Death Valley Suggestions

[Drunktank]

Considering all the rains that have been going on.... figure next weekend will be an awesome time to head out to Death Valley and camp a night or two. Figure the desert will be blooming and just the right temp.

Any places in particular I should check out while I'm there? Good remote camping spots? Gonna be taking my new gal out there (her idea)

 

[Boomer12]

If you've never been there, try to check out Scotty's Castle. Has a lot of interesting history associated with it.

 

[Trick.Raptor]

It's Facebook but it's pretty current for road conditions...

Death Valley Road Conditions

A few places we took our Raptor last year....

Titus Canyon is a great drive. It can be done in a rental SUV but the views are well worth it.

Teakettle Junction and Racetrack Playa is a good drive as well. After Racetrack you have Lippincott Road which is passable with a Raptor but weather conditions can tear the pass up. Be sure to check out the trail conditions first.

 

[bstoner59]

Is Scottys Castle open? I heard they closed it after some flooding.

Baker Ranch is an interesting place as well. You going alone?

 

[Boomer12]

It's been almost 3 years since I was out there when the power lines next to the creek started a fire that threatened to burn the place down, so my information is a little dated... Didn't even know it flooded.

 

[bstoner59]

It's been almost 3 years since I was out there when the power lines next to the creek started a fire that threatened to burn the place down, so my information is a little dated... Didn't even know it flooded.

I know they had some damage a few months back but I haven't heard if it's been repaired yet. Not sure how bad it was.

 

[Nv Guy]

From NPS Site:
Scotty's Castle

Scotty's Castle is CLOSED until further notice due to flood damage. Please contact 760-786-3280 for more information.

Scotty's Castle - Death Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Also, expect more than usual amounts of people, as there is a "super bloom" of wild flowers this year.

 

[Drunktank]

Does anyone have a Lowrance GPS file for Death Valley showing all the trails and what not?

 

[EXO]

The Racetrack, Ryolite, Zabrinski Point, and ubehebe crater should all be on your list. Could easily hit them all in a day but also could do it in 2.

 

[Vang]

here's what i did in one day in order:

titus canyon
ubehebe crater
mesquite sand dunes
badwater basin

i didn't get a chance to hit dante's peak..my only regret..death valley is huge and i don't recommend trying to see everything in a single day. take your time and enjoy.