Lippincott Pass: up or down

[spfd jason]

Hey,

Our 2020 trip to DV was postponed last March for some reason. However, we're heading that way on the 6th. Plan to be off grid for six nights in the park.

As we discuss route options, Lippincott Pass often comes up. We have plenty of miles in 4wd but the Duramax isn't exactly nimble. Is Lippincott easier going uphill or downhill?

Thanks,

Jason

 

[dpsmedic]

Hey Jason, been up and down it many times. Mostly solo in my Jeep. Lots of youtube videos out there that show the entire road. I will probably get flamed for saying this, but really there is only about 300 yards that are torn up. The rest is just a gravel road with all the normal issues including flat tires. One section with a washout is pretty narrow so it may be an issue in a full size Chevy. I have seen a photo of a Tundra with a Northstar camper on it in this exact spot making it through. Attached is a photo of it with my Jeep in it for reference. The section behind my jeep up the hill and for a short distance around the corner will be a slow rocky section for you that can be pretty torn up from weather / vehicles but shouldn’t be an issue. Death Valley National Park has a backcountry road conditions facebook page that prior to the lock down had lots of recent intel on road conditions. I also found the Rangers to be excellent sources of intel on the road conditions. The responded to web inquires quickly on the DVNP webpage. Alerts & Conditions - Death Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

 

[Neuvik]

Down is always easier, got gravity working for ya haha!

I came up Lippincott with a Ram 2500 Power Wagon during Thanksgiving. The only section that was sketch is the washout part. Your rear tire will be on that edge, and probably go over a metal stake pounded in the ground there. I threw rail jack baseplate on it to protect my tire. Its a hint off camber, but hug the rock face. Also after it is another offcamber section where the white calieche has slid onto the road.

The rock section was a joke, didn't meet the hype, but thats all individual comfort levels. You can get a fullsize through no problem.

Other than that, the only difficult part is the traffic jams.

Have fun!