A quick trip in Death Valley

[kellymoe]

Looks like Lippencot hasnt changed much. The first time I drove that road in 1984 it was a much different road, rutted and a real 4x4 trail. We stayed at the Lippencot Lead Mine at the south end of the racetrack. Once the DV became a Nat. Park they came in and improved Lippencot to allow their Hummers to make it up and down the road on their patrols. For a first timer on the trail it can still make you pay attention but compared to the condition it was in years ago it is now a pretty tame trail and still one of my favorites.

BTW if you like steep exposed trails you should do the Snowflake Mine road in the Saline Valley. It climbs the east side of the Inyo Mtns. to the Snowflake talc mine. Lots of exposure to make you sit up and pay attention but it's really not as narrow as you think when your driving it.

 

[PHXtaco]

2nd on Snowflake Mine road. The first time I drove it was at night and it caused quite a bit of pucker factor—mainly because I was thinking that if I came to something impassable, I would have to back all the way down as there was rarely a place to turn around! It was not as bad as I thought when I drove down the next day in light, but the views were incredible.

 

[Saline]

x3, Snowflake is no joke! I haven't driven up there in years due to the numerous rockslides on the road though. I'll walk thanks!:sombrero:

 

[SWbySWesty]

Very funny. Thanks for the reply on this. It doesn't look so bad in the photo but that is easier said behind the keyboard than the steering wheel. I did Laurel Lakes in my Sportsmobile and there is a tight spot with loose gravel and a good 100 foot drop but did fine. I hope to do Lippencott sometime.

It looks as though we will not be getting up that far this time but plan to take Goler Wash up and over the Mengle Pass. That should be fun in the van. Anyone know what the conditions are now?

steve

Steve - got a itch to have company? I don't think I'm doing any more trips this month in the Jeep since I just started grad school, but maybe Greg can come too. You haven't seen the Grape yet in person!