27 replies to this topic

[Occidental]

The trip report for the first half of our trip to the western portion of Death Valley National Park is now posted.  The Thanksgiving weekend gave us enough time to make the drive.  This trip also brought us up over 70 nights in the camper this year, a best for us!  

 

Please enjoy: https://www.occident...ey-2021-part-1/

Part 2: https://www.occident...ey-2021-part-2/

And the video: https://youtu.be/Qm73iRxZzI0

Edited by Occidental, 13 December 2021 - 01:08 AM.

[Wandering Sagebrush]

That looks like a nice getaway trip.  The long drive part would be grueling, but a fantastic reward when you get there.

 

Thanks for letting us tag along!

[AWG_Pics]

We love Death Valley for just the reasons you said. We even spent Thanksgiving there several years ago -- mostly on the east side. Thanks for sharing your trip -- I look forward to part 2.

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

Sounds like you had a great time, thanks for the TR. Bummer about Hidden Valley. I’m planning a Spring trip with some newbies and a loop around Hunter to the Racetrack was on the menu. I’ll have to keep tabs on its condition. 

[Vic Harder]

that does look nice!  What were the temps like?

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Thanks for the trip. Very beautiful country.

A great way to spend T day.

Frank

[Occidental]

Sounds like you had a great time, thanks for the TR. Bummer about Hidden Valley. I’m planning a Spring trip with some newbies and a loop around Hunter to the Racetrack was on the menu. I’ll have to keep tabs on its condition. 

 

It may already be shaped up, a grader had been in the area right before we arrived, but since we didn't drive out that way I can't be sure of the condition.  

[Occidental]

that does look nice!  What were the temps like?

 Temps were in the low 60's for highs, and mid 30's for lows.  With the wind in the evening it was chilly to be out, but t shirt weather during the day, pretty nice for November!  Especially during the couple days spent at higher elevation.

[ski3pin]

So much familiar, and much loved terrain in your report; packed full of memories for us. Thanks for the great trip report and photos!

 

The sand bog in Hidden Valley is awful. We last time we drove it was last December. There are hard invisible ruts hidden below the sand - more like silt. It is a messy bumpy ride. To make it worse. we watched (from camp) one long line of overlanders (10 vehicles) hit it hard at high speed and tore it up badly. The dust still hung in the air as it got dark, two hours later.

 

We also had the idea of camping near Goldbelt Spring. That did not happen. Julie very much wants to hike the length of Marble Canyon from the top. The logistics of arranging vehicles/transportation is a daunting task.

 

You can't beat a trip to Death Valley National Park!

 

[goinoregon]

Thank you !!