What to do in Death Valley if you don't have a truck?

[Robinhood4x4]

My friends want to go see the race track but they don't have a capable vehicle like most of us here do. They'll be going in an AWD highlander and have no experience with dirt roads. They'll also be going alone so they don't want to go too far from civilization.

I figure Scotty's castle and the race track. How about that crater near the race track, any good? They'll have 2 days at the park. Any old buildings nearby?

[slosurfer]

Just tell them to trust whatever their TomTom tells them. :laugh: :laugh:

What about Ballarat? Easy short graded dirt road to it and they get to hang and talk to a local and pet Potlicker (I think that's what his dog's name is). :thumbup:

[Good Times]

Most of DV is 2wd friendly (including the dirt roads).

Scottys Castle (all pavement)
Ubehebe Crater (all pavement)
Teakettle Junction (dirt road 2wd)
The Racetrack (dirt road 2wd)
Titus Canyon (dirt road 2wd)
Skidoo (dirt road 2wd) - lots of mines
Aguereberry Point (dirt road 2wd) - 6433ft looks over badwater
Charcoal Kilns (pavement / dirt 2wd)
Ballarat (dirt road) - ghost town
Darwin Falls (dirt road by Panamint Springs / 2wd)
Artist Palette / Loops (pavement)
Badwater (pavement)
Devils Golf Course (pavement)
Dantes View (pavement) 5475 ft

That should keep them busy :D

[Robinhood4x4]

So titus canyon is 2wd friendly? The last time I was there, it was washed out, but that was years ago.

[Good Times]

I was there in 2007 and I saw a few minivans and a red Geo Metro there. Plus w/ the awd I'm sure he'll be fine. I'm going to be heading out there hopefully in a few weeks so I can scout it out for ya.

[Robinhood4x4]

They'll be there March 15-18. How about you?

[Good Times]

welp sounds like he can scout for me :D

Here's my thread for the DV trip: 2009 spring Death Valley exploration (http://www.ultimateyota.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=7408)

[scottiac]

Also, there is countless entertainment for those willing to hike a bit.
Golden canyon and Mosaic canton are two of the best. There are easily a dozen other canyon hikes that are well worth doing.

[Good Times]

I agree, Mosaic Canyon is a must do. I saw pix from the rest of the gang and really missed out on the adventure!

[scottiac]

and if doing titus canyon, and looking for old buildings, Rhyolite ghost town should be on the list. Lot of the best preserved mining history there.

[Robinhood4x4]

The only problem with hiking is that they'll have a dog and dogs aren't allowed on the trails.

[scottiac]

Ah, then Lance's list is very good. I try to only take my pups when I can get into the backcountry, and they can run around on the dirt roads (which is allowed, btw.) Racetrack is almost always 2wd accessible; titus canyon is hit or miss depending on the year. Usually ok. The visitors center there is actually very good, too. I spend a lot of time there when it's rainy or otherwise yucky to be outside.