New Motortrend Death Valley Raptor video

[BigJ]

LOL nice catch Dan.

That vid got me all itchy to head back out there again. I think its time we exacted a little revenge on the water fall at Goler, dontcha think Bri??

 

[MagicMtnDan]

I've done Lippencott (pucker city) and Steel Pass Rd.

Let me tell you... Steel Pass Rd. was EXTREMELY difficult, with many close calls with inches to spare to the body work. I went through once without damage, don't ask me how, and I probably wouldn't tempt fate again, haha. I will say that I don't think a crew cab would make it, period. Some of the tight corners and break-over angles just would NOT work well with a SCREW. Might be possible, but would probably take a long ass time and tons of back-and-forth with spotters.

Maybe you're thinking of Dedeckera Canyon? It's one of the tightest places I think I've had the Raptor through:





One of many DV beauty shots I have:




One more:

 

[RaptorSteve]

Cool video. Love the bashed in skid plate at 14:30. I'd love to explore out there.

---------- Post added at 03:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:00 PM ----------

I'm curious where the mystery bar is, too.

 

[MagicMtnDan]

This was an amazing trip. In fact, it was this trip that we got my buddy's Gwagen into the bed of my Raptor:

 

[BlueSVT]

Maybe you're thinking of Dedeckera Canyon? It's one of the tightest places I think I've had the Raptor through:

Maybe? I led us from Saline Valley Rd, past the hot spring (where all the nudists hang out) and then eventually to the Eureka Sand Dunes!

37.056239,-117.634563 - Google Maps

Here is the end of it, at the huge Eureka Dunes... for some reason, google doesn't list the name of the trail/road. Maybe because they don't want people going down it!

 

[RaptorSteve]

Can anyone say "Death Valley Raptor Run" ?

 

[BlueSVT]

We actually do them a few times a year... you just don't want to plan a huge meet, because it's not allowed without a permit, which can be tricky to get!

Those interested in this thread, I'll shoot a PM out to if we get some plans rolling for a trip in the spring...

 

[MagicMtnDan]

I've been through there 4 times now and have a pretty standard route that I have put together. The last 2 times I started in Ballarat through Goler and out to Furnace Creek for the night. Then Titus to Scotty's and out to the Race Track. I have stayed over night at the camp just past the Racetrack once and went down and back up Lippencott Mine Rd at night, by myself...that was a fun one! Then out through Hidden Valley over the pass out to 190.

I have 2 trails I definitely want to try...Steel Pass Rd off Saline Valley and Echo Canyon out of Furnace Creek. Have you been on either Matt?

I've done Lippencott (pucker city) and Steel Pass Rd.

Let me tell you... Steel Pass Rd. was EXTREMELY difficult, with many close calls with inches to spare to the body work. I went through once without damage, don't ask me how, and I probably wouldn't tempt fate again, haha. I will say that I don't think a crew cab would make it, period. Some of the tight corners and break-over angles just would NOT work well with a SCREW. Might be possible, but would probably take a long ass time and tons of back-and-forth with spotters.

I don't think I've done Echo Canyon??? I've been all around though, so maybe it's just not a name I'm familiar with. The absolute BEST spot, in my opinion, is the peak at Chloride City. One of the best view I've ever experienced anywhere.

We've done Titus Canyon (not sure about Echo) - it's where we drove up the rock waterfalls (and where I damaged my exhaust tailpipes which led to my modification - tailpipe cutoff). Titus Canyon was challenging and fun. We also went up Chloride Cliff Road - it's an amazing view from up there!

Here's a photo album of that trip:
2010-02-20 Death Valley trip Photos by MagicMtnDan | Photobucket

No pics of my Raptor climbing up the rock waterfall (I was busy driving) but here are some of the other, smaller vehicles:



Tough to see the elevation change, angles and rocky terrain clearly in most pictures.



View from Chloride City/Chloride Cliffs:








Here's a YouTube video I found of others navigating Titus (and Echo):
Titus and Echo Canyon, Death Valley - 01/22/11 - YouTube

 

[BlueSVT]

Just so you know, the waterfall is no longer... Well, a waterfall. It was graded, completely smooth hill now.

We were looking forward to it on our last run, was really bummed its been graded. This was on Thanksgiving weekend.

 

[WyoStorm]

Great find! I LOVE Death Valley and have been there many times but never in a Raptor!