2024-01-12, 10:01 AM
The road into Cottonwood Canyon from Stovepipe Wells is "typically only recommended for High Clearance 4 Wheel Drive Vehicles," per DVNP. They also mention that the road was impacted by flood damage, though conditions between now and mid-March will change (for better or for worse).
Personally I wouldn't mess with it in a van that is neither HC nor 4WD, which means your nephew and friend would need to hike in from just about Stovepipe Wells.
Having backpacked in that area my greatest concerns would be carrying / caching water for a multi-night trip, AND way-finding abilities for a remote backpacking loop. Definitely a completely different experience and set of problem-solving than an out-and-back overnight backpacking trip.
Personally I wouldn't mess with it in a van that is neither HC nor 4WD, which means your nephew and friend would need to hike in from just about Stovepipe Wells.
Having backpacked in that area my greatest concerns would be carrying / caching water for a multi-night trip, AND way-finding abilities for a remote backpacking loop. Definitely a completely different experience and set of problem-solving than an out-and-back overnight backpacking trip.