Death Valley before it gets too hot

Dr. Rock/Paper/Rumble said:
Hello All,

My group of friends is trying to hit death valley before it gets too hot. Wondering what are peoples must see spots are?
Click to expand...
My first time must sees were Racetrack/Grandstand , Teakettle Junction, Ubehebe Crater and of course Lippencott Mine road. These places are a little touristy but still must sees. There’s lots of info available, good luck!!
 
Entering on the Swansea Pass, past the salt tram and thru the Saline Valley is a pretty amazing start, and it’s a free entry point. On a 1-10, parts of Swansea are about a 7+. Bring some clearance.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Magic Mike
Narbob said:
My first time must sees were Racetrack/Grandstand , Teakettle Junction, Ubehebe Crater and of course Lippencott Mine road. These places are a little touristy but still must sees. There’s lots of info available, good luck!!
Click to expand...

Ya, we had racetrack, teakettle and ubehebe crater on the list already. I'll look into lippencott mine road.

mdupray said:
Entering on the Swansea Pass, past the salt tram and thru the Saline Valley is a pretty amazing start, and it’s a free entry point. On a 1-10, parts of Swansea are about a 7+. Bring some clearance.
Click to expand...

Okay not sure we will be able to do that one on this trip, one of the cars will be a stock awd crv so I don't think it fair well on that type of trail.

Magic Mike said:
Titus Canyon is definitely a must see for me. Absolutely beautiful..
Click to expand...

Ya, that looks amazing and is on the interest list.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Narbob and Magic Mike
Dr. Rock/Paper/Rumble said:
Ya, we had racetrack, teakettle and ubehebe crater on the list already. I'll look into lippencott mine road.



Okay not sure we will be able to do that one on this trip, one of the cars will be a stock awd crv so I don't think it fair well on that type of trail.



Ya, that looks amazing and is on the interest list.
Click to expand...

You won't be sorry, I loved that place.
 
Lippincott as a descent is manageable. I was there in November and the trail was in good shape. I drive a massively long, 145” wheelbase F150 and it drove right on down the trail without any multi-point turns. It does get tight if you meet uphill traffic but most people are dropping down from the Racetrack and Tea Kettle into the Saline Valley.

Enjoy!
 
I would be wary of taking a stock CRV on most back country routes in DVNP. That's just me though. I'd rather err on the side of safety. All entry points are free. The place to pay your entry fees are either at the Eastern Sierra Interagency Center or ranger stations located at Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek.

If it is the first time for your group I would suggest the major tourist points in DV proper such as Artists Drive, Badwater, Dantes View, Zabriske, Furnace Creek, and Stovepipe exiting via Panamint Valley.
 
CRV? don't take that off pavement in DV unless you are running a true off road tire. 4wd in most areas of DV isn't critical, but in my opinion, a good quality off road tire is a necessity.
 
Dr. Rock/Paper/Rumble said:
Ya, we had racetrack, teakettle and ubehebe crater on the list already. I'll look into lippencott mine road.



Okay not sure we will be able to do that one on this trip, one of the cars will be a stock awd crv so I don't think it fair well on that type of trail.



Ya, that looks amazing and is on the interest list.
Click to expand...
Don't be affright of taking your CRV, I saw a Prius way up in a canyon where it should not be but be sure to take a full size spare tire. You can at least go to Teakettle junction and race track.
Inyo mine via echo canyon is also fun and easy see: 36.493690, -116.702794
 
Arepas said:
Don't be affright of taking your CRV, I saw a Prius way up in a canyon where it should not be but be sure to take a full size spare tire. You can at least go to Teakettle junction and race track.
Inyo mine via echo canyon is also fun and easy see: 36.493690, -116.702794
Click to expand...


Just bc you saw a prius in a place it shouldn't be, doesn't mean the op should also go there with his crv. Regular street and highway tires are not meant to be used on the roads to teakettle junction or racetrack. I think it's bad advice to recommend anyone drive those roads with street tires, even with a full size spare. If you can guarantee only one flat, then going with a full size spare is all good. But no way to guarantee only one flat. The rocks on those roads destroy regular tires.

The times i have driven to the racetrack i have seen numerous cars with flat tires on the side of the dirt road.
 
Last edited:
The tow fee for services that far out begin at $1000.
Poor advice to suggest it should be done just because a lesser type vehicle was spotted in another area it should not have been either. Bad advice to suggest Lippincott. Take the CRV places that are paved or well graded. Not the backcountry of DVNP.
 
Side note: If you're going to Death Valley via HWY395 north, a lot of people continue on 395 all the way to Olanca as a turning spot to enter the park. There's a short cut that's actually an interesting drive. At Red Mountain you can turn onto, Trona Rd. and take that to HWY178, (Trona Wildrose Rd.) This "T's" into HWY190. Turn right there and it will take you right into Furnace Creek. Be sure to top off your gas tank there bc there's no gas in the park. There's also a pretty nice store there where you can get some snacks and water, souvenir stuff . . .

Error on the side of caution. DV is an awesome and hazardous place. Enjoy!
 
There is fuel available at Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek. Mind you it is in the park and costs more. Getting gas in Trona helps the local economy which has been on the downturn for years and the earthquakes last year didn't help them either. Gas is also available at Panamint Springs Resort but it is the most expensive in the region.
 
Thanks for the advice guys, I'm going to talk more with my friend about the potential problems with the CRV. Also just to note I'll be in an offroad tacoma, so I'll be fine, the friend was planning on taking their CRV.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom