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BillandCarole's avatar
BillandCarole
Explorer
Dec 31, 2014

Bakersfield to Las Vegas by way of Death Valley

Hi Everyone

My son-in-law wants to see Death Valley. We really don't have the time, but I said I would try to at least drive thru on our way to Vegas. The extra 100 miles we can do, but I am worried about the weather.

I did the drive from Bakersfield thru Lenore NAS though Death Valley and then to Vegas many years ago but my memory is hazy, and then it was in early April, not January.

How difficult will this be? Is this even feasible this weekend (2 thru 4 Jan). I remember a twisty-turny road that climbed through steep mountains that left my old "gasser" struggling up and down. Snow is expected over New Years. Is it even open?
Regards
Bill
Roads and Routes

4 Replies

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  • lanerd's avatar
    lanerd
    Explorer II
    Dec 31, 2014
    BillandCarole wrote:
    Hi Everyone

    I did the drive from Bakersfield thru Lenore NAS though Death Valley and then to Vegas many years ago but my memory is hazy, and then it was in early April, not January.

    Bill


    As mentioned Lenore is actually Lemoor...which is north of Bakersfield. I think you are referring to China Lake NWC (Ridgecrest). That route is 58 to 14 to 178 to 190. This route include both Tehachapi and Towne's pass which I'm sure got some snow last night. However, more than likely it will be all gone by this coming weekend.

    I believe you would not have any problems with this route. Towne's pass is around a 9 to 10% grade at the top, and a long, long, downgrade (but only about 5%) into Stovepipe Wells....really got to watch your speed on this part.

    Good luck, and as you come through Ridgecrest...honk!

    Ron
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Dec 31, 2014
    Normally in January you wouldn't have a problem as long as you waited for the sun to come up to get rid of any possible Black Ice. But as tahiti indicated above this storm is very cold and you'll have to contend with possible snow, ice and flash flooding plus high winds.

    That being said we were able to see most of the highlights of Death Valley in one day (Dawn to dusk)the last time we were there for a friend's wedding.
  • dkreuzen's avatar
    dkreuzen
    Explorer
    Dec 31, 2014
    Never heard of Lenore NAS only Lemoore NAS which is no where near Death Valley.
    The best route between Bakersfield and Death Valley is 58 to I15 to 127 to 190 and enter Death Valley from the south. Using 395 and 190 entering from the west is a very twisty road not recommended for RV's and this time of year the weather will add to that difficulty.
  • tahiti16's avatar
    tahiti16
    Explorer
    Dec 31, 2014
    Check this link often before you leave and while you are gone for current conditions. Caltrans Highway condition Highway 58 towards Barstow and then either highway 14 to 395 or stay on 58 to 395.

    This storm is really freaky with snow down to 2K level which includes most mountains in the south and the Antelope valley so getting out of the central valley and then across the high desert may be an adventure in itself!

    They are warning people to take extra precautions in Pasadena tomorrow night for the parade as they are expecting temps as low as 28!!!

    Be careful and take your time.

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