North Road open

[DAW89446]

Does anyone know if the road from Big Pine to Eureka dunes is open? I've heard it's pretty washed out but passable, but now the NPS map is showing it is closed. Looking to head in that way this weekend. I have a capable 4x4 just want don't want to have to backtrack down to 190 if it's truly shut down. Thanks

I lived in Big Pine for years and routinely played in Eureka Valley and northern Death Valley.

It's been my experience that during the snowy months you will always find a "ROAD CLOSED" barricade sitting in the middle of the road at the junction of the Big Pine-Death Valley road and CA168, but not physically blocking it. That is Inyo County's way of stating that travel is at your own risk.

Over the Inyo Range, you will generally encounter snow. The county will plow the paved portion, but not during the storm; depending on on severity of the storm it might take a day, two or three.

Watch for small rocks in the roadway over the Inyo Range, especially on that portion below Joshua Flats. Over the Last Chance Range, rock falls are often present as well.

Washboards are often the worst problem on the road through Eureka Valley and down into Death Valley. Occasionally there will be erosion damage in wet weather.

Alternate routes into Eureka Valley:

North Eureka Road from Fish Lake Valley - This is a maintained and signed byway by Inyo County. However, it often washes out near and at the confluence of Cucomungo Wash. It is currently shown as passable and open on the official DVNP road map.

Gilbert Summit (CA168 east of Deep Springs) - This is an easy 4x4 route that runs from the summit sign south into the north end of Eureka Valley, terminating a short distance of the end of the pavement of the Big Pine-Death Valley road in the western valley. The route is cherry stemmed into the wilderness area. It is easy for any truck based 4x4, generally no technical driving. I guided a friend with an early 2000's Toyota Highlander with no issues, but I wouldn't risk it driving alone in a car based AWD SUV. This is a seldom visited area. Snow likely will be present at the Gilbert Summit end, though the route sticks toward the sunny side of the wash it descends, melts off early and stays snow free. There are a couple of washes that the route drops into, which might be heavily cut if you travel this route shortly after a bad storm. Views south across the valley and the dune field is very scenic.

Horsethief Canyon (Fish Lake Valley) - This route takes off west from the North Eureka Road south of Oasis and terminates at the route above a couple miles north of its terminus on the Big Pine - Death Valley road. This is another route cherry stemmed through wilderness area. It is an easy two track. Snow may be present in Fish Lake Valley and first miles of this route. I also guided the Toyota Highlander over this route with no issues. Along with the previous road, you likely will not encounter another traveler and this area is seldom visited.

From Nevada & Death Valley:

The paved sections over the Inyo Range and over the Last Chance Range is shown as closed on the official DVNP map. Eureka Valley is currently shown as open, so is the road north from Grapevine Ranger Station. So ... 

You can access northern Death Valley via Gold Point, NV. Follow the Esmeralda County road south into Oriental Wash. One branch of it will drop directly into the valley and tie in with the main road north from the Grapevine Ranger Station, another will tie in with the road coming out of Tule Canyon. The road from Tule Canyon will cross the northernmost part of Death Valley and hit the main road at Crankshaft Crossing. The Esmeralda County side of the road is maintained, and the crew will generally start grading in late March and April. The Inyo County side is unmaintained but generally in adequate condition for any 4x4. Some erosion at the several washes that cross the road.

From Gold Point you can also hit Tule Canyon mid canyon by traveling northeast then trending west. Take Tule Canyon south then west to hit the main road at Crankshaft Crossing.

Just tossing these out for now or save them for later. As usual practice with all backcountry routes in DVNP, travel at your own risk.