14 replies to this topic

[Bill Baxter]

In Ridgecrest, CA now. Our intention is go north on CA 395 and then CA 190 into Death Valley from the west side. How tough is the climb over the mountain into the valley?

Thanks,
Bill

[Jon Vermilye]

There are sections that include a 9 mile 8% grade, lots of twists & switchbacks, but I managed to pull my 3000 lb trailer with a RAV4. Great scenery along the drive.

[HamRad]

Bill,
You should have no trouble. Just take your time and enjoy the ride. This is definitely the time of year to visit DV. Should be relatively few folks and the weather should be almost perfect. Happy Trails, Dennis

[Rick & Alana]

Let me hijack this a little. Can anyone recommend which full hook up campground and are they larger enough for an HDT.

[chippysgt]

Bill, just turn off your a/c pulling the grade out of Panamintvand watch your speed going down to Stovepipe Wells. It is VERY deceptive.

StovepipevWells has water and electric. Room to park a 747.

[aeromax]

Tecopa hot springs is at the south end of death valley there are some camp grounds that are big rig friendly and have full hook ups plus the hot spring are vantastic after being in them for a hour my old broke down body tingled for the rest of the night. In short I love tecopa..................................

Let me hijack this a little. Can anyone recommend which full hook up campground and are they larger enough for an HDT.

[aeromax]

dont sweat the small stuff you will be fine with your rig. I hope you have a toad because death valley has alot to affer but not in a Bus LOL be sure to see scottys castle its unbelivable its at the north end then work your way down to tecopa and put your butt in the hot springs YOU WILL THANK ME lol

In Ridgecrest, CA now. Our intention is go north on CA 395 and then CA 190 into Death Valley from the west side. How tough is the climb over the mountain into the valley?

Thanks,
Bill

[JM]

We are thinking of going from Pahrump, NV to Bishop, CA and were also curious about 190 from east to west thru Death Valley or if it would be better to go 168 on the north end? We have a MDT and 40ft fiver.
Thank you.

[HamRad]

Either way will work. I like 190. There are a few grades but nothing that will stop you. It may slow you down a bit on some of the twisty area but the scenery is nice and the road is OK. Just slow down and enjoy the ride. Traffic is seldom if ever a problem so often you have the entire road to work with. Good luck and enjoy. Dennis

[rvpopeye]

1 vote for 190.
Take it easy , enjoy the views.Stop at Amargosa Opera House in DV Junction on the way in. EDIT::: Zabriskie Point is a must see on this route in,,,,,just before entering the valley stop, stop, stop, on the left side...

Coming in through Beatty is just a different way , will get you into the middle of the park. Check out Scotty's Castle and Ubehebe Crater if you choose this route.

Depending on how long you stay , you'll end up going from one end to the other more than once anyway. (Not a 1 day trip !!!!)

Edited by rvpopeye, 14 May 2012 - 12:25 PM.

[2gypsies]

From Pahrump we would suggest taking 267 at Scotty's Junction and stop for a tour in the park at Scotty's Castle, if you haven't done it. We've done it a few times and it's a great tour. Plus, it is a COOL one - inside. From there drive through the park to Stovepipe Wells and then get on 190. It's a nice drive to Lone Pine where you could spend the night. Safe travels.

[JM]

Thanks for the tips everyone, much appreciated.

[mockturtle]

Some friends of ours took this route in their 40' MH & toad and vowed they would never do it again!

[Lou Schneider]

Entering or leaving Death Valley from the west, from Stovepipe Wells to Lone Pine, is the stretch of 190 to avoid. The east entrances from Death Valley Junction (be sure to stop at the Amargosa Opera House!) or Beatty are fine. The northern entrance (NV 267) to Scotty's Castle is a little narrower and has some twists and turns but is also OK.

Keep Beatty in mind if you run low on fuel while using your toad to run around inside the park - although it's 40 miles from Furnace Creek to Beatty the trip will easily pay for itself by the difference in gas prices inside the park (in CA) vs. outside the park in NV.

Edited by Lou Schneider, 16 May 2012 - 12:13 PM.

[JM]

Entering or leaving Death Valley from the west, from Stovepipe Wells to Lone Pine, is the stretch of 190 to avoid. ...

We have been on the east side of Death Valley before so were just planning on passing thru and not site seeing the park this time. We want to stop in Bishop, CA and will be coming from Pahrump so will probably just go north thru Tonopah. Thank you.