the surroundings with my own eyes. Like many others, this site will never be brought justice through a photo. The valley wider, the sky larger, and the butte bigger then any lens could hope of capturing. So, it became our temporary home while we feasted on lunch and cold refreshments, soaking in the visuals around us.





I don't think any of us wanted to leave. Easily could have stayed the remainder of the day and got lost in conversation about the past, current and future. Try to imagine what it would have been like to live in such a place. Life must have been simpler, yet more demanding all at the same time...



Reluctantly, we finished up our snacks and set upon what would be the most challenging section of the day, Mengel Pass. Between the Geologist Cabin and the pass, another camp rests tucked back into the western hills of Butte Valley, Russell's Camp.








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Finally, time to transfer the vehicles into 4wd. While not necessarily difficult, it does require smooth pedal work and proper tire placement in order to make it through unscathed. This would also be the first obstacle Ryan's brand new 2016 Tacoma would see.








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Successfully on the other side of the pass, it was smooth sailing down towards Goler Canyon. A few rocky sections, but nothing technical. It appears one of the mines has begun operating in the area and the road has been plowed and currently maintained.


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Once on the Panamint Valley floor, we picked up speed in a race against the sun. Thankfully long stretches of visibility and smooth road enabled us to make up some time safely and without worry of straining the vehicles.





Our goal was to stake claim to one many cabins in the Argus Range area. The first already claimed by a group, we made our way up a rocky and a nearly indistinguishable wash to find another. There wasn't any indication of recent activity or life, other then a family of burros that looked at us warily as we passed by.


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PC - Perfect timing as we reached the cabin just before dark. Long day behind the wheel, it felt good to stretch our legs and relax by another campfire.









To be continued....

@allpro @TepuiTents

A big thanks to , Candace and Alissa for assisting in taking pictures. It's greatly appreciated.

 

Saturday.

A new day with new goals. Today our mission would be to make our way from the Argus Range to the hot springs in the Saline Valley. This wasn't to be a direct shot, as we'd make a rather large detour; Hunter Mountain - Hidden Valley - Teakettle Junction - The Racetrack - Lippincott, and then off the day at the springs. Fully rested from a solids night sleep in our Tepui roof top tents, full from a freshly cooked breakfast and buzzed off hot coffee, it was a nice change of pace to be able to relax and enjoy our morning surroundings.


Twopui?














Respect our history or lose it forever, the choice is yours.




We took our time packing up and preparing for the days adventure. When we reach such remote and preserved areas like this, it can be hard to leave. Once ready, we cleaned up after ourselves and returned the cabin to a better shape then when found and continued on our way.


Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography





Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

Looking back up valley we came from.




Now out of the valley that we shared with the night, we'd set our heading north towards Panamint Springs. There we'd refuel our thirsty vehicles for our next stretch and restock on any misc supplies. It wasn't smooth sailing though, the trail out was riddled with rocks and often times reclaimed by Mother Nature. Slow and steady, equipment preservation was crucial.




Photo Credit – Alissa R.



Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography



Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography










Our time on smooth and comfortable paved roads was short lived. Up the mountain pass, we turned right onto South Saline Road. Periodically maintained by Inyo County, there are no difficult sections here. The flat and flowy washboard trail slowly leads up to a great view of the Panamint Dunes and Valley.











A bit further up the path Y's off into two different directions. Keeping left will be a direct shot into Saline Valley, turning right begins the ascent to Hunter Mountain, followed by a quick decent to Hidden Valley. We decided to take the long way around, as we had the time to spare and vehicles capable of making good time in rough conditions. Gaining elevation brought upon snow patches and mud.






Photo Credit – Alissa R.



Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

Photo Credit – Alissa R.

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography




The drop into Hidden Valley is fast and full of hairpin turns situated mostly along a shelf road. Didn't take long to return to the familiar desert landscape.


Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography






Next stop would be Teakettle Junction, followed by the Grandstand and Racetrack. Our route through Hidden Valley was smooth and easy going, but that would change once we made our left hand turn onto Racetrack Valley Rd. By far the worst washboard we've ever encountered.


Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography





Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography




The Racetrack would serve as our lunch spot for the day. After miles teeth chattering washboard, our vehicles deserved a rest as much as we did.




Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography






Up next was the infamous Lippincott Pass. A giant sign discourages most inexperience and unprepared motorist from traveling any further; looking for an alternative passage out to avoid the return trip in vehicles & tires that shouldn't be there in the first place. In fact, we had numerous people ask if they could get out that way (pointing towards Lippincott) looking for approval that they could exit the park in that direction. Lot's of disappointment in their faces as we told them what they didn't want to hear.

What was a problem for them, was an adventure for us.

Down we went.




Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography



Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography



Photo Credit – Alissa R.

Photo Credit – Alissa R.

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography



Our last push for the day would be across the Saline Valley desert floor.






The Saline Hot Springs offered a vastly different atmosphere compared to the previous year. Turns out Valentines Day weekend at a clothing optional location can be quite the eye opener for someone who's a bit more on the conservative side. Thankfully, it was much more mellow this time around and that allowed the group to enjoy the hot tubs. Finished off the night around a campfire surrounded by stories and laughter before turning in for the night.

Another day awaits.



@allpro @TepuiTents

To be continued.

 

Awesome. Thanks for sharing

 

Amazing my man! Want to do this soon

 

Very nice trip report and pictures! Sounds like a great trip!

 

Homesick...

 

This...this right here is why I abandoned my commuter car and got myself a 4x4. Can't wait to do something like this, thanks for posting.

 

EPIC! This is what dreams are made of. Thanks for sharing! Trying to imagine being a passenger that whole trip without puking...

 

Well done!

 

great trip report and amazing photos!! Keep 'em coming!!

 

This is a damn fine report. I'm planning to follow this route the first week of April. Can't get here soon enough!

 

Thanks everyone for taking the time to read about our adventure, and for the kind compliments.

Still more to come as we're still in the middle of the Saline Valley at this point.

Next part will be Steele Pass to Eureka Dunes

 

subd

 

Beautiful! Epic.

 

Reading this is making me plot points on Google Earth. Thanks for the amazing photos.

 

Donkeys, Saline Valley's equivalent of the Yosemite bear. Patient and sneaky, quietly waiting for the opportune moment to mosey into camp and help themselves to whatever food isn't locked away. That moment was about 2 a.m. Out of all the things we planned and prepared for, having our breakfast stolen wasn't one of them. Some of our group was awakened in the middle of the night and successfully chased them back into the desert, but it was too late. Donkeys 1 - TAC 0. The rest of us were completely unaware of what happened, and it came as quite the surprise in the morning when we had our tent to tent conversations.











After a makeshift breakfast, it was time to start the journey home and return to the daily grind. That gloomy feeling begins to linger, periodically reminding you that soon you'll be trading the awesome landscapes and time with friends for a static view behind a desk. Suppose we have to pay for these adventures somehow... Thankfully, we're still far away from our Monday through Friday responsibilities and a bit more fun awaits.







Instead of taking the easy way home, we'd leave Saline Valley and the hot springs behind by way of Steele Pass. Most of the trail follows a rocky wash up a long and gradual slope, not presenting any challenges until closer to the summit.


Photo Credit – Alissa R.

Photo Credit – Alissa R.







Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

Photo Credit – Alissa R.










Once at the top of Steele Pass, the trail immediately starts it's decent towards Deckerea Canyon and Eureka Valley.






Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography




Deckerea Canyon is what separates Saline Valley from the Eureka Valley. Steep and sharp rock walls form on each side leaving a narrow passage in between. In addition, several drop offs make it a bit more difficult and prevent many travelers from making it through.


Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography



Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography









Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography













Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography












Finally over the last obstacle and around the following turn, the Eureka Dunes come into view. The second tallest in North America. In a way, this trip was created to see them. Months of research, planning, preparation and a few days of execution paid off. After seeing them from afar, it was time to get up close and have ourselves some lunch, what was left after the donkeys anyways...




Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography











Finished up lunch and started our journey home. Another epic adventure with amazing friends.







@TepuiTents @allpro

Death Valley, we will be back...

 

Making me resent my desk and computer i'm currently glued to against my will.
Any major injuries to persons or machines!?

Thumbs up to the photographers!!

 

Beautiful trip with a write up and photos to match! Love seeing that Bronco out there!

 

Persons came out unscathed. 4Runner suffered bent front and fuel tank skids. Tacoma got some good scrapes on the AllPro sliders and we almost munched the rear bumper on one of the drops. Tacoma and Bronco no injuries.

Thanks! The Bronco is sweet for sure, its kinda stealthy given that it's long travel and caged.