Planning a Trip to Death Valley

[jdtaylor42]

So I am thinking about taking a long weekend trip to Death Valley in late October/early November. I hear there are some reasonable trails to drive and some cool stuff to see and I need to put the camping equipment to use a couple more times this year before packing it away for the winter.

I have tried google searching and forum searching but I can't seem to find a thread about suggested off-road kits or packs. All my four-wheeling adventures have always been relatively close to home so I have never worried too much about having all the equipment I might need but this will certainly be different so I am looking for some opinions/help.

This is what I plan to pack for off-roading:

Full Size Spare - Goodyear Duratrac 285/70R17 (Will mount underneath for travel there and maybe move into cab once there if trails are rugged)
Portable Air Compressor - Plan to buy the Viair 450P kit
Tire Deflator - ARB505 E-Z Deflator
Tire Repair Kit - Rugged Ridge Kit
Bottle Jack - Torin 6ton Hydraulic Bottle
Hitch Mount Shackle - Smittybilt
Tow Strap - Boxer 3"x30'
Fire Extinguisher - 5lb ABC
Tool Bag - I guess I will just bring all sizes as I haven't worked on mine enough yet to know what sizes are commonly used on 5th Gen 4R
Headlamp - Black Diamond Storm
First Aid Kit - Homebuilt
Shovel - Small Foldable

Is there anything else that is usually carried or might be beneficial?

Also has anyone been to Death Valley and has suggestions either on where is best to camp or what are some good trails?

Thanks for any help or links to threads that I couldn't seem to find!

 

[Ron4RNevada]

Been there lots of times - but always stayed in motels in Beatty, NV.

Most of my dirt drives in the area were in a 2wd '86 Ford Ranger.... Nothing extreme.

 

[EL CID]

Water! Not so much for the heat but it'll still be plenty dry and there's lots to see and do, but only a few places to reprovision. As for truck gear, maybe a shovel if you're near the sand dunes? When we went out with some friends this past spring we stayed mostly on paved surfaces as they didn't have a 4wd so i can't really speak to the hard trails. Have fun though, and enjoy the varied landscape!

 

[NVSteve]

So I am thinking about taking a long weekend trip to Death Valley in late October/early November. I hear there are some reasonable trails to drive and some cool stuff to see and I need to put the camping equipment to use a couple more times this year before packing it away for the winter.

I have tried google searching and forum searching but I can't seem to find a thread about suggested off-road kits or packs. All my four-wheeling adventures have always been relatively close to home so I have never worried too much about having all the equipment I might need but this will certainly be different so I am looking for some opinions/help.

This is what I plan to pack for off-roading:

Full Size Spare - Goodyear Duratrac 285/70R17 (Will mount underneath for travel there and maybe move into cab once there if trails are rugged)
Portable Air Compressor - Plan to buy the Viair 450P kit
Tire Deflator - ARB505 E-Z Deflator
Tire Repair Kit - Rugged Ridge Kit
Bottle Jack - Torin 6ton Hydraulic Bottle
Hitch Mount Shackle - Smittybilt
Tow Strap - Boxer 3"x30'
Fire Extinguisher - 5lb ABC
Tool Bag - I guess I will just bring all sizes as I haven't worked on mine enough yet to know what sizes are commonly used on 5th Gen 4R
Headlamp - Black Diamond Storm
First Aid Kit - Homebuilt

Is there anything else that is usually carried or might be beneficial?

You mentioned camping, so I'm going to assume that's what your plan is. Did you want to camp in various places, or just one? I'd suggest Texas Springs Campground, mostly because it is centrally located and also because it is right across from Furnace Creek (gas, general store, visitor's center, dining, hot showers, etc.). The lower part of Texas Springs is tent only, so no dealing with obnoxious generator noises. Heavy duty tent stakes and a hammer (I use a rock pick) to deal with the mostly concrete-like dirt. I only mention this because of the wind potential. I honestly couldn't tell you how many times I've seen tents rolling through the campgrounds because of the high winds.

If you have a basecamp, then I would also bring along a 5 gallon water container, a bit of food & some warm blankets for the vehicle. A spare sleeping bag would be ideal, as the temps can & do get cold there at night.

Also has anyone been to Death Valley and has suggestions either on where is best to camp or what are some good trails?

You'll have to be a bit more specific as to what you consider a "good trail." A few of them have fairly large rocks involved, while most are what I'd consider very tame. I'd say the Titus Canyon drive is a must for newcomers. You can combine this with a stop at Rhyolite and the sand dunes near Stovepipe Wells. One of my favorite drives is up to Ubehebe Crater (you could also stop at Scotty's Castle if you want), then out to the Racetrack, then over a mountain and down to Panamint Springs. There are a ton of other very cool trails in the area, so it's really hard to list them all. Weather will also play havoc with many of the roads, oftentimes resulting in closures.

Anyway, have a good look at the NPS map here: http://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/upload/DEVAmap1a.pdf

If you are wondering about any of the roads, just look for a name attached to it on the map and google it. For example, Mengel Pass is pretty popular & I'd bet there are even videos of the trail.

 

[jdtaylor42]

Water! Not so much for the heat but it'll still be plenty dry and there's lots to see and do, but only a few places to reprovision. As for truck gear, maybe a shovel if you're near the sand dunes? When we went out with some friends this past spring we stayed mostly on paved surfaces as they didn't have a 4wd so i can't really speak to the hard trails. Have fun though, and enjoy the varied landscape!

Ah yes I forgot to list a shovel. I have a small foldable shovel which I have updated in my first post. Do you think there would be any need to carry a full size or would I be able to get by with a smaller one?

Also I will definitely pack a lot of water. I just hope I can get ice locally to restock everyday as I doubt it will last too long out there.

You mentioned camping, so I'm going to assume that's what your plan is. Did you want to camp in various places, or just one? I'd suggest Texas Springs Campground, mostly because it is centrally located and also because it is right across from Furnace Creek (gas, general store, visitor's center, dining, hot showers, etc.). The lower part of Texas Springs is tent only, so no dealing with obnoxious generator noises. Heavy duty tent stakes and a hammer (I use a rock pick) to deal with the mostly concrete-like dirt. I only mention this because of the wind potential. I honestly couldn't tell you how many times I've seen tents rolling through the campgrounds because of the high winds.

If you have a basecamp, then I would also bring along a 5 gallon water container, a bit of food & some warm blankets for the vehicle. A spare sleeping bag would be ideal, as the temps can & do get cold there at night.

We will definitely be tent camping and probably just set up in one spot and stay. I was intrigued by the camping at Thorndike or Mahogany Flat to get away from crowds but was concerned with the temperature being too cold for my wife with it being so high in elevation.

Also I will have to buy some more stakes because while my tent is awesome and roomy, it tends to catch the wind so good to know I need to stake it down a lot.

You'll have to be a bit more specific as to what you consider a "good trail." A few of them have fairly large rocks involved, while most are what I'd consider very tame. I'd say the Titus Canyon drive is a must for newcomers. You can combine this with a stop at Rhyolite and the sand dunes near Stovepipe Wells. One of my favorite drives is up to Ubehebe Crater (you could also stop at Scotty's Castle if you want), then out to the Racetrack, then over a mountain and down to Panamint Springs. There are a ton of other very cool trails in the area, so it's really hard to list them all. Weather will also play havoc with many of the roads, oftentimes resulting in closures.

Anyway, have a good look at the NPS map here: http://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/upload/DEVAmap1a.pdf

If you are wondering about any of the roads, just look for a name attached to it on the map and google it. For example, Mengel Pass is pretty popular & I'd bet there are even videos of the trail.

Thanks for the suggestions. I am definitely looking for trails that are a bit more challenging. Maybe not 1mph rock gardens as my wife gets bored with that but definitely not just dirt roads. I will do some research based off the map. Thanks!

 

[NVSteve]

This is pretty basic, but it will give you a good idea about some of the trails:
http://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/upload/Backcountry Roads.pdf

I wouldn't worry too much about crowds at that time of year. If the weather is bad, you could always stay in Sunset campground, which is right next to the visitor's center. Lots of trees/large bushes to deflect rain or wind, but it is also the main RV campground, aka generator city. The higher elevation campgrounds you mentioned aren't open all year, but I have no idea when they might close. I'd hate to be at one and have a snowstorm hit.

 

[DAGNABIT]

food and water will come in handy

 

[DesertCanyons]

Death Valley in Winter

Ah yes I forgot to list a shovel. I have a small foldable shovel which I have updated in my first post. Do you think there would be any need to carry a full size or would I be able to get by with a smaller one?

Also I will definitely pack a lot of water. I just hope I can get ice locally to restock everyday as I doubt it will last too long out there.

We will definitely be tent camping and probably just set up in one spot and stay. I was intrigued by the camping at Thorndike or Mahogany Flat to get away from crowds but was concerned with the temperature being too cold for my wife with it being so high in elevation.

Also I will have to buy some more stakes because while my tent is awesome and roomy, it tends to catch the wind so good to know I need to stake it down a lot.

Thanks for the suggestions. I am definitely looking for trails that are a bit more challenging. Maybe not 1mph rock gardens as my wife gets bored with that but definitely not just dirt roads. I will do some research based off the map. Thanks!

These are good questions and comments. I will be looking at the trail maps for my next trip - in winter.

You only want the full sized shovel if you're actually going to use it. I have a folding shovel and it's fine for digging a fire pit or latrine but I wouldn't want to have to dig out a vehicle with one. I tie a full sized shovel on top when I go out in the desert.

I've had my low, well made, 3-person backpacking tent blow over in the wind in DV. Having it staked makes a big difference. Practice this at home and make sure your tall, comfy camping tent has guy line tie-off loops on the outside, up high.

Try freezing some water in jugs to use as ice and drinking water later when it defrosts. Keep your cooler in the shade and covered by towels, blankets or any other insulating material you may have handy. I removed my back seats for a recent trip and it made for a very handy place to pack water bottles and the cooler, down low on the floor. You should have a gallon of drinking water for every day, not counting wash water. You may only drink 2 or 3 quarts per day, but have a factor of safety in case you break down somewhere remote.

Death Valley will probably still be warm to hot in October and November. The best times to go are January thru March. Not much rainfall in DV so don't worry about getting rained out. Yes, the higher elevations are less predictable and I have seen light snow on the ground in winter. Camping in Furnace Creek or Stove pipe wells is fairly predictable and both are somewhat central to the entire Park. Going in early spring can offer some incredible wildflower shows.
Have fun. :reddance:

 

[bane]

Weather should be pretty nice that time of year. Check the historical averages to get an idea of what the max/min should be like. Be forewarned that it gets COLD out there at night.

If you go out to Racetrack Playa please please please stay off the playa if it is wet and soft. Footprints last practically forever out there.

I'm jealous of your trip, I've been trying to get back out there for a long time.

 

[jdtaylor42]

This is pretty basic, but it will give you a good idea about some of the trails:
http://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/upload/Backcountry Roads.pdf

I wouldn't worry too much about crowds at that time of year. If the weather is bad, you could always stay in Sunset campground, which is right next to the visitor's center. Lots of trees/large bushes to deflect rain or wind, but it is also the main RV campground, aka generator city. The higher elevation campgrounds you mentioned aren't open all year, but I have no idea when they might close. I'd hate to be at one and have a snowstorm hit.

Good to know. It would certainly be nice to have some brush to deflect wind but yeah I would hate to listen to generator drone all day/night. Plus we are not really big fans of campgrounds where it feels like everyone is right on top of each other. Prefer to be more remote where other campers aren't close enough to be a bother.

food and water will come in handy

I figured we would just hunt. Maybe catch a few lizards and snakes and cook those up. :biggrin1:

These are good questions and comments. I will be looking at the trail maps for my next trip - in winter.

You only want the full sized shovel if you're actually going to use it. I have a folding shovel and it's fine for digging a fire pit or latrine but I wouldn't want to have to dig out a vehicle with one. I tie a full sized shovel on top when I go out in the desert.

I've had my low, well made, 3-person backpacking tent blow over in the wind in DV. Having it staked makes a big difference. Practice this at home and make sure your tall, comfy camping tent has guy line tie-off loops on the outside, up high.

Try freezing some water in jugs to use as ice and drinking water later when it defrosts. Keep your cooler in the shade and covered by towels, blankets or any other insulating material you may have handy. I removed my back seats for a recent trip and it made for a very handy place to pack water bottles and the cooler, down low on the floor. You should have a gallon of drinking water for every day, not counting wash water. You may only drink 2 or 3 quarts per day, but have a factor of safety in case you break down somewhere remote.

Death Valley will probably still be warm to hot in October and November. The best times to go are January thru March. Not much rainfall in DV so don't worry about getting rained out. Yes, the higher elevations are less predictable and I have seen light snow on the ground in winter. Camping in Furnace Creek or Stove pipe wells is fairly predictable and both are somewhat central to the entire Park. Going in early spring can offer some incredible wildflower shows.
Have fun. :reddance:

Probably a really good idea to set up my tent at home first. We just bought a new one a month ago so would suck to get all that way and find it is missing parts or something is wrong with it. Plus then I can know all the tie-down spots ahead of time.

Also that's a great idea on freezing some jugs and taking those. Serve as ice for our cooler food and then water after it melts

I would actually like to visit later so it's even cooler than 80's during the day but later than November we start getting into snowboarding season so I will be putting all my money/vacation time into those trips :bigok:

Weather should be pretty nice that time of year. Check the historical averages to get an idea of what the max/min should be like. Be forewarned that it gets COLD out there at night.

If you go out to Racetrack Playa please please please stay off the playa if it is wet and soft. Footprints last practically forever out there.

I'm jealous of your trip, I've been trying to get back out there for a long time.

Good to know as well. We are always very respectful of the environments we are in. Don't want to ruin the sights for those that come after us.

We have kind of been on a National Park tear for the last couple of years. We have visited Hot Springs, Carlsbad Caverns, Joshua Tree, Mammoth Cave, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Petrified Forest, Saguaro, Shenandoah, Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Arches, Canyonlands, Crater Lake, and Redwood National Parks all within the past four years. They are the best, cheapest vacations there are!

 

[jdtaylor42]

Oh also, would it be recommended to carry gas cans or are the area's not remote enough to need that? I get about 14mpg with my current setup.

I would like to get some of the Rotopax fuel cans but I don't yet have a Gobi so I would have to figure out a way to mount them to my stock crossbars. Rather not go to all that work if I won't really have a need for them this trip.

 

[puckitpuck]

We are planning to spend Thanks Giving in Death Valley so I am bookmarking this thread. So far I only hear that late November is fine to be out there. Thought?

ALSO, Extremely newbie to take 4-wheels out there. I went over there in May on a supported GS ride so I didn't quite need to prepare much.

I borrowed California Desert Byways, Ton Huegel, boook and reading it now.

 

[TK-422]

I didn't see it listed but a handheld CB radio is good to have in case you are out off cell phone range. Unless you have one mounted in your rig.

 

[NVSteve]

Oh also, would it be recommended to carry gas cans or are the area's not remote enough to need that? I get about 14mpg with my current setup.

I would like to get some of the Rotopax fuel cans but I don't yet have a Gobi so I would have to figure out a way to mount them to my stock crossbars. Rather not go to all that work if I won't really have a need for them this trip.

If you head out with a full tank, you won't have any problems. Distances aren't that great, and if you stick to mainly off road driving, most of those roads are not made for speed (you won't be driving huge distances). The only time I've encountered the need for spare gas was when some guy punctured his gas tank driving a stock 4x4.

 

[NVSteve]

This is the upper part of Texas Springs Campground (barren & mostly for trailers/RVs) on a typical windy Death Valley day. I always hike around the hills surrounding the camp & have yet to not come across a tent that has been blown a 1/2 mile or more away from camp (with gear still inside it). Just to give you an idea of what you could be facing...or not.

 

[fubar]

Camping at the Saline Valley Hot Springs is a good option. When I was there last year in May we were the only campers there. Bring a bottle of bleach and TP as an offering to the spring gods...

 

[EL CID]

If you head out with a full tank, you won't have any problems. Distances aren't that great, and if you stick to mainly off road driving, most of those roads are not made for speed (you won't be driving huge distances). The only time I've encountered the need for spare gas was when some guy punctured his gas tank driving a stock 4x4.

I agree with you, there's enough support within DV to keep you from running out completely, though I did bring an empty jerry can just in case I thought we'd deviate from any plans or move locations for any reason. Like I tell my wife when she asks if she should bring ___, it's better to have and not need than need and not have. An empty jerry can wont do you any good if you need it, but at least having one to possibly fill up can't hurt if plans change.

 

[ArmedBear]

This is the upper part of Texas Springs Campground (barren & mostly for trailers/RVs) on a typical windy Death Valley day. I always hike around the hills surrounding the camp & have yet to not come across a tent that has been blown a 1/2 mile or more away from camp (with gear still inside it). Just to give you an idea of what you could be facing...or not.

I am a stickler for guy-lines regardless of what the weather forecast is. I put almost every one on every single time.

 

[BenSD]

I visit every January and have spent a lot of time there. The above suggestions are great. Most of the roads I've been on there are well graded dirt roads -- often times with washboarding. If you want to see a bit more of what to expect there, here's a preview video for the video journals I film on my photography trips. You'll see a bit of the sort of weather that can happen there, as well as the sort of roads you'll be driving on. I ended up replacing my windshield after my last visit. A dust storm pitted it quite badly.

Also, don't underestimate the distances you'll be driving within the park, and keep a close eye on how much gas you have. I carry 8 gallons on the roof of my 4runner just in case.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiT5RhKjjaA

 

[Weyland-Yutani]

First and foremost it can get hot and freezing cold in the winter! Like other have mentioned bring at least 1 gallon per person/per day.

If you have room pack a walking sticks and put them in the tent. We woke up to a sidewinder outside the tent coiled up under the rain fly. I had to nudge him of his way with the stick. They are much smaller than I ever thought they would be.

If it does rain it can quickly turn into a flash flood with rock and mud slides. I have been there and had to spend the night trapped because the roads were impassible from boulders and rock that washed out the road and blocked it. Get to high ground if you see a storm coming. Also the opposite I have been in a sand storm and couldn't see 10 feet in front of the car. Clean out the air filter. The mountain passes can also close from heavy snow fall until it is cleared.

A thicker tire & spare is required by the park to travel roads to the "racetrack". There are very few people out that way and getting help could be delayed for a day or two.

This is one of my favorite parks in the lower 48 with Canyonlands being my all time favorite. You can drive for a couple of hours in either direction and not see many people.

Scottie's castle is cool but I don't really think worth the money.

Fill up the gas tank before you go into the park. It is nearly double the price inside the park. There are two main towns inside and have most things you will need if you forget something.

Cell service can be bad in a lot of areas.