Death Valley National Monument

[NVR FNSH]

I've got two weeks off at xmas/new years thanks to the economy and we're planning on meeting friends for a couple days of dirt biking & camping in/around Jawbone/Ridgecrest/Cal City CA.



Thinking about heading up to Death Valley for a little sight seeing since we're gonna be in the general area. We're taking our bikes - both street legal - so I'm thinking we can mimic Suzuki's intro of the DRZ400S. Anybody got any recommendations on the roads into/out of Death Valley? We'll be towing a 36ft Patio Hauler 5th wheel. I figure I can go over 80 to Reno/Fallon and head south on 95 or go to Mojave and head up 14/395/SR190 - most of it depends on the weather. Are there any particulary nasty roads to avoid with the trailer? How's the weather in Death Valley in December? Am I kidding myself thinking it will an enjoyable couple of days?



Brian

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

Hi Brian,

I have been to Death Valley a number of times. There are a couple of websites to check out.....



http://www.nps.gov/deva

and you can try deathvalley.com... have fun and bring water



Go to the morning report on the website and it will tell what places are open... ... ..... Greg



I come in through Shoshone off of 95... ... that will take you to Furnace Creek... There is one long hill but the "Mighty Cummins" will pull it no problem... . Coming in from Trona side is awfull hilly and There is a lllllllllooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnggggg downhill from 4500 feet to about - 200 feet at the floor of Death Valley. In December it is real nice, It will get up to 80* and maybe as low as 25*... ... Remeber you are going to the desert and we have wierd weather out here... . Tread Lightly

 

[merryman]

Last Feb. we spent a few days in Death Valley--came in from Vegas area by way of 160 and 178. With our fiver we were grossing 19. 5K. Exited by way of 190 and 178. They had some steep spots, but no concern.

Then we decided to try a new road; we took 178 to Lake Isabella (that wasn't bad) then took 155 to Delano-----big mistake; That road has miles and miles of 11% grades and curves that really keep you twisting on the steering wheel.

Weather in the Valley was nice.



Vaughn

 

[NVR FNSH]

merryman,

I've driven 155 ONCE in a VW Jetta - it was fun in that car but there is no way I'd tow the trailer over it (easier routes available). Glad you made it safely.



Brian

 

[merryman]

I won't be taking that "short cut" coming home from Az. this February! :>).

But, since I am allways looking for a road I have not taken, I will likely find something else fun. Once took an interesting road that when we finally got the fiver stuck (we were in 4 wheel drive) it took 45 min. without it to go 10 miles back to an abandoned ranch place to get a load of timbers to get out with---kind of blew the whole day!



Vaughn

 

[FDziurda]

DV @ Thanksgiving

Have been thinking of making a trip to DV Thanksgiving, for a couple of days... Weather Permitting.



Frank

 

[EricBu12]

may maddness is going to be may 1- 5 next year and it will be in pahrump, NV out by the CA border. there is a possibility that there might be a convoy to DV on a tour or whatever so we can have a road trip for a day to do a little sightseeing?



there is a form to do pre reg. for the MM 02

 

[Forrest]

Here is a good weather site for Death Valley.



http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/Death_Valley_CA_US_f.html





For camping, i'd recommend Stovepipe Wells. It's in the middle & central to a breathtaking view from sunrise to sunset & center to a lot of driving



http://www.desertusa.com/dv/du_dvpcamp.html



Scottys Castle is N of there & Bad Water is S. There's a pool across the road, bathrooms, showers, store, resturant & great weather.



FDziurda & us are looking to tow down around Thanksgiving. Party time!



We're coming in from Beatty. What a test for the exhaust break! Same from Lone Pine. Coming in from Vegas isn't as steep.

 

[Driftwood Ram]

MM02

Originally posted by EricBu12

may maddness is going to be may 1- 5 next year and it will be in pahrump, NV out by the CA border. there is a possibility that there might be a convoy to DV on a tour or whatever so we can have a road trip for a day to do a little sightseeing?



there is a form to do pre reg. for the MM 02

Look here https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25265



You can just cut out the form part and print it. May take a few tries if you are as computer illiterate as I am.