BACKCOUNTRY & 4X4

Posted by Pugsly on January 13, 2005 at 12:44:59:

Trail Report for: Steel Pass - Saline Valley to Eureka Valley

Ahh Christmas - and another trip over Steel Pass.

I always like this route into Saline - no washboard, and diverse and interesting scenery. Cruise past the dunes, then climb up through interesting Dedeckera Canyon. You exit Dedeckera onto a high desert plateau between the Saline Range and the Last Chance Range. You could spend weeks just exploring this one little area.

Steel Pass forms the entrance to the Saline Valley, just above the famed marble bath (featured on most topo maps).

The descent along the alluvial fan from Steel Pass to the Warm Springs is uneventful. Vehicle traffic has resulted in a well defined / easy to follow route. Slow and steady wins the race here, as weaker sidewall tires have been known to get shredded on this part of the route!

If you had any doubts about the ability of your vehicle to make it through Dedeckera Canyon, this post should put your mind to rest. This is a full size rental Dodge Durango with street tires climbing up through Dedeckera!

Steel remains a viable (and preferred) option for dropping in to Saline, particularly if approaching from the North East.

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