Planning trip to Death Valley California
I am starting the planning for a trip to Death Valley this December. Any advice on where to stay and things that we must do? Thank you!
Forum Discussion
I love DV. I went every January for 12 years on motorcycles and every year was different due to the weather impact on the place.
Stay at Furnace Creek, it gives better access to more stuff than Stovepipe Wells. It also has much better services and more things to do. The little museum at FC is worth a couple of hours, especially the machinery. The old Atlas diesel is very interesting. The restuarants aren't bad and the pool is great.
Someone mentioned Dante's Overlook. Get there close to dawn or sunset for spectacular views. The wildflowers at this time of year will be everywhere if there has been any rain.
I like Scotty's Castle. Yeah, it is a little pricey, but worth it to me. Be sure to see the Pelton Wheel generator. If you have the time, go to Ryolite ghost town.
If you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle there are hundreds of miles of roads and trails to explore. Best to travel with a buddy, though.
You didn't ask about routes. If you plan to come into DV from the west, note that the section of 190 west of Panamint Springs to the 136 intersection can be a real driving test in a large coach. 178 from Tonapah to Panamint Springs would be my choice instead. The route via Baker and Shoshone is no problem. Stop for lunch at the Mad Greek in Baker if you come that way.
be sure to spend a few days in DV. You can't see it all in just one or two days.
Cheers,
Bob
Stay at Furnace Creek, it gives better access to more stuff than Stovepipe Wells. It also has much better services and more things to do. The little museum at FC is worth a couple of hours, especially the machinery. The old Atlas diesel is very interesting. The restuarants aren't bad and the pool is great.
Someone mentioned Dante's Overlook. Get there close to dawn or sunset for spectacular views. The wildflowers at this time of year will be everywhere if there has been any rain.
I like Scotty's Castle. Yeah, it is a little pricey, but worth it to me. Be sure to see the Pelton Wheel generator. If you have the time, go to Ryolite ghost town.
If you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle there are hundreds of miles of roads and trails to explore. Best to travel with a buddy, though.
You didn't ask about routes. If you plan to come into DV from the west, note that the section of 190 west of Panamint Springs to the 136 intersection can be a real driving test in a large coach. 178 from Tonapah to Panamint Springs would be my choice instead. The route via Baker and Shoshone is no problem. Stop for lunch at the Mad Greek in Baker if you come that way.
be sure to spend a few days in DV. You can't see it all in just one or two days.
Cheers,
Bob
