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Mikey777

Noobish Death Valley Dirt Roads?

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Heading out to Death Valley on the 990 with the GF for two days of riding during Thanksgiving week. Any recommendations on some easy dirt road rides around that area I can two-up on that she won't freak out?

Trying to avoid deep sand, super rocky, overly rutted roads, steep, etc.

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I had an opportunity to go to Death Valley once on this ride: http://dualsport-sd.com/forums/index.php?/topic/19498-sdar-death-valley-trip-march-6-8-2015/?hl=%2Bdeath+%2Bvalley

Goofy was the guy to lead the Death Valley charge so he will have more to add.

I know the road conditions in the park can change day to day or hour to hour based on weather. I'll attach a few helpful links for you to review.

I think the road out to tea kettle junction and the racetrack would be find. I've heard the ride out to Ubehebe crater is 2-up doable. Scotty's Castle is a way out but another thing to see. (From NPS: On Sunday, October 18, 2015, a storm caused extensive flash flooding in the Scotty's Castle area in northern Death Valley National Park. Initial assessments on Monday revealed damage to roads, utilities and some historic structures.Scotty's Castle is closed and will remain closed for at minimum several weeks. Please contact 760-786-3280 for more information.)

I enjoyed the visitor center in Furnace Creek.

http://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/standard-road-conditions.htm

http://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/backcountryroads.htm

http://www.backroadswest.com/deathvalley/RoadTrip2.htm

http://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/ubehebe-crater.htm

http://californiathroughmylens.com/teakettle-junction-death-valley

Good luck on your planning and trip...

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Have a good ride bro. If you change your mind, my family and I will be out in Ocotillo Wells camping for T-day week and you are more than welcome to come out and hang with us.

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The weather that passed through California a couple of weeks ago did a HUGE amount of damage out in DV. I'd call the ranger station out there before making any plans. I know that the road to Scotty's Castle was completely destroyed and won't be reopened for months, and I suspect that Titus Canyon and Chloride are completely wiped out as well, being as they travel through narrow canyon bottoms.

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Scotty's Castle was on the local news last night and they were showing the damage and how much they've cleaned up.

They may be open by now, call ahead for updated info.

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The weather that passed through California a couple of weeks ago did a HUGE amount of damage out in DV. I'd call the ranger station out there before making any plans. I know that the road to Scotty's Castle was completely destroyed and won't be reopened for months, and I suspect that Titus Canyon and Chloride are completely wiped out as well, being as they travel through narrow canyon bottoms.

Scotty's Castle was on the local news last night and they were showing the damage and how much they've cleaned up.

They may be open by now, call ahead for updated info.

Great advice guy. Typical San Diegan, I hadn't thought about weather! Snow / rain / mud / closures ..

Mikey check this thread on ADV: http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/death-valley-riding-condition.912416/page-99

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The DV riding conditions thread on adv is updated almost daily.

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