Death Valley Off-Road Adventures

At the risk of being pedantic, it might be worthwhile reading back a few pages here. While you might be able to make it, it's also important to "make it" in a way that is considerate of others - both current and future. Taking good care of these roads and areas is what will continue to allow us to remain in the good graces of those who care for them, and also continue to allow us access to them. So, even if you could make it, you might still opt for South Pass at this point in time, just because it's the preferred route in.

Having not been there, I don't know firsthand about the events that went down, and I don't mean to imply that they would turn out the same way with you, but there were recently some trucks that went through and caused a bit of a stir.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/death-valley-off-road-adventures.60777/page-343#post-28519223

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/death-valley-off-road-adventures.60777/page-344#post-28529951

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/death-valley-off-road-adventures.60777/page-345#post-28543884

 

An update from the weekend has come out...

"A regular visitor with a built Jeep tried the N. Pass. Made it to Whiperwill Summit. He was on top of deep snow and decided to turn around. Thought about chains on all four….didn’t want to risk,it."
Looks like snow will be too deep this coming weekend especially given the thaw and freeze weather cycle.

Anyone going to be in the valley mid next week?

 

Wow man that's quite a story is that a 3rd Gen Tacoma what year was it? I've never heard of differential issues with Tacomas kind of wondering if it's a third gen issue or a poorly cast third member tell you one thing I've learned man the first gen Tacomas were the best I miss my 1997 Tacoma put a TRD supercharger from the dealer and purchased 100 octane fuel 7 lb boost stock and that thing I don't care how Wild I got when I drove it it didn't matter that thing was tougher than any other vehicle I've ever had. My first Toyota was a 1988 Helix pickup and that thing was even tougher with the 22r engine had 325,000 when I sold it for the exact amount I paid for it which I used to bring my 97 Tacoma up to full maintenance it just seems like Toyota is not making them like they used to... I had a question why did you go to a Ford??

 

I think you responded to the wrong thread, @chewy1000.

 

Spent a handful of days running around Death Valley this past week. Went in over Mengal Pass, stayed the night in Butte Valley, and down through Warm Springs. Ran around exploring Mines and doing the tourist thing for a day or so and went out by Chloride, camping below Chloride Cliff by an old mine. We had a fantastic time and will definitely be back to explore some more. It was our first time in Death Valley and I need to thank this thread. A lot of the ideas for where to go and things to see came from watching this thread through the years.

 

very nice!
all photos are from last week?
i'd have expected more snow on the mountains.
d

 

Thanks. Yep, all photos were from last week. The highest we got was Chloride Cliff at 5,200' and didn't see any snow.

 

Trip through goler and mengel down to warm springs was great.
The last part on mengel was a bit tricky but nothing crazy.

 

Nice! Lets see the Gladiator. How do you like it?

 

I like the Gladiator but also liked the Tacoma when I had it, so I might not be the best judge. For the most part, you can break it down to, the Tacoma has better road manners but the Gladiator excels off-road. There are some exceptions but that's the short of it.

 

2 unlifted 4wd trucks made it out via North Pass yesterday. Couple wash outs, some snow but it's traversable. South Pass is clear for 2wd, just in rough shape.

 

From Desert Magazine, March 1953. I see Hungry Bill's site location still on topo maps.

 

The current forecast is warm weather for the next week or so. I would expect similar conditions throughout the Sierra.

BTW: Yosemite is closed or is closing due to flooding.

 

I've seen higher! Bummer Yose is closed this weekend.

DV went from chilly to summer in a matter of days!

 

As are roads in Sequoia & Kings.

 

I suspect you are right. I've been through there before and didn't find it particularly hard but quite enjoyed the slower pace. Having said that, I've been told that the terrain can change year to year depending on the rainfall.

 

Yosemite has opened for Day Use only. Till sometime next week when it returns to normal ops.

 

i see stone fire rings here and there inside DVNP. sometimes a stone fire ring suggests a story.
i found this fresh fire ring recent. 30 paces from an established fire ring. in my opinion, it's placement was done by some kind of stupid.



there is a foil wrapper and remnant of a Marlboro Lite box. charcoal suggests local vegetation.
maybe who ever built this fire really enjoyed themselves.
the fire ring screwed up my enjoyment, i know they didn't give a chit.


i tossed the stones and bagged as much ash and charcoal as i could get.
some fire rings i just ignore. the note in this one made me chuckle

 

Random question for everyone, we camped at the Eureka Dunes Friday and Saturday, and helped a gal who flatted her Tesla on the washboard on her way out. We gave her a ride to Bishop and left the Tesla on Eureka Valley Road. Does anyone know what came of the Tesla? Is it still there? Thanks.
Couple of pics while I’m here.