Death Valley route via 395

Well, it's actually a moot point as I mentioned earlier, the road between Trona and Hwy 190 in Panamint Valley is CLOSED! You would have to continue north on 395 to Olancha to hwy 190.

However, they are working on it and by the time you want to travel, it may be repaired. I would still go through Baker tho.

Have a great trip.

Ron

I think we're going to do that then, head through Baker....we were told about the Trona way, but if it's only going to be an extra hour or so, we'd rather stick ot the better highway and less grades. Thanks!

No, probably not. Much better highway, less mountain grades, and fuel is cheaper in Baker....maybe I should say "less expensive".

Ron

Coming from California, does it really save that much time by going through Trona? Or just heading to Baker and then up? We're going in February and just trying to plan ahead.

dicknellen wrote:
Are you talking about 395 to Ridgecrest and 178 thru Trona then hooking up with 190? If you are we have taken this route many times in up to a 30' MH with a toad and have never had any issues. At the Y make sure you don't take the Wildrose road that takes you up over Emigrant Pass, at the Y you want to keep to the left and continue on to 190. The grade on 190 is very steep. If I remember correct my V10 trans was in low gear going up and never out of second on the way down. The reason we have taken this route is because of family in Ridgecrest. Dick

As mentioned.... hwy 178 from Trona to Panamint Valley is CLOSED! CHP is giving out tickets for anyone who goes past the road closed barriers!

Actually Hwy 178 "designation" ends at the road to the Trona Pinnacles.

Ron

If I ever go back I'm doing the Nevada route, I was there last winter and they had construction going between Panamint Rd and Emigrant Campground It was right at the summit and very narrow.

Are you talking about 395 to Ridgecrest and 178 thru Trona then hooking up with 190? If you are we have taken this route many times in up to a 30' MH with a toad and have never had any issues. At the Y make sure you don't take the Wildrose road that takes you up over Emigrant Pass, at the Y you want to keep to the left and continue on to 190. The grade on 190 is very steep. If I remember correct my V10 trans was in low gear going up and never out of second on the way down. The reason we have taken this route is because of family in Ridgecrest. Dick

The snow does not surprise me, when we went through (9 Oct) that night was the first snow of the season. All of the higher ground, to the north/west/east was covered in snow on the morning of the 10th.

I would tend to side with the cautious route, my wife is not a fan of long winding narrow roads and I cant say I am either,I know it will be at least 60 miles further but I dont mind. as always I get the info I need here , from all angles, appreciate the help all.

We were in Death Valley a week ago and the Trona road through the Panamint Valley was still closed from some major washouts, although they were starting work on it.

Hwy 190 is a very winding and tight road for large rigs and if I was coming from Glendora the Baker route, although a little longer, would be a best bet. And, the last storm closed Towne Pass and, according to a CHP officer, temporarily stranded 10-12 RVs up there which is a contingency to consider if going that route.