Pahrump / Death Valley

[greg121]

Looking at routes for a big rig both ways Pahrump / Death Valley. There is a Bell Vista road that is the most direct route. Its in my Trucker Atlas but not shown as a truck route. Going north or south on what is shown as truck routes would add 30 miles or so.

Can this be done in a big rig (40 ft diesel pusher towing)? Google streetview shows a fair looking road - no shoulder but thats ok for this short distance, I did see a load limit sign but local heavy loads ok so I'm thinking they just don't want 18 wheelers running down the road all the time.

Pulled up some references on google search but nothing recent. Anybody have current knowledge or info?

Thanks.

[Flying_Scot1]

Had a similar question and concern as we wanted to fuel in Pahrump before heading South(May 2023) although it added 30 miles the fuel savings was worth it. Talked to a bus driver in DVNP and he told me the road was good and never had any issues with commercial access. Our RV GPS kept telling us the road had a weight limit (numerous times as we travelled it), but never saw any signs. Made the journey to Pahrump with no issues and the road is good.  Travelled in a 45' MH pulling a toad.

Flying Scot

[vermilye]

For some reason, many of us don't visit parks & attractions close to home. I made 10 trips across the US & Canada before I camped for a night in the Adirondacks, 75 miles from home...

[Off_Pavement]

Orion wrote:
... No one from Pahrump we asked had ever been to Death Valley! We couldn't believe it.

You'll find about the same number have never been in the Spring Mountain National Recreation Area that's just east of town. Here is my favorite picture from there...

[greg121]

Thanks all, did Keane Mine and it was indeed very interesting

[Orion]

Sorry I can't help with any directions as it's been a few years since we were in Pahrump on our way down into Death Valley.
We also wanted to know how good one of the roads down was. We were staying in 'Terribles' and started asking people in the Casino. "No Idea, never been there" was the answer ! Obviously travellers just like us. So then we first asked if they were local. "Yes I live here, but never been to Death Valley" was similar to the reply we got. No one from Pahrump we asked had ever been to Death Valley! We couldn't believe it.

[Off_Pavement]

Bell Vista is the main route for tour buses out of Las Vegas going to DVNP. Road resurfaced on the NV side last year and yes, there are no shoulders for the most part.

While you're in DVNP, the Keane Wonder Mine just reopened after being closed since 2008. NPS did a lot of stabilization work on the ruins and it's worth the 3 mile gravel road trip to see it IMO...

Keane Wonder Mine Trip Review

[dkreuzen]

Bell Vista is a good road, I take it every time I go to Death Valley.

[teeznu]

Have traveled with our 40ft'er pulling a 30ft car hauler trailer. Entered from Pahrump and exited Panamint Springs. That was a "Pull" when we climbed out to DV.

[jdealcpa]

We took Bell Vista Pahrump/ DeathValley in February. No problem for our big rig. No shoulders, pretty straight, and fairly wide lanes. Very little traffic. Took our time.. We had no problems. Pretty enjoyable scenic route. After Amargosa there were several groups of RVs in groups boondocking. Kind of neat arrangement.

[enblethen]

Your truck atlas may not show route as many National parks do not allow commercial truck traffic.