Route to Death v in calif

Not the best route for rv's but it is the only road. Very winding two way road thru the canyon. I believe it used to be called Hobo springs.

You didn't say how long your Vacationer is. Hwy 178 goes through Kern canyon following the Kern River. For about 20 miles going east, it is a very curvy two lane highway with some very close outcroppings of rock that can cause some damage if you get too close. Other than that, you shouldn't have a problem.

In all my years in this area, I've never stopped at the hot springs...

I would assume that if you're going to DV, that you would follow Hwy 178 through Ridgecrest and Trona. Hwy 178 designation ends before Trona (actually at the turn off to the Trona Pinnacles road) but continues on under the name of Trona Wildrose Rd. Anyway, the road over slate range also has some very sharp turns but easily done. Once in Panamint Valley, the road is not well maintained, but passable. Once this road connects to Hwy 190 (turn right at the stop sign) Hwy 190 then goes over Townes Pass with at 10% grade close to the top for a couple of miles. Once over the pass, the highway descends from about 7500 ft down to -200 ft in about 10 miles. Very easy to allow your speed to increase rapidly...

Hope this helps

Ron

Thanks folks. My MH is 33 feet + toad. Since we've never been to DV, I figured we'd go hiway 395 to 190 and into the park. Hiway 178 looks shorter, but you say not as well maintained?

I'm also curious where you folks have stayed in DV. We like swim pools, but not required. Hookups nice, not required. Any suggestions? thanks again, Mark

If you go up 395 to 190, the road is much better than going through Trona. However, as 190 descends into Panamint Valley, the road is very steep and curvy for several miles. Slow way down and you should be fine.

There are a couple of gas stations right before the 190 turn off from 395... suggest you fill up there...not quite as expensive as in DV.

As for staying in DV, you're best bet would be to go to Furness Creek Resort. They have a few FHU sites and have two creek fed pools. Across the street is the Fiddlers Campground... not sure if they have FHU or not. BLM has several dry campgrounds in the area.

Have a great time.

Ron

stayed in tecopa springs ca. state park, not pretty but more like 1930's the bathhouses are segregated by sex,no swimsuits to keep dyes out of discharge water.i have been in and out of dv several times the only rd I would use again would be through parump nv, imo the best rte ken

Furnace Creek CG has a few sites with full hookups. They go quick, reservations are the best bet there, even for dry campsites. Furnace Creek ranch has a pool that non guests can pay a few bucks and use their facility.

Marv Hoag wrote:
Furnace Creek CG has a few sites with full hookups. They go quick, reservations are the best bet there, even for dry campsites. Furnace Creek ranch has a pool that non guests can pay a few bucks and use their facility.

Hi Marv! Chris

I would go through Trona.
Have only camped at Furnace Creek.... no hookups.

Me Again wrote:

Marv Hoag wrote:
Furnace Creek CG has a few sites with full hookups. They go quick, reservations are the best bet there, even for dry campsites. Furnace Creek ranch has a pool that non guests can pay a few bucks and use their facility.

Hi Marv! Chris

HEY CHRIS

You're close to us. Pm me---let's talk

smkettner wrote:
I would go through Trona.
Have only camped at Furnace Creek.... no hookups.

I don't know if the OP has already made his way to DV, but I heard this morning that the Trona-Wildrose (hwy 178) through Panamint Valley is closed and all traffic is routed back to hwy 395 to hwy 190. See this you tube video.

Video

I noticed that it was published in October and I have no idea if it is still closed or not.

Ron