The 395 and Owens Valley-Eastern Sierra Region

You just decided where I'm going for lunch. lol

 

Dreaming of the rodeo sandwich currently

 

That's exactly what I'm ordering. With extra bacon. BLT for the wife and I'll probably also end up with a pound of peppered buffalo jerky. Damn, I'm getting hungry. lol

 

For those who might not know, you can order online. They have a breakfast kits. All I can say is it made me miss the place even more.

 

I like the handyman sandwich.

 

I’m a cheapskate. I picked up some food in Bishop yesterday. At Grocery Outlet. I decided to head home (on the coast) yesterday afternoon after seeing all the blizzard warnings. I came over Carson Pass (Hwy 88) about 6:30 AM today and it was cold with an icy fog but not too bad.

(Yes, I was not in my Tacoma). Got just enough rain and wet roads in the Santa Cruz Mountains to wash off some crusty Eastside mud. But the Owens Valley (and Mojave and DV, and Fish Lake Valley in Nevada in the previous days) was perfect.

 

Hey y’all. So got a few days off early May and I plan on checking out Mazourka peak. Then I want to head through Badger flats & Papoose flats down to the Death Valley road. First time.
Any tips/advice/stuff to watch out for? I’ve read mixed stuff online, and I’ll be the only vehicle so thought I’d ask people that have been where I want to go.
Is South to North considered a harder route?
Stock truck w/ 32” wildpeaks. No stranger to pinstripes but wondering if Id bash some stuff based on mixed info online.

 

I've done that route many years ago with a group and aside from my first off-roading flat tire (sharp sandpaper like black rock) there were no real issues. It's a fun route with great views.

 

What I quoted from @ETAV8R will be your biggest concern. Mazuorka is famous for flat tires just on Mazourka Canyon Rd. The black rock up high is even nastier. Bring a patch and sidewall repair kit and know how to use it.

 

Thank you guys, just the kind of info I was looking for. I do carry a plug kit, but looks like I'm going to order a sidewall patch kit to throw in the truck.
I am going with my girl, so I want her to have a good time instead of having her be diggings us out while I enjoy a trail beer. I am a thoughtful and caring person. Just kidding.

 

I did that route back in October with the same exact tires.
The downhill into Papoose was the only section that had me on alert for steepness etc.
I did not take the longer/canyonish route back out to the 168 though because we were anxious to get back to camp due to high winds.
No bashing occurred and no flats.
I do drive like an old man though. Now that I'm an old man....

 

I've done both directions several times, several variations, and don't recall one way was more difficult than the other. Personally, I don't think either way is a big deal.

There's nothing on that road that will cause sheet-metal issues (other than user-created).

Not required: spotters, snorkles, lockers

 

Awesome. Guess Ill stick with the plan and take it south to north. Then some BBQ afterwards.
Appreciate all the info, getting stoked about this

 

Was there April of several years or so ago. One of the more remote areas of California I'd say. Opted not to sleep in the cabin. Looked like a great way to try out the Hanta.

 

Check the Inyo County Roads website. As of 3/12, the south side road was closed due to washouts.

https://www.inyocounty.us/services/public-works/news/inyo-county-road-openclosed-status

 

Never a better way to find out other than driving/droning it.

 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4s58laLHQp/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

 

I thought about going this year. Be a lot of fun I think.Except for the cost. I'd like to drag the Mead out for a few days in the desert.

The guy they get, @chummels, is a great speaker.

 

And is also the guy who ran the length of DV in four days or something crazy, a few years ago.

Edit, here:
https://www.latimes.com/california/...t-crosses-death-valley-on-foot-in-record-time

 

I once camped out at the end of this dirt road I blundered onto going up a boulder-strewn alluvial fan leading up to the eastern front of the Sierra. The place seemed eerily familiar as if I’ve seen it before. It was only later that I realized why, it is because it was the same place where Ansel Adams took this famous photograph.