Death Valley backcountry trip

[chopsake]

Hi. Looking to head out to Death Valley for 3 day back country trip. Any suggestions? Probably heading out in 2 weeks. Hoping to avoid the crowds, if possible.

 

[Artemus]

Not me, but look forward to your TR

 

[SKLund]

I have found DV to be very difficult for backpacking. Your time of year is correct but it still can get warm up to low 80's. It's a lot of water to carry. I would consider going to a good basecamp location and do day hikes from there or if you really want to pack, do individual overnights with enough water for another day. In other words, one day out means two days of water carried.

In terms of where to go, well there is 3.4 million acres to explore. I like the vicinity of the Inyo Mountains, Saline Valley, and Panamint Dunes. I saw chuckwalla lizards there that matched the color of the nearby rock. Couldn't see them until you were really close. Picked them up without complaint.

You will be limited by the type of vehicle you have and it's condition. Do not go alone.

 

[balzaccom]

We've done a few trips backpacking in Death Valley. Usually only overnights, because carrying the water is such a pain. But we had a lovely trip up Indian Pass Canyon to Poison Springs, and we did another trip through Marble Canyon to Cottonwood Springs. Owlshead Mountains offer very different terrain.

Be aware that in these areas, there are no real trails. Sometimes there are use trails, other times you are just hiking across the desert or up the dry wash. navigation is pretty important.

 

[John Morrow]

Hello Chopsake. Did you ever make it there to backpack in DVNP? Or is your trip upcoming?