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Topic: Death Valley: asking for some info (Read 17 times) previous topic - next topic
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Death Valley: asking for some info
Yahoo Message Number: 158043
We're thinking about going to Death Valley NP in later April or May.  I haven't been there in many years and never in an RV.  For those who are in the know, I have a few questions.
 What is the best way in?  We can go in from either Beatty or Lone Pine.  The distance is about the same.  It looks like the road from Lone Pine might be more difficult.
 What roads would be accessible in a 24 ft RV?  We're not interested in off roading.
 What particular campgrounds would you suggest?  We're happy hooking up or boondocking.

What should we definitely see?  We have 3 days in the park.

Thanks,

Syndi 2014 24 TK Super Flea
2014 TK
The Super Flea
Re: Death Valley: asking for some info
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 158049
We have taken our 2011 TK over Townes Pass 3 times both ways since it was new. It is a very steep grade and you will have to use 1st gear if you a pulling a toad like we do. You come out a Stovepipe Wells which is about 23 miles from Furnace Creek. We like to camp at Stovepipe Wells. Near the location where the song " Ghost Riders in the Sky" was penned by Park Ranger, Stan Jones.
James Allen Jackson
Re: Death Valley: asking for some info
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 158050
Road conditions and status of other Death Valley NP features will be different in April or May than currently, but these links will provide information for an anytime visit to the park:

http://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm

http://digital-desert.com/death-valley/roads/

http://www.nps.gov/deva/upload/Morning-Report.pdf

https://www.facebook.com/DeathValleyRoadConditions

IMO, the best source for information for any national park is the park's website; the "Plan Your Visit" link on the home page is always a good place to start.

Additionally, anyone who travels off the interstates in the west might want to have a copy of the western edition of "The Mountain Directory"; for the most current editions and a choice of formats, I suggest getting the reference from the website.

http://www.mountaindirectory.com

As ever, YMMV.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
 
Re: Death Valley: asking for some info
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 158051
When we had our 2002 MB, we would often take it to DV, towing our Jeep Wrangler.  We had likely taken the LD on all of the paved roads and a few of the unpaved roads.  April would still be nice.  By May, the lower elevations start getting too warm for our comfort.  March may have more flowers this year because of El Nino.  IMHO the easiest route is via Baker to Death Valley Junction and then 190 to Furnace Creek.  We often drove 190 over Townes Pass to/from the Panamint Valley, but that is a long steep climb on both sides.  Definitely use your gears and not your brakes on the big downhills!  In our opinion, it takes weeks to really see the park.  3 days will just allow you to take in a few of the primary tourist spots out of Furnace Creek.  DV is really a vast area, and just getting around takes some significant driving.
For this visit, I'd try to get into the Furnace Creek Campground and explore out of there.  Visit places like Badwater, Salt Creek, Mesquite Dunes.  Let me know what interests you and I can probably offer other suggestions.
 Too really see the DV region, really requires a good offroad 4x4 and experience.

Best, Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog