Trail Ratings
Posted by Last Chance Rand on March 04, 2002 at 13:44:17:
In Reply to: Holidays in DV posted by Bob Stonehouse on February 28, 2002 at 16:37:09:
Our backcountry trails are rated on a scale of 1 to 4, with 4 being impassible without lockers or winch. Our ratings key pops up when you click the words "difficulty rating" on our trail descriptions.
Below is a picture, taken only last week, of a stock Land Rover Discovery successfully negotiating what I believe to currently be the toughest obsticle inside the Park - the waterfall in upper Echo Canyon
It is my opinion that it is not the obsticles thats pose the greatest challenges mechanically, but rather the many miles of abusive roads in often inhumane conditions. The remoteness of Death Valley's backcountry destination also adds an element of stress to your vehicle's condition; if you breakdown, it is not like the Rubicon, where there is someone right behind you to help -- in many locations, you may not see another person for days.