Traveling to Death Valley in mid February to mid March

[Fernweh]

Hi Folks,
We will be traveling from Wisconsin to Death Valley NP this coming winter/spring. Looking for recommendations for camping and places to explore. Park looks busy, but we can make it work.

If we are able we are also tagging on Yosemite and Sequoia if weather and roads permit. We have owned our camper and truck and love the freedom and flexibility it gives us to explore. We tend not to do reservations, but can if the need arises.

Thanks for your help in advance

Jim

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Jim, there is plenty of elbow room in DVNP. Lots of CGs if you want, plenty of back country for dry camping. I recommend getting the NatGeo map, plus the "Hiking Death Valley" guide by Digonnett. I also highly recommend you review the DVNP Blog entries by the Ski3Pins.

It's a fantastic place. Watch the weather, as there can be severe flooding with winter rains.

Have fun!!!!!!

 

[ntsqd]

If it has a label on any DVNP map it is probably worth checking out. Give up any idea of seeing it all in one trip.

 

[Backroad Joe]

Jim, do you prefer established campgrounds or boondocking? What truck do you have?

The official NPS map is available from the park website. There is also a backcountry version of the same map. NatGeo and Tom Harrison are also excellent maps. NPS also maintains the Death Valley Road Conditions Facebook page. Even after all these years I still find the distances are far greater than they appear on any map.

And of course, any trip planning needs to include lots of time spent on the http://www.PanamintValley.com forum.

Plan, be flexible, enjoy. BTW, Feb-Mar is just fine.

 

[Bseek]

Just be aware at that time of year the passes will be closed, and it is a long way around to Sequoia and Yosemite.

 

[smlobx]

Based in large part on comments here in WTW we went to DV a couple of years ago in February and it was one of our best trips ever!
As has been said above there are plenty of places to camp and explore.

We are talking about a multi week trip just to explore more of this great park,

 

[ski3pin]

Fernweh, you should have a great time discovering Death Valley National Park.

I suspect you've already browsed the NPS website -

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

The Park is huge. It has so much to see. Jim Boone's website has a great deal of information -

http://www.birdandhike.com/Areas/DEVA_Area/_DEVA_toc.htm

Here are a few past posts asking about Death Valley -

http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/7107-death-valley-in-march-with-my-dad/

http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/11966-dv-for-a-dv-newbie/

http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/9992-first-trip-to-dvnp-questions/

http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/8581-death-valley-questions-again/

http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/8521-death-valley-info/

The Park can be busy but in no way as busy as Yosemite or Yellowstone.

Take a broad look and see what piques your interest. I can provide information on suggested camp spots - dispersed and campground. How many days are you planning?

 

[Fernweh]

Thanks everyone for the resources and suggestions. We are excited to plan for this trip and will put out another post later to get your feedback.

What a great community of folks... always so helpful

Fernweh (jim)

 

[Lighthawk]

Looks like you have received plenty of advice. I'll just add that the temps may be more than WI folks are ready for by March.
Lower elevations may be hitting the 90's by then, so factor that into your camping and hiking plans. One gallon per person per day is the old saw.