Re: Death Valley for the FIRST time! - When?

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Posted by David A. Wright on October 14, 2002 at 23:43:07:

In Reply to: Death Valley for the FIRST time! posted by Elaine on October 14, 2002 at 20:31:00:

Sounds like quite an itinerary! Sounds adventuresome.

You don't say when you're going. Your window of opportunity is closing on Gold Hitt and especially Beveridge if you plan on going soon. Snow has already fallen in the White and Inyo Ranges. Last Monday I was driving in some snow in the June Lake area that fell the week previous. The shady spots above 8,000 still held snow, the White and Inyos got a heavier snowfall than the Sierra did (typical for this time of year).

The maps show Gold Hitt accessible by road. I've been quite close to the site, in the canyon above it where there's a 10-stamp mill and in the Buena Vista area. However, I've heard conflicting reports if the roads are passable.

Beveridge is also accessible from Saline Valley, but that's the hard way.

If heading to this region in the next few months, keep an eye out for weather, check the DVNP morning report on the web (if they ever get it straightened out), check the Inyo National Forest website for weather and road/trail conditions. Access to Saline Valley is greatly affected by weather and could be closed for long periods. North and south acesses are high and it might be a few days or a week until the sun and enough people with 4x4s get the snow tramped down enough to make it easier to get in or out.

Mammoth Lakes is a magnet for lots of people. Best make reservations early.

Your itinerary takes you to spots that avoids most tourists, and in my opinion that's best.


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