Search results

  • HTML tutorial
  1. PortageBay

    US West Fall in Death Valley

    Oops, I forgot to mention, the Manson Ranch burned down several years ago. The site is still there with foundations and junk lying around. Currently it is not accessible due to the closure of the Westside Rd.
  2. PortageBay

    US West Fall in Death Valley

    Hi Toney! Yep the trailer is a Patriot X2. The small one they don't usually import anymore but it did my needs perfectly. I've also owned AT Horizon trailers. You should check in with me when you have dates. The longer you hold off the more roads will hopefully be open. Road closures are making...
  3. PortageBay

    US West Fall in Death Valley

    Hey Team! PortageBay (Bob) back again for a 3 month stay working in Death Valley for the park service. I have 46 years experience traveling the backcountry here and enjoy sharing it. This year will be a little tougher on backcountry travel due to the crazy flash flooding this summer. Much of...
  4. PortageBay

    US Southwest Fall in Death Valley!

    Yep! Good eye. That's my little X2 that I live in 6 months out of the year. Come visit!
  5. PortageBay

    US Southwest Fall in Death Valley!

    Hey Overland Bounders! As fall approaches the temperatures start to drop in Death Valley and it's time to come out and play! I'll be working for the park again, based in the Texas Springs campground in the Furnace Creek area. The camps in the valley reopen on October 15th. This is my 45th...
  6. PortageBay

    US Southwest Springtime in Death Valley

    They have been refilled and ready to go (with social distancing). Dive in!
  7. PortageBay

    US Southwest Springtime in Death Valley

    You bet. Stripe Butte is a favorite of mine! Lots to see in that area and Mengel Pass too.
  8. PortageBay

    US Southwest Springtime in Death Valley

    Current Update: 1/2/21 Due to State of CA shutdown, all campgrounds, both front country and backcountry are closed for at least another month. Dispersed camping (the kind we like!) IS available. Gas stations ARE open. Be sure to understand the dispersed camping regulations as to where and...
  9. PortageBay

    US Southwest Springtime in Death Valley

    There's always next year ; )
  10. PortageBay

    US Southwest Springtime in Death Valley

    LOTS of options. Too many really. I'll start you off with Titus Canyon and Echo Canyon. Both feature easy to moderate drive and ghost towns/mines to explore. Echo Canyon also allows dispersed camping, just make sure you check out the rules to disperse camp.... have fun and if you are in the...
  11. PortageBay

    US Southwest Springtime in Death Valley

    Spring is the best time to visit Death Valley. I work for the National Park Service as a volunteer and will be here from 1/16/21 to 4/15/21. With 40 years of playing in this desert I can help you out with maps, GPX files and suggestions for adventure. Come on out!View Rally Point
  12. PortageBay

    Planning my first trip to Death Valley, need suggestions, info, opinions

    Weather has been typical: 70s during the day in the valley and 40-50 at night (cooler higher of course) Thanksgiving week is always busy, grab a campsite early in the day if you want to be in a campground (all but Furnace Creek are first come/first serve). USUALLY the quietest time for almost...
  13. PortageBay

    GPS on Samsung TAB question

    I run the Tab A in my truck and use Gaia, Garmin Earthmate and several HAM radio apps. What you need is a GPS receiver chip in the tablet (not a compass) The Tab A that I have does not have the LTE (cellphone) chip but does have the GPS chip. I believe all Samsung tablets have the GPS chip. On...
  14. PortageBay

    Planning my first trip to Death Valley, need suggestions, info, opinions

    I'll give you my 2 cents (and worth it!) in the order of your itinerary (and maybe keep you out of some trouble). Your first gas option as you enter the park via 190 from the west is Panamint Springs, also the most expensive. If you can make it to Stovepipe Wells it will be a bit cheaper but...
  15. PortageBay

    Planning my first trip to Death Valley, need suggestions, info, opinions

    Emigrant Camp = Parking lot next to the highway. Avoid if possible! At least drive a little further to Stovepipe Wells and camp there or, better yet, turn left at Stovepipe Wells and drive out Marble Canyon road (you can camp AFTER you drop down into the wash, about 8 miles off pavement)...
  16. PortageBay

    Planning my first trip to Death Valley, need suggestions, info, opinions

    I work for the park service in Death Valley and have been going there for 40 years. That being said, given that you are coming from the Bay Area and have a limited amount of time you might consider just exploring the north side of the park. DV is LARGE (3.5 million acres) and everything seems...
  17. PortageBay

    Patriot Campers

    I'll be rolling into Furnace Creek around 1/12 if your still in the area! If you are looking for some backcountry camping options, DV is the BEST. Let me know if I can be of any help...... Bob
  18. PortageBay

    Patriot Campers

    I'm a new owner of the Patriot Camper X2. Slightly smaller than the X1 but larger than the Adventure Trailer Horizon I'm moving up from. I live/work in Death Valley National Park for 3-4 months every year and the added space/fuel/water capacity will really be appreciated. I went with the X2...