2024-02-24, 05:38 PM
Yes, what they said. Stovepipe is quieter, darker, and cheaper. It is easy to even walk a short distance to get good sky - a few years ago they replaced all the outdoor lighting with dark sky friendly stuff, and it made a difference. I really like walking out into the Mesquite dunes at dusk and letting it gradually get dark. There is a big parking area which makes it easier to find your vehicle coming out, but if you know what you are doing, just park anywhere by the road and walk in. Important point, though, is as you go in to turn around and pick a landmark on the mountains on the skyline so you have a line to follow back to your car. It could be ungodly hot out on the dunes mid day, but evening / dusk / night would be nice.
Admittedly even SPW is pricey compared to out of park lodging. But I've been staying there for 35 years after spending a few night in Beatty on my very first trip - I decided to flatter my budget in other ways.
You might enjoy a morning walk into Mosaic Canyon. The dirt road up from the pavement is fine for all vehicles and you really can't get lost. You're walking in polished narrows which is fun.
Mid day... Dante's is the place to be - much higher and figure about 3 degrees cooler for every thousand feet.
Admittedly even SPW is pricey compared to out of park lodging. But I've been staying there for 35 years after spending a few night in Beatty on my very first trip - I decided to flatter my budget in other ways.
You might enjoy a morning walk into Mosaic Canyon. The dirt road up from the pavement is fine for all vehicles and you really can't get lost. You're walking in polished narrows which is fun.
Mid day... Dante's is the place to be - much higher and figure about 3 degrees cooler for every thousand feet.