Thread: Death Valley camping: tips/advice?

Ended up being a good trip. A bit cold with a high of 28 and an overnight low of 15 but fun, none the less.

Here is how it went down, Pardon my poor writing skills:

15N to 395, and West on 190 is where the adventure began. As we pass south of a frozen Owens lake, I take a glimpse up at my trucks compass. Cold.



After crossing a long cold and flat Owens Valley, only stopping long enough to glance behind us at the Serria's, with Mt. Whitney protruding above her sisters, we cross into Death Valley National Park. Our first vista is Crowley's Point. A Great view of the Panamint Valley, with the Panamint mountain range in the background and Death Valley just beyond.


Father Crowley's Point, Hwy 190 weaving down into Panamint Valley

We jump back into the trucks and start our descent down a winding Hwy190. A gorgeous drive, dropping us down into Panamint Springs. Eager to arrive and to start setting up camp, we cross the Panamint Valley in haste. We arrive at the bottom of the Panamint mountain range and adventure into our first canyon via Trona/Wildrose road. The canyon was really something to see. Abandoned mines, fresh water turned ice running across the road, beautiful rock formations, and fall colors. I recommend taking Trona rd back to Hwy 190, instead of using 190 directly.


Trona/Wildrose road

Abandoned mine on Trona road

After Trona rd merges with Emigrant Canyon rd, approach Wildrose campground swing in to take a peek. Running water? Pfft, too many amenities! Back on the road, and further up Wildrose Canyon we go. A nicely paved Emigrant road soon turns into a dirt. Now we're getting somewhere. 5 miles into our dirt trail we come across the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns. Built in 1877 and still enduring.


Wildrose Charcoal Kilns

After a glimpse inside the Kilns, it was time to kick the tires on the truck and head further up the Canyon and to our final destination, 8100' atop the Panamint Mountains, at Mohogany Flats. From here on out the Roads were steep, loose, and water washed heavily. Crawling our way up we only managed to get stuck once before arriving at our campsite. Mohogany Flats.



A 6 hour drive had left me cramped and ready to explore, but first we had to set up camp. Especially due to the fact that clouds looked as though they were rolling in, and it was already 26 degrees F at 2 in the afternoon. Luckily, the clouds swirling at Wildrose Peak were feigning rain, and cleared out before sundown.

camp finally setup, a mid-day fire, and a sweet Kings decal!

A few hours later after a short hike, and some great views of Badwater Basin (-272' below sea level) it was time for dinner and to call it a night. The low for the night was 15 Degrees, and my drool froze to my sleeping bag but hey, we made it. Thanks to all of you for your input. Even you Mitchy. I'll leave you guys with a few pictures of Death Valley/Badwater Basin, and a gorgeous shot of the sunset, and Jupiter on the horizon.



Death Valley/Badwater


Sunset

Plenty more pics I've yet to upload if anyone is interested.