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- #21
Yeah now that y'all have emphasized it, anywhere I go I'm gonna turn around if I start getting into big or sharp rocks.
Doing all the tamest stuff in Death Valley - what do I need?
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After blowing my radiator atop Ophir pass and demanded a ride from a very kind deer killer I recommend radiator fluid as well, but generally would rather bring more water which can be ingested as well as cool an engine.
GTV
SILVER Star
No one here means to rain on your parade but they don't call it Death Valley for nothing. Coming prepared is the difference between a minor inconvenience and a very bad day.
5 gallons of extra gas isn't much. There aren't too many places to buy fuel and distances can be deceptive. It is doable if you plan well, but sometimes having extra fuel can add to peace of mind. It all depends on where you are driving and how many side roads you take or if plans go amiss and you have to drive the long way round/turn around when you expected to be able to drive on through.
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- #26
It'll have to be and I'll just have to take range into account - I'm generally good on watching consumption anyway as that's probably my number 1 anxiety when I do moto trips. No way I'm carrying more - esp cause I'm carrying it inside.
No experience then skip Lippinkott and Steele. Or you’re in a group with others.
Titus Canyon would be fun, but still closed due to past storm/ flooding.
Do Saline Valley Road, fuel up in Big Pine, head East, Eureka Dunes, Ubuhebe Crater, Race Track,…
Here’s my route I took twice now.
Titus Canyon would be fun, but still closed due to past storm/ flooding.
Do Saline Valley Road, fuel up in Big Pine, head East, Eureka Dunes, Ubuhebe Crater, Race Track,…
Here’s my route I took twice now.
20 degree sleeping bag: that means you won't die at 20 degrees, but you will be cold as hell. Like I said, warmest bag you can get (within reason).
and it will be cold, death valley = lowest point in us...cold air sinks.
and it will be cold, death valley = lowest point in us...cold air sinks.
We just did this route from South to North a couple of weeks ago. The graded road from Big Pine Road to Eureka Dunes Dry Camp is wide and easy. After that, it is much more difficult. The "DEEP SAND" area is actually a 3-foot to 4-foot deep silt bed that is almost like driving through water. It is also wider and longer than I remember it being. We made it through in our LX470 but it wasn't a walk in the park. We came down the narrow 3-foot drops in Dedeckera Canyon using spotters... Hit the rock sliders pretty good and scuffed the corner of the stock rear bumper... Otherwise it was fun coming down. I'd imagine it would be difficult going up the canyon by yourself though.
I just added a YouTube Video of the second drop... Short Video of Dedeckara Canyon Drop
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- #30
Awesome thanks. I'll probably just come at it from Big Pine, definitely won't attempt the sand.
Your video is private. Can't see.
How is Saline Valley (orange) itself from Warm Springs to Big Pine in terms of difficulty/harsh terrain? Given all the warnings about not having A/T tires I might not attempt that long of a drive.
North Pass via 168 is a (seldom) graded dirt road. It's doable in a Honda Civic during ideal conditions - check the road reports on Saline Preservation Alliance for more up to date info.
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- #32
Dude have you been there? Correct me if I'm wrong..
I believe 20F rated means comfortable at 35-40F. Every forecast I've seen, indicates lows in the 40s for this entire week. DVNP website says:
I've got wool thermals and a down vest, if I can take 40s in a drafty tent on the ground, then I think I can take 30s in a car with a mattress and a bag...
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- #33
Thanks, that forum is useful. Looks like open but differing reports on how rocky. Will have to see but I think I might skip these long jaunts and just come at those areas from the North side.
Another good road condition resource: Road Conditions - Saline Preservation Association - https://forum.salinepreservation.org/road-conditions-162656
Coldest night in DV for me was at the Racetrack in early November and it almost reached single digits. I think the advice being given about cold is spot on. The forecasts are likely from Furnace Creek near sea level and some of the places that interest you are over 3,000 feet.
Death Valley is the best. Have fun and report back!
Coldest night in DV for me was at the Racetrack in early November and it almost reached single digits. I think the advice being given about cold is spot on. The forecasts are likely from Furnace Creek near sea level and some of the places that interest you are over 3,000 feet.
Death Valley is the best. Have fun and report back!
Sorry about that... Fixed the video. That silt bed is treacherous and fills everything with the finest silt you've ever seen. My friend said he removed 60 pounds of the stuff out of his under carriage after returning to the Bay Area!
Saline Vally road is the main road and as such, Inyo County tries to keep it open for all vehicles. It is technically not in DVNP so the county road crews maintain it. It was smooth with the typical corrugations you get...
I applaud your tenacity, go have a fun time, adventure is adventure. You’ve got a better vehicle than 95% of the people out there.
Find someone to go with you (as in a second vehicle). IMO traveling solo is asking for trouble.
You remind me of myself 30 years ago. I went all over the country in a Corolla. Got stuck several times but either dug myself out or lucked up and someone wanted to go down the road I was stuck in the middle of so they helped me out. You have a much better vehicle for what you're doing but don't underestimate the challenges. It's very tough territory out there, and beautiful.
Please throw an extra blanket (or two) in the truck , you WILL thank me later. Have a great trip!
Please throw an extra blanket (or two) in the truck , you WILL thank me later. Have a great trip!
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- #40
Ha, well the sedan is far more adventurous!
Yall convinced me to go get a 0F sleeping bag.
Also thinking about maybe getting these: Discount Tire | Tires and Wheels for Sale | Online & In-Person - https://www.americastire.com/buy-tires/rocky-mountain-all-terrain/p/120819
On the cheaper side, about half the price of most A/Ts. Seem to have good reviews. Then it occurred to me, that would mean storing these bigass tires in the shed all the time. More things more problems...
