Saline Valley Hot Springs, Ca
#1
Posted 25 August 2009 - 03:29 PM
#2
Posted 25 August 2009 - 04:00 PM
The road in from Big Pine is ok. There are some narrow shelf roads coming in from the north but wide enough for a dually & camper. Just keep an eye out for oncoming traffic, as it will be a tight squeeze in places for two vehicles to pass each other. I would highly recommend airing down your tires if possible, to make them less resistant to punctures. Just because you're bringing two spares doesn't mean you want to have to use them, right?
I didn't think the road was particularly challenging in the traditional sense (rockcrawling-type stuff), but rather it is riddled with washboards and just enough (small) rocks to shake, rattle & roll your whole outfit. Double check your camper's cabinets, drawers and anything not secured as you go down the road. Things will shake loose, fall out, fall over, etc. Everything in your camper will be going through a washing machine effect basically.
I would also suggest finding out the very latest road conditions as you're headed out the door. Last year there was a significant rockslide over the trail (on the southern side of the SV sand dunes) and we had to creep & crawl our way over it, in the dark. Not a lotta fun, lol! And there were three different "Road Closed" signs on the road, but we were told that these are more of a deterrent to the casual traveler and that the road is always open, so we drove around them and kept on going like everyone else.
Other than that, bring some airplugs for all of the military jets doing fly-over excercises in SV and leave the bathing suits at home. You'll be over dressed if you wear one. There was a renovated old school bus there last Fall, who apparently made it in with no problems, so you should make it in ok. Personally, I liked the upper springs better for the solitude and pools, but the lower springs were really cool, set back in the trees with grassy lawns all around. That was party central during our visit.
Great place, hope you have a great trip!
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#3
Posted 25 August 2009 - 04:24 PM
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#4
Posted 25 August 2009 - 04:39 PM
Agree with KC. Nothing technical prohibiting you from getting there, just serious bone jarring washboard. Take it s-l-o-w and you should be fine. I'm sure you know this already, but it is a long way out there and will take some time.
Sunny, I have to ask... did you go in the pools au naturale...? I wore a swim suit the first time and people looked at me like I was a pervert! I loosened up the next time around after a few shots and getting in "the spirit" of the place.
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Toyota T100/FWC Eagle
#5
Posted 25 August 2009 - 06:20 PM
KC nailed it the upper springs are the best. Mid week is far less crowded and if school is out it will be loud RR all night long.
Like Sunny said once on the flat part of Saline Valley Rd. Its a piece of cake. Air down to soften the ride and jam.
If you don't go "au naturale" in the pools you'll be the only one.
Saline has become very popular since my first visit 35 years ago but its still a great destination.
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#6
Posted 25 August 2009 - 06:42 PM
Sunny, I have to ask... did you go in the pools au naturale...? I wore a swim suit the first time and people looked at me like I was a pervert! I loosened up the next time around after a few shots and getting in "the spirit" of the place.
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But of course! Is there any other way? It's kind of been the unwritten law at any of the hotsprings i've been to.
Being her first hotspring experience, the GF was a little freaked at first but she got the hang of it!
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#7
Posted 25 August 2009 - 07:11 PM
I am so not going to go anywhere with that one.But of course! Is there any other way? It's kind of been the unwritten law at any of the hotsprings i've been to.
Being her first hotspring experience, the GF was a little freaked at first but she got the hang of it!
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#8
Posted 25 August 2009 - 11:06 PM
I agree that the upper warm springs is the place to go. However, you should take at least one walk to the lower springs.
#10
Posted 29 September 2009 - 09:09 PM
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