Death Valley Rally after Christmas

We should be there some time on the afternoon as well. I've driven through Ballarat a few times coming or going from Death Valley via Goler Wash but don't remember a campground. I know Ballarat isn't exactly a big place but can someone give me a clue where the campground is and where the secondary option is if the campground is full? This is almost like a blind date looking for someone holding a rose or something. How will we know its us?
 
We should be there some time on the afternoon as well. I've driven through Ballarat a few times coming or going from Death Valley via Goler Wash but don't remember a campground. I know Ballarat isn't exactly a big place but can someone give me a clue where the campground is and where the secondary option is if the campground is full? This is almost like a blind date looking for someone holding a rose or something. How will we know its us?



Ballarat is a store and a cemetary. The "campground" is right across the street from the store on the south side of the cemetery. If it's full (was full of Clampers last time we were there), go north about 1/4 mile, and on the left side of the road is an open area that's obvious it's been used as a camping area. Look for the ATC's and FWC's, you can't miss it.

I can post some pictures of Ballarat and the camping area we used last year if you need them.
 
It seems like we've got a good group forming at the Ballarat rendezvous. I'm still planning on arriving at Saline on the 26th for a few days of soaking. We'll look up Gene when we're there, and maybe catch some music if we're lucky.
We'll probably do some hiking around the canyons at the foot of the Inyo. Anyone else thinking Saline Valley?

I don't know where y'all are heading from Ballarat, but we're interested in visiting the Race Track probably on the 28th, ideally via Lippencott Road. Seems like Ted mentioned some camping up there. Anyone wants to join in for this or alternately running Steele Pass to visit the dunes on the 28th or 29th, let me know. It would be great fun to rally with more than one vehicle (my usual).

One other place that begs exploration is off Death Valley Rd./Eureka Valley where there's a 25 mi. loop through Papoose Flat. That's a possible detour for us coming from the north, either coming on the 26th or leaving on the 30th.

Of course this is all theoretical once we go off grid. Still, thought I would share some of my ideas and see if anyone else is interested in visiting some of the northwestern parts of DV.
 
you guys are killing me. I'll be on the coast visiting my vegan non drinking sister for christmas. Have to drive my parents. Well not have to, but theres no way I"m letting my dad, who can't move his neck, spend six hours on the road in bad weather. He'd do it too. Wish I could be there.
 
It seems like we've got a good group forming at the Ballarat rendezvous. I'm still planning on arriving at Saline on the 26th for a few days of soaking. We'll look up Gene when we're there, and maybe catch some music if we're lucky.
We'll probably do some hiking around the canyons at the foot of the Inyo. Anyone else thinking Saline Valley?

I don't know where y'all are heading from Ballarat, but we're interested in visiting the Race Track probably on the 28th, ideally via Lippencott Road. Seems like Ted mentioned some camping up there. Anyone wants to join in for this or alternately running Steele Pass to visit the dunes on the 28th or 29th, let me know. It would be great fun to rally with more than one vehicle (my usual).

One other place that begs exploration is off Death Valley Rd./Eureka Valley where there's a 25 mi. loop through Papoose Flat. That's a possible detour for us coming from the north, either coming on the 26th or leaving on the 30th.

Of course this is all theoretical once we go off grid. Still, thought I would share some of my ideas and see if anyone else is interested in visiting some of the northwestern parts of DV.


If the Racetrack is wet or recently wet you won't be able to walk out to the rocks. We always try to make it there at least once per trip but will probably skip it unless we see a ranger who confirms it is dry enough to walk on.
 
CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS
December 11, 2010
This report will be updated as conditions change.
All other park roads are open and in standard condition.

  • Harry Wade Road - Open; high-clearance 4WD recommended due to deep sand.
  • Hunter Mountain Road - Open; 4WD and snow chains recommended.
  • Keane Wonder Mine Road - CLOSED; road and mining area closed to all entry due to safety hazards.
  • Racetrack Valley Road - Open; The playa is wet, DO NOT walk on it and leave footprints.
  • Saline Valley Road (North Pass) - Open; high-clearance 4WD and snow chains recommended.
  • Saline Valley Road (South Pass) - CLOSED; Inyo County is still working on the road.
  • Upper Wildrose Canyon Road - Open but Icy; 4WD recommended. Expect snow in Mahogany Flat campsites.
http://www.nps.gov/d...-conditions.htm

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

The link to the report is old Dec 11th....a lot has happened since...snow, rain, I'm sure after the pounding rain the Race Track playa might have water.
 
It seems like we've got a good group forming at the Ballarat rendezvous. I'm still planning on arriving at Saline on the 26th for a few days of soaking. We'll look up Gene when we're there, and maybe catch some music if we're lucky.
We'll probably do some hiking around the canyons at the foot of the Inyo. Anyone else thinking Saline Valley?

I don't know where y'all are heading from Ballarat, but we're interested in visiting the Race Track probably on the 28th, ideally via Lippencott Road. Seems like Ted mentioned some camping up there. Anyone wants to join in for this or alternately running Steele Pass to visit the dunes on the 28th or 29th, let me know. It would be great fun to rally with more than one vehicle (my usual).

One other place that begs exploration is off Death Valley Rd./Eureka Valley where there's a 25 mi. loop through Papoose Flat. That's a possible detour for us coming from the north, either coming on the 26th or leaving on the 30th.

Of course this is all theoretical once we go off grid. Still, thought I would share some of my ideas and see if anyone else is interested in visiting some of the northwestern parts of DV.


Andy,

We'll be arriving at Saline on the 28th. We're stayin' there and staying warm in the pools. I've done some winter camping to Eureka Dunes, Race Track and Papoose Flats. Those places can get really cold, especially Papoose Flats. So, maybe we'll see you at Saline. Bob (Deltarat) said he thought he's be coming through Saline as well.

Gene
 
It's looking very nice -- sunny, anyway -- in the Sierras to the west of Death Valley, as these current photos of Mt. Whitney and view-from-Lone Pine show:

whitney_L20101223-1.jpg LonePine20101223-1.JPG

Mt Whitney cam
Lone Pine View cam (steerable!)


Both of these cam-links I found on the truly-great "Sierra Nevada Cams" page.

I'm pretty sure I won't be joining you guys in DV...I'm now thinking it's just too far out of my way between Redding (where I'll be for the next 3 days) and my primary destination of eastern Nevada. Have fun.
 
Zion National Park is back open after the flood problems. I guess we're going to head there tomorrow. I hope to meet up with you guys later in the year somewhere. I may be able to talk my wife into heading to quartzite for the big flea market in January.

John
 
CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS
December 23, 2010
This report will be updated as conditions change.
All other park roads are open and in standard condition.

Expect most backcountry roads to be muddy

  • Artists Drive - CLOSED due to flood damage.
  • Badwater Road (CA Hwy 178) - Open, use caution due to standing water and flood debris.
  • Big Pine Road - CLOSED due to flood damage.
  • Dante's View Road - CLOSED due to flood damage.
  • Devil's Golf Course Road - CLOSED due to flood damage.
  • Eureka Valley Road (north and south) - CLOSED due to flood damage.
  • Harry Wade Road - Open, but has not been checked; high-clearance 4WD recommended due to deep sand.
  • Hunter Mountain Road - Open, but has not been checked; 4WD and snow chains recommended.
  • Keane Wonder Mine Road - CLOSED; road and mining area closed to all entry due to safety hazards.
  • Mustard Canyon Road - CLOSED due to flood damage.
  • Racetrack Valley Road - Open, but has not been checked; The playa is wet, DO NOT walk on it and leave footprints.
  • Saline Valley Road (North Pass) - CLOSED due to flood damage and snow.
  • Saline Valley Road (South Pass) - CLOSED due to flood damage.
  • Titus Canyon Road - CLOSED due to flood damage.
  • Twenty Mule Team Canyon Road - CLOSED due to flood damage.
  • Lower Wildrose Canyon Road - Open, use caution due to flood amage.
  • Upper Wildrose Road - CLOSED 1/2 miles below Charcoal Kilns; Mahogany Flat Road currently not accessible.
http://www.nps.gov/d...-conditions.htm

http://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm
 
With Lippencott being, potentially, the only access Palm Spring hot springs doesn't seem like a good idea to me.
 
From what I have heard South Pass is clear.The Park Service has listed South Pass closed every time I have been there,including this past Thanksgiving.Needless to say it is a pretty miserable road.But that is what keeps the generators out.Snow chains are a good thing to have.Especially if there is a storm while at the springs!
 
I've been going to Saline for over 25 years. The Park Service always says the road is impassable, they even put up signs. Yet I have never had a problem as long as I had my chains (cables) along. I would recommend everyone headed into Saline carry chains. Preferable, two sets. Someone came out of Saline yesterday and said all was clear through the South Pass.
 
Call me weak. With the rain "its pouring where I live, not showers as the weather report says" (most roads I wanted to go on closed going to and in Death Valley), I can only go for a few days due to work, and the fact I would be traveling by myself, I have decided to postpone for a drier time when it will be more safe.

Its ok Ted, go ahead and say it!

Darryl
 
After enduring several hours due to chain controls (even with only wet roads), we're on our way. I'm typing on my phone as Susan drives us thru Minden. DV conditions look tough, but we'll see if South Pass is do-able tomorrow. We'll visit Travertine tonite and may stay at lower Green Creek tonight. We've got chains, five days food (and some liquid sustenance) and a sense of adventure. It's gonna be alright.
 
After enduring several hours due to chain controls (even with only wet roads), we're on our way. I'm typing on my phone as Susan drives us thru Minden. DV conditions look tough, but we'll see if South Pass is do-able tomorrow. We'll visit Travertine tonite and may stay at lower Green Creek tonight. We've got chains, five days food (and some liquid sustenance) and a sense of adventure. It's gonna be alright.


Andy,
I guess if we don't hear from you, then South Pass is doable. I've never, in 25 years, been turned back. I have chains for both front and rear axles. Pic below is coming out South Pass with Park Superintendent Dick Martin way back in February 2001.
Gene
 

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