Bishop to Death Valley -- best route

by **deungsan** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 2:21 am

In a few days, I'll be in Bishop and heading to Death Valley.

Is the best way to drive south to Lone Pine and then cut across on 136? (been there, done that)

Or is it more scenic to follow 168 into Nevada and then circle back into the national park on 267?

Concerned about snow in the mountains...I'll be in a 2 WD van, and it will be February.

Thanks.

by **Clark_Griswold** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 2:27 am

I drove both routes and found the route along the eastern Sierra far more interesting and scenic then the Nevada route. Especially in winter.

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deungsan

by **lcarreau** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 2:51 am

(I think) it'd be best to take Highway 190 east from Lone Pine. The only reason I'd visit Nevada is if I wanted to "hang ten" on the Strip.

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deungsan

by **mrchad9** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 6:12 am

If your van has ok clearance you can take the route through Eureka Valley. That's the most scenic, certainly the most interesting, IMHO.

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deungsan

by **deungsan** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 2:59 pm

Thanks, all!

Will probably opt for the Lone Pine route this time.

Next time, though, Eureka Valley is going to be mighty tempting, especially if there aren't any "Are we there yet?" kids in the car.

by **Greg Enright** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 5:13 pm

The kidlets would love Eureka Dunes. The sand makes a crazy hum when you start a slide.

The Big Pine Death Valley Road is a lot safer than is was in the old days. More folks around to help out if you need it and cell phone service in some areas. Still a good idea to carry food and water for of couple days, check the air in your tires and spare, and drive slow in the rocky spots. If your tires are well worn, your chances of a flat are very high.

The road was clear of snow last Sunday, but we've had a few small storms since then. There may be an inch or two at the top.

Big Pine Death Valley Road

Eureka Dunes

Crankshaft Junction

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deungsan

by **3Deserts** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 6:59 pm

deungsan wrote:Thanks, all!

Will probably opt for the Lone Pine route this time.

Next time, though, Eureka Valley is going to be mighty tempting, especially if there aren't any "Are we there yet?" kids in the car.

When are you doing the drive?

I have my kidlet with me this coming long weekend, and the tentative plan was to visit DV, possibly camp one night. I'm driving a 4WD Jeep Grand Cherokee. I don't know where you're headed in the park (or south/southeast.?), but if it can be coordinated, would you be interested in caravaning? I've got recovery gear as well (i.e., tow straps, shackles, shovel, etc.).

I've got to admit, Greg, your tip about Eureka dunes for the kids is REALLY tempting.

If we bail on the DV plan then we'll probably just go to Joshua Tree, or maybe Afton Canyon.

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deungsan

by **clmbr** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:10 pm

Greg Enright wrote:The kidlets would love Eureka Dunes. The sand makes a crazy hum when you start a slide.

The Big Pine Death Valley Road is a lot safer than is was in the old days. More folks around to help out if you need it and cell phone service in some areas. Still a good idea to carry food and water for of couple days, check the air in your tires and spare, and drive slow in the rocky spots. If your tires are well worn, your chances of a flat are very high.
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Years ago on my exit from Death Valley, after visiting (a very nice) Scotty’s Castle I decided to explore the surrounding terrain even more and took the Big Pine Road. After spending a night somewhere in the desert I went to Eureka Dunes and attempted the road through Steel Pass to Saline Valley. However, soon after navigating through the canyon I realized that my car might get trapped in between turns on this narrow rocky passage and retreated while still having that chance (I was alone).

During that trip I’ve got one flat tire right on the road and the second flat tire noticed the next morning (fortunately) back in the city. I was advised by a ranger not to drive fast but ignored that. My tires were quite good at that time. (My car: Jeep Grand Cherokee)

Nice pics Greg, especially of tarantula.

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deungsan

by **SeanReedy** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:45 pm

+1 on Big Pine Road being an interesting route to and through the park
+1 on the Eureka Dunes being fun for kids (but beware of blowing sand if it is really windy...the forecast is for wind on Sunday)
+1 on it being a safe and high speed road, despite the dirt sections
+1 on not going on old, worn tires and without a full size spare or two

Yes, avoid the 4WD Steel Pass/Dedeckera Canyon Road (road beyond the Eureka Dunes to the south). I've never seen anyone having problems on the 2WD roads discussed in this thread, but have heard stories of flat tires. The section closest to the return to pavement (pavement begins at the junction to Ubehebe Crater and Scottys Castle) is slower going/more washboard. Sounds like the OP might want to avoid the area given the circumstances of the particular trip, unless willing to take it easy on the speed, especially in the section I just mentioned. I have heavy duty truck tires, two spares, 4WD, and tow straps, so I am able to help people, but may have a skewed perspective of what is quick, safe, and convenient when time frame is limited. For many, some of the dirt sections mentioned are like highways.

There are some good tips and links in a very recent thread about 2WD in Death Valley started by smurfer. Next time my wife, kids and I go, we'll probably head down through Eureka Valley and head out on 190 or Trona/Wildrose/178 depending on what activities seem right at the time.

Have fun!

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deungsan

by **3Deserts** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 10:29 pm

Whoah...this is starting to sound like a Summitpost Death Valley Family Summit!

I concur on Steel Pass: that road demands real respect, even with a prepped off road vehicle.

Sean, are you and your family camping in DV?

by **clmbr** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 4:55 pm

3Deserts wrote:Whoah...this is starting to sound like a Summitpost Death Valley Family Summit!

I concur on Steel Pass: that road demands real respect, even with a prepped off road vehicle.

Actually while taking some roads by car I feel like hiking or even climbing; it may bring similar excitement; the views are similarly spectacular; and the pace, well, that depend on many factors.

One of the most exciting roads in Death Valley I’ve experienced was Lippincott Road, especially going through washouts. I was not sure if my car would not flip over.

However, the most spectacular road I’ve ever taken was about 150 mile White Rim Road loop in Canyon Lands NP; starting from Potash and exiting through Mineral Road and then back down through Long Canyon. I really, really recommend it. I did it in one day after the overnight thunder storm which gave me additional excitement. Most people do the very, very short loop through Shafer Trail Road, but those people rather safer than enjoy the ride (wrong cars).

by **SeanReedy** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 7:42 pm

clmbr wrote:
3Deserts wrote:Whoah...this is starting to sound like a Summitpost Death Valley Family Summit!

I concur on Steel Pass: that road demands real respect, even with a prepped off road vehicle.

Actually while taking some roads by car I feel like hiking or even climbing; it may bring similar excitement; the views are similarly spectacular; and the pace, well, that depend on many factors.

One of the most exciting roads in Death Valley I’ve experienced was Lippincott Road, especially going through washouts. I was not sure if my car would not flip over.

However, the most spectacular road I’ve ever taken was about 150 mile White Rim Road loop in Canyon Lands NP; starting from Potash and exiting through Mineral Road and then back down through Long Canyon. I really, really recommend it. I did it in one day after the overnight thunder storm which gave me additional excitement. Most people do the very, very short loop through Shafer Trail Road, but those people rather safer than enjoy the ride (wrong cars).

I mountain biked up a 4X4 road in Canyonlands up to a pass with a view of Potash (IIRC--10 years ago). I like single track, but this road was still interesting due to the views and the steep drop offs along the road's edge from up near the top of the rim.

As far as the rest, my wife would kill me. If I let her drive, she might be OK with those roads, but then I would get all jostled around and would rather just be on foot or on my bike. She drove us down Titus canyon and it made me feel a bit ill. I drove us up to the Chloride Cliffs (the 4WD way from Daylight Pass) on a windy day and she was so scared that she wouldn't even get out of the truck. It was celar that I was in the dog house and that was before the wind blew the rubber bed mat out of the back of the truck (solved by placing large rocks on it for the ride down). I've gotten into some very interesting situations when she wasn't with me, but sometimes end up mainly wishing I had gotten out to hike or bike sooner. I like to get the breathing and blood flow going to match the increase in blood pressure some of the thrills can bring.

Lots of folks find the 4X4 stuff fun though.

by **lcarreau** » Sun Feb 19, 2012 1:34 am

SeanReedy wrote:
Lots of folks find the 4X4 stuff fun though.

by **clmbr** » Sun Feb 19, 2012 8:21 pm

lcarreau wrote:
SeanReedy wrote:
Lots of folks find the 4X4 stuff fun though.

Well, that’s a bit extreme conditions to be in, even worse if alone. Nice pic, however.

In Canyon Lands my two right tires got trapped in the muddy deep ditch along the road and I could not get out. After several attempts (just after getting an idea to wait for another car to rescue me) I tried one more time and freed myself. Back in town, Moab, I learned that the towing starts from $2,000 :lol:

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lcarreau

by **lcarreau** » Mon Feb 20, 2012 2:06 am

clmbr wrote:
In Canyon Lands my two right tires got trapped in the muddy deep ditch along the road and I could not get out. After several attempts (just after getting an idea to wait for another car to rescue me) I tried one more time and freed myself. Back in town, Moab, I learned that the towing starts from $2,000

Not surprising ... those towing companies in Moab know where their dinner's coming from tonight ...

One time, I was driving a Datsun pickup in western Alaska, and picked up a flat on a fishing trip. I decided not to fix the flat until after I caught
five or six nice-sized Salmon. Luckily, I didn't run into any grizzly bears until AFTER I replaced the tire.

Bishop to Death Valley -- best route

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