nurseBob
08-15-2005, 10:42 PM
Yesterday, I headed out of Lone Pine and thought I'd just see what came up. Once again in Big Pine I headed east on 168, but this time instead of heading up towards the Bristle Cone Pines, I turned south on to Death Valley road. This is a little traveled road since it's normally only used by 4wd people looking for a more adventurous way into DV. It's the road that has multiple true 4wd roads heading off into alternate entries to the valley. The two most interesting are still closed due to washouts from the storms in Aug. of '04. Not to say that people don't still try; a guy died last week trying the Saline valley road (ignored the closed signs, drove around the barricades, got stuck and tried to walk in 120+ temps - found dead about 20 miles from his car...) Anyway, I digress...
The DV road is paved for the first 30 miles, and it's a dream for those who like twists, turns and other treats. Starting in the Owens Valley at about 4000 feet, it snakes its way over a low pass (maybe 6000? didn't check the gps, but the temp was down to 72 - not 100+). The pavement runs out at the official DV monument boundary. From there it's about another 40+ miles to Scotty's Castle. I debated momentarily, and then got sane. No one knew I was there, or where I was going, the risk of stone cuts and total tire failure are reasonably high, I didn't have more than a gallon of water...
So, I turned and headed back. But, having been over the terrain once I felt more confident. I enjoyed the curves and, there are more than a couple straight sections where you can twist the throttle to your heart's content. In the two hours I was on the road I met just one vehicle heading in as I was exiting. So, if you're in the area and have time for a ride to nowhere - this one should be on your list!
Bob
The DV road is paved for the first 30 miles, and it's a dream for those who like twists, turns and other treats. Starting in the Owens Valley at about 4000 feet, it snakes its way over a low pass (maybe 6000? didn't check the gps, but the temp was down to 72 - not 100+). The pavement runs out at the official DV monument boundary. From there it's about another 40+ miles to Scotty's Castle. I debated momentarily, and then got sane. No one knew I was there, or where I was going, the risk of stone cuts and total tire failure are reasonably high, I didn't have more than a gallon of water...
So, I turned and headed back. But, having been over the terrain once I felt more confident. I enjoyed the curves and, there are more than a couple straight sections where you can twist the throttle to your heart's content. In the two hours I was on the road I met just one vehicle heading in as I was exiting. So, if you're in the area and have time for a ride to nowhere - this one should be on your list!
Bob