School me on Death Valley in January

A forum that'll feed your need for exploring the limitless adventure possibilities found in "other" places. Post trip reports or ask questions about outdoor adventures beyond the Sierra Nevada here.
Post Reply
User avatar
paul
Topix Expert
Posts: 787
Joined: Thu Mar 15, 2007 3:35 pm
Experience: N/A

School me on Death Valley in January

Post by paul »

Might get some time off in January, and thinking desert wanderings. I am wondering mostly about anyone's experience of what roads in DVNP are likely to be passable for my minivan at that time of year. Thanks in advance for your help/advice.
User avatar
bobby49
Topix Fanatic
Posts: 1225
Joined: Sat Nov 11, 2017 4:17 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer

Re: School me on Death Valley in January

Post by bobby49 »

Most of the park paved roads are good. However, January is a time of big storms and floods. So, rather than a minivan, have you considered a row boat?
User avatar
balzaccom
Topix Addict
Posts: 2953
Joined: Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:22 pm
Experience: N/A

Re: School me on Death Valley in January

Post by balzaccom »

It may or may not rain. If it does, bobby's right...it can be scary. If not, it can be cold...like freezing...or beautiful.

If you want things to do, check out Steve Hall's site at Panamint City.com....easily the best website for DV.
Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-R ... 0984884963
User avatar
BillyBobBurro
Topix Regular
Posts: 118
Joined: Fri Jul 31, 2009 3:57 pm
Experience: N/A

Re: School me on Death Valley in January

Post by BillyBobBurro »

Getting into or out of Saline Valley might not be possible since the two passes to the valley can get snow.
User avatar
bobby49
Topix Fanatic
Posts: 1225
Joined: Sat Nov 11, 2017 4:17 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer

Re: School me on Death Valley in January

Post by bobby49 »

I realize that everybody's calendar constraints are different. However, in my opinion, the best time to visit Death Valley NP would be the middle of March. By then, there are wildflowers in different parts of the park that aren't hard to get to. In mid-March, the weather can be warm or hot, but it is generally less than deadly hot.
User avatar
Flamingo
Topix Regular
Posts: 346
Joined: Tue Mar 29, 2011 12:18 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer
Location: West Oakland, California
Contact:

Re: School me on Death Valley in January

Post by Flamingo »

@paul I'm a big fan of Death Valley in January! On my previous winter trips to DV, the thing that most surprised me was the strong and persistent wind. Sometimes it's been impossible to pitch a tent, and there's very few places with vegetation for shelter. While camped at Eureka Dunes in January 2019, the afternoon wind snapped my tent poles.
User avatar
paul
Topix Expert
Posts: 787
Joined: Thu Mar 15, 2007 3:35 pm
Experience: N/A

Re: School me on Death Valley in January

Post by paul »

Folks have mentioned cold - I'm expecting that, would bring my full range of layering options up to and including the snow camping stuff. And Rain - which, if in the forecast, could put me off since it would keep me firmly on the pavement, driving wise. And wind - that I was slightly aware of, but will keep in mind more centrally. Since I'm not likely to do any backpacking, just dayhikes, I'd be sleeping in my van so I don't have to worry about tent failures. But sounds like having some non-cook food options might be a good idea, in case it's howling such that I don't want to set up a stove outside.
User avatar
neil d
Topix Regular
Posts: 196
Joined: Tue Aug 24, 2010 12:46 pm
Experience: N/A

Re: School me on Death Valley in January

Post by neil d »

I would definitely go in January, just be prepared for short days and long nights. You are rather limited if you don't have at least some vehicle clearance, IMO, because the dispersed camping is just so spectacular.

(Side rant: the established camping in DV sucks beyond belief. Almost a crime they even charge for it. Maybe you wouldn't mind sleeping in a vehicle, but pitching a tent on asphalt is just wrong. Although I hear Mesquite Springs is the best of the bunch).

Regarding wind, it is true that it often rips through the valley and over the peaks various times of year. But you can often escape it by driving up into a canyon.
User avatar
bobby49
Topix Fanatic
Posts: 1225
Joined: Sat Nov 11, 2017 4:17 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer

Re: School me on Death Valley in January

Post by bobby49 »

neil d wrote: Fri Oct 02, 2020 4:06 pm Although I hear Mesquite Springs is the best of the bunch).
1. It is off the beaten track.
2. If you are prepared, there is a nice hike to some nearby petroglyphs. Bring a lunch.
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 34 guests