Re: upcoming trip to DV
Posted by Janet on November 05, 2003 at 10:56:23:
In Reply to: upcoming trip to DV posted by AB in UK on November 02, 2003 at 18:09:25:
The weather forecast for this weekend is grim - another cold, wet storm due in Friday. The one last weekend dumped snow down to 7000 ft lightly, and seriously above 9000 ft. All Sierra passes closed (well, not 50 and 80, but chains will be required again). And yes, it is Death Valley Days, so the Furnace Creek area will be inundated with RV's and 50,000 folk - but they do have some neat activities going!!
The North road from Big Pine to Ubehebe Crater was graded a month ago and is in GREAT shape! As is the road to Eureka Dunes. If you want solitude, that's a great place. Hike up on the dunes, or better, as the moon is full this weekend also (and eclipse on Saturday), SLEEP up on the dunes!!
Butte Valley is also a lovely place to go from the West Side Road. Lots of places to camp - like at the Stripped Butte, or at the Geologist's Cabin or anywhere else remote.
Most rental vehicles, including SUV's, aren't supposed to be taken off paved roads - read the contract carefully! And most don't come with good backcountry tires, much less 2 spares - without those, be careful which roads you select!!
Mostly - watch the weather this weekend!!! It could get ugly- and it will be COLD at night!