16 replies to this topic

[Stormfishing]

I'm looking for an easy 4wd trail where I can get back 10 or 15 miles off the grid and camp out. I have a Chevy Silverado with a Hawk FWC and I don't want to do any heavy 4wdriving, anybody have some ideas.

Edited by Stormfishing, 06 November 2017 - 06:21 AM.

[kmcintyre]

There are so many options.  I'd stop in at the visitor center, get a map.  We had a great time on the West side near the sand dunes and other roads that I don't exactly remember where they were.  One was not far from the visitor center and one was a up north a bit toward Scotty's.  It's the only National Park that I know of that allows you to disperse camp (I think you have to be 1-2 miles off the pavement and on a dirt road).

[ntsqd]

Given your constraints its easier to list those to stay off of than those to consider.

 

Goler Wash / Mengel Pass

Lippencott Mine Rd.

Dedekera Cyn / Steele Pass

South Park Cyn Rd

Pleasant Cyn Rd

 

Those that I'd advise caution on:

Ibex Spring Rd west of Saratoga Springs Rd (rough and paved in baseballs)

Saratoga Springs Rd (sometimes deep sand)

Racetrack Rd. ( world's worst washboard)

 

This isn't an all-encompassing list, just those to immediately come to mind.

Edited by ntsqd, 06 November 2017 - 02:12 PM.

[ski3pin]

The Park's website has good information available -

 

Backcountry Roads

 

Backcountry Roads Information Sheet

 

Backcountry Camping

 

the Wander the West website also has much information posted by members in the past -

 

WTW Death Valley National Park

 

You may consider -

 

Death Valley SUV Trails

 

if you don't already have a copy.

[Stormfishing]

Great info thanks guys. Going with just  my girlfriend in one 4wd no back up so I don't want to risk getting stuck out there alone....

[ETAV8R]

Just wait til you go to DV if you haven't been before.

I'd also suggest getting one night/morning at Panamint Springs Resort. A resort it isn't but a good place to dry camp it is. Fairly quiet at night, close to quite a bit of fun exploring, showers, 10 all you can eat breakfast buffet and good dinner meals and beers.

 

Here's a great link on many adventures from Tacoma World.

https://www.tacomawo...ventures.60777/

[DavidGraves]

Greetings all

 

Jeep sponsored a backroads map of DV national park a few years back. It is a good overview...particularly for a first visit.

 

Ironically, when jeep discontinued their sponsorship support they told the park it could no longer distribute the maps....into the recycle bin I guess.

 

If you find one of these maps hold onto it.

 

DavidGraves

[craig333]

Thanks for the reminder. I was thinking of exploring the country north of Crankshaft Junction this week.  Other that Sunmans brief trip I haven't read much about it. Just spent an hour figuring out where I hid my death valley maps!

 

Of course they changed my schedule so not going this week. November is slow, maybe I'll get another chance.

[hoyden]

I can't wait to get back to Death Valley! I just wish gas wasn't so expensive around there!

Looking forward to your TR!

[Vic]

...

 

You may consider -

 

Death Valley SUV Trails

 

if you don't already have a copy.

 

I'll second that - one of my favorite reference books for DV.  That and a good map will get you going.  

 

The Visitor Center will give you the obligatory safety speech - they pull a lot of tourists out (some even alive) who take the Hertz minivan places they shouldn't so they err on the side of caution, but they'll let you know what is open.  Washouts seem to be the biggest factor so keep an eye on the weather, bring extra water and food, etc.

 

I believe it is 2 miles off of pavement/ West side road...but there are tons of options and lots of opportunities.  We love dispersed camping in DV.  Have a great time.