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Southern Oregon to JTNP over Thanksgiving


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#1 eyemgh

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Posted 29 September 2020 - 05:47 PM

We're headed from Ashland to Joshua Tree to meet our son for Thanksgiving. Although it isn't the prettiest time of the year for this route, we decided we'd take the Eastern Sierra route via Susanville to 395 and make a couple of stops along the way, rather than take I-5.

 

We're leaving early on the 21st and need to be at Ryan Campground in JTNP late afternoon on the 23rd.

 

We were thinking about dispersed camping somewhere in the Inyo for the first night and somewhere in Death Valley National Park the following. 

 

As a ski race family, we have lots of winter driving experience in the Sierras down as far South as Mammoth. We never stopped along the way though. We'll have 4-wheel snow and 4-wheel chains. The only thing that ever stops us is road closure. That said, we'll likely stay low in order to avoid getting temporarily stuck from any unexpected snows.

 

If you have any other suggestions for better places to dispersed camp along the way or any specifics about those areas, particularly where to pop the top in DVNP in a cool spot, but away from crowds, I'm all ears.

 

Thanks!

 

 


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#2 Hoopy

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Posted 11 November 2020 - 04:00 PM

eyemgh,

sounds like you are well prepared!   have a great trip!  the beauty of having your home on yur truck is evident on trips like this  One can pull over and set up in a heartbeat and have dinner on bubblng on the burner in no time .We go to Colo. either thanks or xmas from Wa every year.  Skiis are part of the kit.  this year were camping closer.  But still nothing beats the trips. 

           You carry chains all around or just one set?  I think if things work out we'll be heading south for a month or so in our "isolation pod" we shall see.  JT is great spent time there early spring feb on. years ago great memories tenting it.  safe travels hoop 


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#3 eyemgh

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Posted 11 November 2020 - 04:13 PM

eyemgh,

sounds like you are well prepared!   have a great trip!  the beauty of having your home on yur truck is evident on trips like this  One can pull over and set up in a heartbeat and have dinner on bubblng on the burner in no time .We go to Colo. either thanks or xmas from Wa every year.  Skiis are part of the kit.  this year were camping closer.  But still nothing beats the trips. 

           You carry chains all around or just one set?  I think if things work out we'll be heading south for a month or so in our "isolation pod" we shall see.  JT is great spent time there early spring feb on. years ago great memories tenting it.  safe travels hoop 

Thanks! 

 

Chains on all 4 for us. I rarely need them, but when I do, I NEED them.  :D


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#4 Wandering Sagebrush

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Posted 11 November 2020 - 06:50 PM

We're headed from Ashland to Joshua Tree to meet our son for Thanksgiving. Although it isn't the prettiest time of the year for this route, we decided we'd take the Eastern Sierra route via Susanville to 395 and make a couple of stops along the way, rather than take I-5.

 

We're leaving early on the 21st and need to be at Ryan Campground in JTNP late afternoon on the 23rd.

 

We were thinking about dispersed camping somewhere in the Inyo for the first night and somewhere in Death Valley National Park the following. 

 

As a ski race family, we have lots of winter driving experience in the Sierras down as far South as Mammoth. We never stopped along the way though. We'll have 4-wheel snow and 4-wheel chains. The only thing that ever stops us is road closure. That said, we'll likely stay low in order to avoid getting temporarily stuck from any unexpected snows.

 

If you have any other suggestions for better places to dispersed camp along the way or any specifics about those areas, particularly where to pop the top in DVNP in a cool spot, but away from crowds, I'm all ears.

 

Thanks!

We have always preferred taking 95 when going south in the winter.   Not as pretty, but a lot of places to camp.


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#5 AWG_Pics

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Posted 11 November 2020 - 07:31 PM

You may want to consider Lahontan State Park in Nevada, which is just about 6 hours from Ashland, a respectable first or last days' drive. Self serve check in and not heavily used, if at all, in the cold months. In DVNP, you just need to be at least a mile off-pavement to boondock. Lots of options.


Edited by AWG_Pics, 11 November 2020 - 08:05 PM.

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#6 Smokecreek1

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Posted 11 November 2020 - 08:29 PM

Before you leave, drop a post here for a road and weather check for Susanville/395 and points south! By the way, Nevada has a new State Park on the East Walker River-been there-sort of nice place to stop for the night,

 

 

Smoke


Edited by Smokecreek1, 11 November 2020 - 08:35 PM.

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#7 eyemgh

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Posted 11 November 2020 - 11:46 PM

Thanks everyone!

 

We'll plan 395 IF the weather is reasonable and 95 if it isn't.


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