bob91yj
Resident **************
Thanks for the map links, been wearing them out!
Pop up Camper run
- Thread starter bob91yj
- Start date
Thanks for the map links, been wearing them out!
wolverine350r
Adventurer
Here is the map of the routes I have been on, and they were all camper friendly (and no 4x4 needed) when we went on them. A lot of the dirt roads are heavily wash boarded though. I have never been in the south end of the park, so I have no comments there.
Darwin falls (near Panamint Springs) might be a nice little hike also.
Hi Bob - Please put me down as I'm 90% sure I can make it. I'm logged in as 'tnscoots" - but my name is Tom and I live in Baton rouge, LA. I'll drive a 2W Tacoma with 2.7 4 banger, and hauling a restored '99 FWC Ranger. My email address is tnscoots@cox.net. I'll be solo.
Walt Knapp
New member
Sand Dune Singing and Photography
Off on the East Coast so won't make this run. But here are a couple sources for those planning:
Steve Kossack runs Photography workshops in Death Valley along with a lot of other western places. He's put out a DVD, which basically follows a workshop through Death Valley. Very useful and interesting if photography is your interest. I've used that DVD to identify places of interest in my passes through Death Valley:
http://www.stevekossack.com/DVD/index.htm
Singing Dunes are another interesting thing in Death valley. Eureka and Kelso dunes are some of the better singing dunes in the area, I've been to both of those when they were singing. Some links for those interested, but a bunch of stuff can be found on Google:
http://www.schweich.com/sbdA.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XF6kGDLcVE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Vdog90MV8c
It's a matter of humidity, temperature and such if you get singing, and summer is probably more likely than April when you are planning.
Off on the East Coast so won't make this run. But here are a couple sources for those planning:
Steve Kossack runs Photography workshops in Death Valley along with a lot of other western places. He's put out a DVD, which basically follows a workshop through Death Valley. Very useful and interesting if photography is your interest. I've used that DVD to identify places of interest in my passes through Death Valley:
http://www.stevekossack.com/DVD/index.htm
Singing Dunes are another interesting thing in Death valley. Eureka and Kelso dunes are some of the better singing dunes in the area, I've been to both of those when they were singing. Some links for those interested, but a bunch of stuff can be found on Google:
http://www.schweich.com/sbdA.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XF6kGDLcVE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Vdog90MV8c
It's a matter of humidity, temperature and such if you get singing, and summer is probably more likely than April when you are planning.
topofpalomar
Enthusiast
I suggested in an earlier post that we could start at the Harry Wade Exit Route off Highway 127 North of Baker and South of Shoshone and enter the park from there. We could even camp out the first night on the Route or somewhere nearby.
Susie and I did a quick run out there last weekend. It had been quite a few years since we'd been out there so we thought what the heck - let's go camping and check out the area. We ended up driving the Harry Wade in both directions.
The first several miles or so has BLM land on the Southern (left) side of the road. The North side is within the park. One point seven (1.7) miles from Hwy 127 on the Harry Wade there is a trail on the left leading up to the Avawatz Mtns that would be a decent first-night's camp spot right off the Route. I spoke to a BLM ranger (Jeff) who stated that we'd be fine there with a small group (six or so). As you go up this trail further a few folks could find a spot or two but as the terrain begins to get steeper it would be more difficult to get a level spot. However, this area right near the Harry Wade Route could be an excellent first night's starting point and would be easy to spot for someone coming in, even after dark.
The only bummer is the lack of privacy for anyone needing to partake of a bush. There's hardly any. You can walk a half-mile away and still be right out in the open. Something to think about.
The Harry Wade is in very good shape. It's 30 miles long with some washboard (worst was the first couple of miles off highway 127), some soft sand, and areas where you could motor along quite nicely for miles at a time. I really don't think a two-wheel drive would have a problem since I never engaged the transfer case the whole time.
Here's a shot of the road past the half-way point.
When we exited the Harry Wade Route on the Badwater Road and headed into Furnace Creek to visit the visitor center we spotted three coyotes and two ravens begging food from tourists on the side of the road. Of course we didn't feed them (illegal) but we did take advantage of the photo-op.
During our two days out there we visited Saratoga Springs and walked around the Confidence Mill Site ruins, found a remote campsite up Ibex Road with a view of the Ibex Dunes and generally enjoyed ourselves. If you've never been out there, own a popup camper, and want to have a chance to see some stunning scenery then this might be the chance.
By the way, if the Harry Wade Exit Route first night's campsite is not acceptable there is always Afton Canyon Campground off I-15. This is an established campground that has restrooms and level spots. Can't guarantee enough spaces but it is a possibility for a first night. The distance from Afton Canyon to Baker, then North to the Harry Wade Route is a short, easy drive.
Anyone have any other suggestions?
Susie and I did a quick run out there last weekend. It had been quite a few years since we'd been out there so we thought what the heck - let's go camping and check out the area. We ended up driving the Harry Wade in both directions.
The first several miles or so has BLM land on the Southern (left) side of the road. The North side is within the park. One point seven (1.7) miles from Hwy 127 on the Harry Wade there is a trail on the left leading up to the Avawatz Mtns that would be a decent first-night's camp spot right off the Route. I spoke to a BLM ranger (Jeff) who stated that we'd be fine there with a small group (six or so). As you go up this trail further a few folks could find a spot or two but as the terrain begins to get steeper it would be more difficult to get a level spot. However, this area right near the Harry Wade Route could be an excellent first night's starting point and would be easy to spot for someone coming in, even after dark.
The only bummer is the lack of privacy for anyone needing to partake of a bush. There's hardly any. You can walk a half-mile away and still be right out in the open. Something to think about.
The Harry Wade is in very good shape. It's 30 miles long with some washboard (worst was the first couple of miles off highway 127), some soft sand, and areas where you could motor along quite nicely for miles at a time. I really don't think a two-wheel drive would have a problem since I never engaged the transfer case the whole time.
Here's a shot of the road past the half-way point.
When we exited the Harry Wade Route on the Badwater Road and headed into Furnace Creek to visit the visitor center we spotted three coyotes and two ravens begging food from tourists on the side of the road. Of course we didn't feed them (illegal) but we did take advantage of the photo-op.
During our two days out there we visited Saratoga Springs and walked around the Confidence Mill Site ruins, found a remote campsite up Ibex Road with a view of the Ibex Dunes and generally enjoyed ourselves. If you've never been out there, own a popup camper, and want to have a chance to see some stunning scenery then this might be the chance.
By the way, if the Harry Wade Exit Route first night's campsite is not acceptable there is always Afton Canyon Campground off I-15. This is an established campground that has restrooms and level spots. Can't guarantee enough spaces but it is a possibility for a first night. The distance from Afton Canyon to Baker, then North to the Harry Wade Route is a short, easy drive.
Anyone have any other suggestions?
bob91yj
Resident **************
Thanks for doing some scouting for us Cliff. I've got little interest in a developed campground, I can do that at Santee Lakes 5 miles from my house. Again, it's a group decision, so I'll go with the flow!
Anyone have specific sights that they want to see? or a Saturday/Sunday morning plan?
Anyone have specific sights that they want to see? or a Saturday/Sunday morning plan?
brian90744
American Trekker
first night
Bob. I'm with Jeff= Harry Wade is OK for me.
brian
Bob. I'm with Jeff= Harry Wade is OK for me.
brian
topofpalomar
Enthusiast
Guys,
Glad you feel the same. Let's do Harry Wade for first night/rendezvous spot. Susie is working on getting the time off and we can try to be the first ones there to reserve our campsite.
I recommend we go to Saratoga Springs first morning as we head further into the park. It's on the way and worth the visit.
Glad you feel the same. Let's do Harry Wade for first night/rendezvous spot. Susie is working on getting the time off and we can try to be the first ones there to reserve our campsite.
I recommend we go to Saratoga Springs first morning as we head further into the park. It's on the way and worth the visit.
topofpalomar
Enthusiast
Sounds good. We'll start to fine-tune as the date gets closer.
topofpalomar
Enthusiast
I'm still on. Overnight on the Harry Wade Road and cruise into DV in the am with a stop at Saratoga Springs on the way. Suggest the Westside Road, too.
I usually just wing it when I go to places like DV but I'm open to anything on this trip. Someone may want to see something specific that we can put on the to-do list.
We can discuss around the 'ol campfire the first night while consuming adult beverages.:beer:
We might even try for an overnight in Greenwater Valley (ghost town site up there).
I usually just wing it when I go to places like DV but I'm open to anything on this trip. Someone may want to see something specific that we can put on the to-do list.
We can discuss around the 'ol campfire the first night while consuming adult beverages.:beer:
We might even try for an overnight in Greenwater Valley (ghost town site up there).
topofpalomar
Enthusiast
Gettin' close to the date of departure.:wings: Everyone still on-board?