21 replies to this topic

[rando]

I was in DV last week, and while we did not drive Hunter Mountain road, we hit snow and mud on other passes around 6-7000'.   Trying to exit the park to the north on Cucomongo Canyon rd, we hit snow and chained up, but eventually the mud between the snow got quite bad and we turned around so as not to do too much damage to the road surface.   We were the first car up there since the snow.  

 

Things melt fast, but be prepared (with an alternative route and the petrol to take it) for snow and mud on the passes.  Remember the roads aren't graded often, so if you find yourself leaving ruts, it may be best to turn around. 

[ski3pin]

Here's from March 12 -

 

 

Death Valley Road Conditions

March 12 at 2:31 PM ·

 

Spring rain showers at Furnace Creek means snow at higher elevations. This week's storms have closed the road from the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns to Telescope Peak Trailhead. Rangers reported 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) of snow yesterday on the road to Hunter Mountain, with probable additional accumulation during today's storm. Snow is visible on many of the peaks in the Grapevine Mountains, and may be present on Titus Canyon Road. If you plan to explore high elevation backcountry roads this weekend, be prepared for challenging conditions.

 

[ski3pin]

I was in DV last week, and while we did not drive Hunter Mountain road, we hit snow and mud on other passes around 6-7000'.   Trying to exit the park to the north on Cucomongo Canyon rd, we hit snow and chained up, but eventually the mud between the snow got quite bad and we turned around so as not to do too much damage to the road surface.   We were the first car up there since the snow.  

 

Things melt fast, but be prepared (with an alternative route and the petrol to take it) for snow and mud on the passes.  Remember the roads aren't graded often, so if you find yourself leaving ruts, it may be best to turn around. 

Thanks for adding this, rando. You are a good adventurer. We do the same.

[12valve]

Thanks for the link, I will keep up to date using it. No worries about us tearing up the road, we drive responsibly. If the snow is starting around 6-7000', it will be that much worse higher. As well, getting in trouble at altitude makes recovery that much harder. Not a good position too be in. 

 Our exit may be Saline valley road to 190. Because of these unstable road conditions, our route is not finalized  by any means, but no way am I looking for trouble or 4wd heroics.

[dennis 221]

So we have never been there. So?? Are there places in the park where you can refill your 20 gallon water tank?

[dennis 221]

Yep , just dug deeper on here an found that water is available. Yahoooooo

[rubberlegs]

We filled at Mesquite, Texas Springs and Stovepipe campgrounds.

[rubberlegs]

We drove the Hunter Mtn and White Top Mtn roads about 2 weeks ago with no trouble. However it snowed a bit later when we were in Saline Valley.

[dennis 221]

Crazy question. So you find a spot to camp. then you take a ride to a trail head. How do you mark that the site you are using as occupied?

[rando]

Crazy question. So you find a spot to camp. then you take a ride to a trail head. How do you mark that the site you are using as occupied?

 

You don't.    If you come back and it is empty, then you can use it again.  Otherwise you find another spot, there are plenty.