Re: All boys adventure in DV
Posted by Thom on July 14, 2001 at 22:48:19:
In Reply to: All boys adventure in DV posted by Marcel Lange on July 14, 2001 at 20:42:36:
Lippincott conditions can change with a little rain. I would check with the Rangers for up to date info. I wouldn't hesitate going down with a 2wd pickup on my last trip at the end of April, even with a fullsize, but there is a spot (washout) developing about halfway down, that, should you have to turn around, you would be in a tough situation. Meaning no return in the uphill direction in 2wd.
I am leary of saying "passable" without knowing the bravado of the group, driving skills and vehicle recovery and road repairing (shovels) equipment and recent road conitions.
An alternative to Lippincott is to backtrack over Hunter Mountain an enter Saline via the south pass.
Birdman gave me this link for weather conditions on Hunter, which may give some insight. Probably adds 1 1/2-2 hours over Lippincott, depending, but it is a great loop. Lots of rain on Hunter could spell problems. 0.5 inches is what I would consider lots of rain for the clayish route on Hunter.
http://www.boi.noaa.gov/FIREWX/Raws/RAWSOBS/CA_HUNTER_MOUNTAIN.htm
You can also read the "4wd required" sign at the top of Lippincott beyond the Racetrack and look for hand-scrawled notes regarding the road conditions.
I have gone uphill on Lippincott in 2wd, and also crawled in low-low in 4wd across the valley portion. It is that susceptible to rain.
Sorry to be so long winded, but I would like you to successfully complete your trip without me being overly pessimistic.
P.S. Be sure to gas up at Stovepipe, Big Pine or Olancha. Panamints Springs has no gas.