Death Valley with Friends

[pawleyk]

Hello everyone!

This might be my first trip report on here, although I've been lurking a long time..

After lots of travelling I've been based in Reno NV for the last few years and I'm really enjoying the surrounding area. There's unlimited exploration within a days drive of here.

I mean, it sucks, move to Oklahoma.

I've had the great fortune of meeting some really great people in the Four Wheel Camper community and when one of them suggested a Saline/Death Valley trip this December I was all about it. A few others jumped on board and soon we had 5 well built, and well loved pop-up rigs for the adventure.

 

[pawleyk]

The first night, we all met up in Instagram's favorite OVERLAND spot: The Alabama Hills.

I have to admit, I've avoided it mostly due to the reputation, but it IS stunning. There's a reason it's so popular for photos, ads, and movies.

Altogether, we had:

My 2017 GMC Sierra and OEV HBE
An F350 Superduty with the 7.3 and an OEV HBE
Another F350 Superduty, V10, with custom flatbed and FWC Grandby
Ram 2500 Cummins, custom (owner built) flatbed and FWC Hawk
And a neat little Ford Ranger with FWC Fleet shell

 

[pawleyk]

The next day, we headed back up North a bit and then approached Saline Valley from the North Pass.

I passed through some blizzard conditions on the way South down 395, so we weren't surprised to come across a bit of snow as we crossed over the mountains and into the valley.

Not a ton, maybe 5-6" at the most, but we were making first tracks and it did make for some stunning scenery, the snow against the vast desert below.

 

[AWG_Pics]

Carry on -- tell us more. Sounds like a great adventure with new friends, too!

 

[CPT Davenport]

Reno "I mean, it sucks, move to Oklahoma."

"The first night, we all met up in Instagram's favorite OVERLAND spot: The Alabama Hills."

Instagram: Next stop Saline Valley

Wander on ya'll. My wife and I do not do the social media thing. I do enjoy sharing tips and trips with like minded folks.
It's all relative isn't it.

 

[pawleyk]

Reno "I mean, it sucks, move to Oklahoma."

"The first night, we all met up in Instagram's favorite OVERLAND spot: The Alabama Hills."

Instagram: Next stop Saline Valley

Wander on ya'll. My wife and I do not do the social media thing. I do enjoy sharing tips and trips with like minded folks.
It's all relative isn't it.

For what it's worth, I'd certainly consider a forum like Wander the West a form of social media.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

For what it's worth, I'd certainly consider a forum like Wander the West a form of social media.

It is, and in my opinion, it is the best place to hang out on the interwebs.

 

[pawleyk]

The North Pass road into Saline was rough, but no more than any other bumpy BLM or USFS road. I've heard many stories over the years about how bad it is, but it must be in better condition than before? Just small rocks and washboards, like every other dirt road I've driven.

We lost the snow as we dropped into the valley and setup camp a small distance away from the main hot springs pools. An after-dark soak with wine and laughter, warm up around the campfire (in a solo stove) and all in all a good day.

We woke to the burros and a few curious coyotes eyeing our camp. One of those donkeys sure seemed interested in my mountain bike.

After chatting with other campers, we broke camp to go explore the pools farther up the road. A bit less developed and less 'grotto' like, they're beautiful too and probably where I'd spend my time on the next trip. There were also a ton, seven at least, Four Wheel Campers dotting the landscape around the upper pools.

 

[pawleyk]

It is, and in my opinion, it is the best place to hang out on the interwebs.

Definitely less toxic than the FB groups.

FWC HQ actually called me up and booted me from their owners' group.

 

[CPT Davenport]

For what it's worth, I'd certainly consider a forum like Wander the West a form of social media.

Indeed, I suppose it is. I just like the narrowed and condensed group of people here. Other forms of the major SM groups tend to exploit areas, and fill them with the masses. In my experience, these masses come for a quick "I did it" photo then leave all of their garbage behind as proof of their visit. This is why I feel safe leaving information here. We are like minded folks who truly appreciate our surroundings and visit with a sustainable approach.

Stoked you charged out to Saline, sounds epic! We saw the turn off and really wanted to check it out, but were limited by time.

 

[Wallowa]

Definitely less toxic than the FB groups.

FWC HQ actually called me up and booted me from their owners' group.

Ah,,,what is this stuff about FWC HQ "booting" you out?

And yes all the work you did on my Tundra/Hawk is still chugging along and checking all the boxes....love it.

Phil

 

[kmcintyre]

Hello everyone!

This might be my first trip report on here, although I've been lurking a long time..

After lots of travelling I've been based in Reno NV for the last few years and I'm really enjoying the surrounding area. There's unlimited exploration within a days drive of here.

I mean, it sucks, move to Oklahoma.

I've had the great fortune of meeting some really great people in the Four Wheel Camper community and when one of them suggested a Saline/Death Valley trip this December I was all about it. A few others jumped on board and soon we had 5 well built, and well loved pop-up rigs for the adventure.

KP,

I'm confused. I thought you sold your flatbed?

Either way, looks awesome. We thought about heading down to DV but the thought of rain, etc. kept us home. We've been to DV too many times when everything was closed (of course, we've also been there when it's been great).

Kevin

 

[pawleyk]

Ah,,,what is this stuff about FWC HQ "booting" you out?

And yes all the work you did on my Tundra/Hawk is still chugging along and checking all the boxes....love it.

Phil

They said the dealers were complaining since I now sell a competing brand of popup camper. I certainly attempted to be respectful, and keep most of my content in the free FWC advice category, and certainly wasn't promoting other products. Several of the dealers are in regular contact with me as well, so the story seems thin. But that's fine, the internet is big, although I miss the community.

 

[pawleyk]

KP,

I'm confused. I thought you sold your flatbed?

Either way, looks awesome. We thought about heading down to DV but the thought of rain, etc. kept us home. We've been to DV too many times when everything was closed (of course, we've also been there when it's been great).

Kevin

I sold my Four Wheel Camper and replaced it with an OEV flatbed unit. MUCH better insulation.

 

[kmcintyre]

I sold my Four Wheel Camper and replaced it with an OEV flatbed unit. MUCH better insulation.

Aw.... got it!

 

[pawleyk]

After a late start from Saline, we headed South. The road was rough and we travelled slow, stopping for lunch and photos, but it was a great test of the suspension work I've done to my truck this year. Pretty damn smooth!

We got to see the jets, a bobcat, and Boxcar cabin before making camp at a nice little oasis just off the Old Toll Road to Darwin Falls.

 

[pawleyk]

Another lazy start at my favorite, although unlevel, camp of the trip. Fish in the desert, old mines, and migas for breakfast!

 

[longhorn1]

KP, great to see you show up here. I have been spending way to much time enjoying our travel trailer. Time flies bye when you are having fun. My FWC has had 3 owners in the past 1-1/2 years and appears to be heading for a 4th. This is one of the best sites, all level headed. Enjoy. I continue to follow you on Instagram.