Death Valley - The Racetrack

[SadRobot]

I can't remember when I was there, but know it was either March or Oct. None of the campgrounds were very busy. or you can get on

Don't know how much time you have on day 1 to get to Death Valley, but a fun way in is through Trona. Turn off to Ballarat, take Coyote Canyon to Baker Ranch (Manson's hideout), then continue on over Manly pass to West Side Rd (graded dirt). There's a couple cabins you can check out off of Coyote Canyon Rd. Coyote Canyon to West Side Rd. has a couple technical spots but nothing major. Take that to Furnace Creek or you can get on Badwater Rd. (paved) to Furnace Creek.

Whatever you do will be fun. Death Valley is a great place.

I do want to do a Trona Pinnacles trip one day. This trip is going to be a quick weekend thing as the friend going with me has a real job and can only leave a bit early on Friday and has to go back to work on Monday.

I do love Death Valley though. The first time I went by myself and hit most of the main attractions. I almost got myself stuck in Golden Canyon trying to hike something I shouldn't have been hiking lol. The first time there I also did not have my Garmin MIni and don't know what I was thinking. If I had gotten stuck out there with no cell service things would have gone south quickly.

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[Sidewalk]

I'm planning a flight out there in the near future, if the weather holds out. I guess I need to plan a trip out there in the Jeep too

 

[SadRobot]

I'm planning a flight out there in the near future, if the weather holds out. I guess I need to plan a trip out there in the Jeep too

Weather looks rainy the next few days. I'm hoping it doesn't wash anything out for this weekend.

 

[bjm00se]

My big concern is gas supply and getting there and not finding a campground. Anyone have suggestions on where we can camp back in that area if Mesquite is full when we get there? We're planning on arriving mid afternoon on a Friday.

I've driven up in there a couple times, but not in the last year or three.

Personally, I wouldn't bother with carrying any extra fuel if I was doing Stovepipe wells to Mesquite to Homestake and then retracing my steps back. I'd just top off at Stovepipe Wells gas station on the way in and on the way out.

It's only 160 miles of very easy wheeling, typically 25 to 45 mph 4hi stuff, so gas mileage isn't abominable.

Even if you're coming up 190 from Baker, it's probably worth it to top off at Stovepipe. Gas there is expensive, but gas at Furnace Creek is *really* expensive.

 

[SadRobot]

I've driven up in there a couple times, but not in the last year or three.

Personally, I wouldn't bother with carrying any extra fuel if I was doing Stovepipe wells to Mesquite to Homestake and then retracing my steps back. I'd just top off at Stovepipe Wells gas station on the way in and on the way out.

It's only 160 miles of very easy wheeling, typically 25 to 45 mph 4hi stuff, so gas mileage isn't abominable.

Even if you're coming up 190 from Baker, it's probably worth it to top off at Stovepipe. Gas there is expensive, but gas at Furnace Creek is *really* expensive.

I'm just concerned with the smaller 2 door tank. I may just bring 2 gallons if I can't fit the extra 5 in the Jeep. Plan is to top off at Stovepipe.

Last time I was out there I remember spending $9.50/gallon at Furnace Creek.

 

[Fonzilla85]

A few months ago, it was in the $4.60 ish a gallon. But it’s definitely a gamble there with prices.

 

[SadRobot]

A few months ago, it was in the $4.60 ish a gallon. But it’s definitely a gamble there with prices.

Wow that's cheaper than here. I just paid $4.87 this morning

 

[Fonzilla85]

Wow that's cheaper than here. I just paid $4.87 this morning

Like I said, it’s a gamble there. It may be higher. If you check the Google map, it may have the current price.

 

[Fonzilla85]

Be sure to take a Teakettle and place it at Teakettle Junction. I completely forgot, pretty cool little photo opp.

 

[SadRobot]

Thanks everyone who gave advice and tips. Here is my write-up of the trip.

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