Going to Death Valley

Buttercup · 02-05-2009, 10:17 PM

Kimber and I are heading to Death Valley the weekend of the 14th February. We will be enjoying a tour of Titus Canyon sponsored by the Death Valley Natural History Assn. (cheap, shameless plug). You can see details about the tour at the DVNHA Website.

On the odd chance that somebody else is going on this tour, or just going to Death Valley, we will be camping at Texas Springs campground. Should not be hard to spot us, we will be in an Airstream trailer towed by a black Hummer H2. We will be there from Friday morning until Monday morning.

gail · 02-06-2009, 12:24 AM

I wish you would have told us a day sooner. Next time please give us some more notice. Thanks, gail

Buttercup · 02-06-2009, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gail

I wish you would have told us a day sooner. Next time please give us some more notice. Thanks, gail

Sorry, sorry - I wasn't even sure 100% that we were going until a few days ago.
I will take pictures. We will also be assisting a local Boy Scout troop that will be coming down for a different expedition of sorts. So it is a multi purpose trip.

As for the weather, it is usually quite mild this time of year so that makes Feburary thru April the best times to go.

Fyrzowt · 02-06-2009, 02:00 AM

Post some photos on your return if you would. My brother and I have loose plans to go sometime this spring.
One thing I worry about there is weather. I don't want to bake or freeze. But then I'm not picky...

Dave

pmclemore · 02-06-2009, 10:43 AM

I entered from the West on our last visit last fall - and it was a very hands-on experience. No problem with the climb - I have a duramax - but the downhills were thrilling.

Enjoy the trip.

Pat

Mike Leary · 02-06-2009, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmclemore

I entered from the West on our last visit last fall - and it was a very hands-on experience. No problem with the climb - I have a duramax - but the downhills were thrilling.

Ditto that, that is one road I'll not do again!

FreshAir · 02-06-2009, 03:09 PM

I love Death Valley. I went for several Spring trips before I met Lynn. The last time I was there was when I took Lynn on our honeymoon, February 15th, 1969.

Yup 40 years ago and in a Scotsman trailer. It rained and rained. Perhaps we should have planned a 40th anniversary return.
Neil.

Zeppelinium · 02-06-2009, 04:19 PM

See the article in the NYT today on the hot springs in Saline Valley. If you don't go there, the 6,000' entry point at the south end overlooks the Panamint and is cool, even in summer. The road up to that point (from the direction of Darwin) is pretty good. After that is gets baaaaadddddd.

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Zep

SteSpot · 02-06-2009, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmclemore

I entered from the West on our last visit last fall - and it was a very hands-on experience. No problem with the climb - I have a duramax - but the downhills were thrilling.

Enjoy the trip.

Pat

For those who are not looking for a "thrilling" downhill experience, you can enter Death Valley from Interstate 15......through Baker....which is the southeast entrance.......and a very good alternative......pj

1953 Flying · 02-06-2009, 06:37 PM

I wish we could go with you..... Have fun and be safe

Buttercup · 02-06-2009, 09:18 PM

Wow! I just told a few of my friends and signed up 2 more! One of them is an Airstreamer.

Buttercup · 02-13-2009, 03:05 PM

For those who were disappointed at the short notice about the Titus Canyon tour, I have good news. The trip was postponed until the 14th of March due to weather. This is good news because the amount of rain the park has received probably means that the wildflowers will be in bloom. I already heard a report that some wildflowers are blooming. So if you are interested in going, perhaps this will be your chance! We are still going - wouldn't miss it!

48_liner · 02-13-2009, 05:37 PM

For information on Death Valley, Google the "Death Valley Morning Report". It's a one page PDF that is published every day and shows temperatures, road closures and Scotty's Castle tours and times. Looking at it today shows Titus Canyon is closed due to snow and flooding. We go four wheeling just about every spring and it took four trips to hit a weekend that it was open. It's a great trip and worth the wait.

Buttercup · 02-16-2009, 12:40 PM

You can find that Morning Report right on the front page of the Death Valley Natural History Assn web site. Not only that, there is a weekly Ranger Programs guide that lists the events happening in the park for the week. Something else to look at if you are planning a trip to DV.