death valley or Mojave Rd

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lonelydriver

lonelydriver

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Hey guys, I'm planning to visit either Death valley or mojave rd this memorial day weekend. I've never been to either and don't get many chances to get this far out, so wanted to make sure I went to the better of the two.

Was wondering if you guys had to choose, which area you would visit?

and if you had any areas in either park, that are must sees I'd appreciate any advice.


Also anyone know what the weather is like this time of year? It seems like it's already over 100 degrees.:beer:
 
lonelydriver said:
Hey guys, I'm planning to visit either Death valley or mojave rd this memorial day weekend. I've never been to either and don't get many chances to get this far out, so wanted to make sure I went to the better of the two.

Also anyone know what the weather is like this time of year? It seems like it's already over 100 degrees.:beer:
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Cooler in the Mojave if you spend more time in the higher elevations. Although, the western end of Mojave road, South of Baker it'll be over 100 degrees.
 
Yeah Death Valley you can look at something and be like "oh cool, check THAT out!". And start heading over to it. On the Mojave Rd. you need to know which sagebrush to turn left at and which manzanita tree to make a right on. That inconspicuous windmill in the middle of no where? Oh that's just the spot of California's last gun fight. Oh that tiny little dugout covered by some rocks that you almost drove RIGHT past, that's the scene of one of the last Indian ambushes, etc etc etc.
 
Wow, Frank, great pic! ... Now if Joey could photoshop one of his pix of a naked Mark A. running through the middle ...

On second thought--


:popcorn:
 
Tough call, really.

Both are very cool spots to visit.

It will be pretty hot in either place, unless you're at elevation.

However, I find there is a whole lot more to see in DV than MR, and the geology is no comparison, DV is a geologist's dream.

If you find the temps hot at lower elevation, you can always head up to the middle park and southpark areas. If you really want cool temps, drive up to Manzanita flat campground, trailhead for the Telescope Peak hike.

If you really dont' mind 100+ temps, there's tons to see in the lower elevs.

If you go to Saline Valley, there is one of the best hikes in the park only 10 miles away. Takes you up to a really cool waterfall, lush greenery, etc. all in DV!!

If you like hot springs, DV wins. there are two. Saline and Warm Springs.

If you go to MR, one of my favorite spots to camp is up Caruthers Canyon. If you go to the absolute end of the canyon, the elev is getting up a bit, and there are some really neat campsites up there.

Dana
 
I'm interested in joining you. I pm'ed my cell number.
 
What's your experience level dealing with desert heat? The reason I ask is that I took a good friend of mine, a long time cruiser owner and cruiser wheeler out to DV for Memorial weekend, [when it was 98 in the shade at 10 am] and ended up spending the majority of the weekend dealing with his heatstroke issues. It was really quite scary.

I assume you'd be taking the FJcruiser with the 'good' AC system. While that is nicer for traveling, it leaves you less acclimated for the weather if you decide to go exploring beyond the rig for any length of time.

This last Saturday, I went for a hike above Brigg's cabin in the early afternoon. Canyon temp was near 110, but with a mild breeze, I was still comfortable, but dehydrating VERY QUICKLY. And the moment the air stops moving, it becomes OPPRESSIVE at a level that many cannot deal with.

Can't say what the weather will be like by Memorial weekend, but Sunday it was 113 in Ballarat when we came down Pleasant Canyon. :eek:
 
I don't mind. Just means I bring more water.
 
Hey Mark,

I'll be taking the Fjcruiser as the 60 is still on jackstands from the third member swap and axle rebuild and doesn't even have working AC.

btw I hope you're at the shop today because I need to stop by and pick up a spindle lock nut, I somehow lost one of them:bang:

I think I'll be fine with the heat, checked the forecast and it said it would be in the 90's but who knows how accurate that is. Will be taking a lot of water for sure.

I'm more worried about the navigation as I'm expecting to get the mojave road guide by tomorrow, so I can start planning the route.

Randy, sent you a pm!
 
I'm out. Going to Mammoth instead. Give me a call if you need any help on the 395. Not sure you make it that far. Does it end on the 15?
 
Randy88FJ62 said:
I'm out. Going to Mammoth instead. Give me a call if you need any help on the 395. Not sure you make it that far. Does it end on the 15?
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Hope you have a good time up in mammoth:cool:
calico kid said:
Have you considered the Panements? It's nice up there.
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Yeah, thats another one on my long list of must goto places..

so many places.... so little time.:frown:
 
lonelydriver said:
Hope you have a good time up in mammoth:cool:

Yeah, thats another one on my long list of must goto places..

so many places.... so little time.:frown:
Click to expand...


So little time :confused:
 
Don't listen to Calico, his job lets him take lots of time off whenever he wants. Us working folk have to do the best we can.
 
Thanks for all the tips guys,

The weather was absolutely perfect. A bit warm, but a constant breeze made it just right.

I had a blast, The mojave road is beautiful, took some really cool pictures, especially at the lava tubes.. the lighting was perfect! Soda lake was also quite a sight.

I used google earth with earthbridge and a gps on my laptop, and was able to find all the spots I wanted to see out in the reserve. It's really amazing stuff.... and free!

Hit a few of the whoops a bit too hard, but not much damage other then a bent sway bar link.


Kevin
 
Sounds like you had a great time. Can you share a few of your pictures? I'd love to see the lava tubes...
 
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