Best hikes on roads?

[MojaveGeek]

As far as driving some of the roads that were brought up, I think a lot of us have forgotten how far one can actually travel in 2WD. If of enough clearance, and the nature of the trail isn't too sandy, a vehicle can travel farther than we might give it credit for. But, I advise not traveling farther than you feel comfortable, and not beyond where you can turn around.

This is very true. I've been driving rental sedans with street tires around the place for 3 decades, and the only flat I got was on pavement. Of course a key is to drive slowly. I'm not as bold as I was when I was younger though and I can certainly appreciate people exercising caution and not going places I went. When I went out, I always carried enough gear to be able to walk out and get help if needed, and was aware the I would be liable financially.

OTOH, if I lived out there I'd be fully into having an appropriate vehicle.

You can rent an SUV, its about 1.4x a sedan, and will give better clearance, but the tires won't be any better for the most part. I tend to choose which roads to drive based on what I get at the rental counter I also really enjoy it with friends with much more capable vehicles are in the area.

[DAW89446]

There is a website that has automotive magazines and test articles from the distant past. I had forgotten that many used to routinely test their vehicles on dirt roads, even into the 1960s. Amazing to see photos of full size American autos hillclimbing dirt bike trails, sliding tail out through curves and the like.

For those of us like me who grew up in the Mojave Desert, there was hardly any place my grandmother and I didn’t make it in her ‘49 Chevy; or venturing forth with my new bride in our ‘63 and ‘67 VW Beetles. Each having recap snow tires on the rear (lived in Big Bear Lake by then).

And I also remember that changing out flat tires was routine, and that we always carried two spares. 

OK. I’ll shut up now, so we can get back to answering WilliamBevan’s questions. 

[Beardilocks]

Unfortunately, no road in the park will quite match that exit end of Titus. You absolutely need a full size spare and preferably a tire repair kit and air pump. But here a few other recommendations:

A 2wd should be able to make it a few miles down Greenwater Valley Rd (coming from Dantes View). Lots of places to pull off after a couple of miles and a beautiful area. Also, several spur roads to choose from.

A 2wd can usually do a pretty good chunk of West side Rd if you drive slow (coming from Furnace Creek). A hike up any of the roads going up into the Panamints affords nice views of the basin. If a bit heavy on elevation gain. But only on the way up! Lol. Going up Trail as far as you're comfortable and then hiking the rest of the way would probably be the easiest.

2wd should also get you to Eureka Dunes. No dogs on the dunes, but a hike around the corner towards Dedekera Canyon would be beautiful. Do NOT go past the outhouse at the dunes in 2wd. There are also tons of old mining roads to hike at the top of the hill near there at Crater.

Don't completely forget the south end of the park either, across from Dumont Dunes. You're fine in 2wd for at least a ways on Saratoga Springs Rd.

Hiking up the road to Grotto canyon might be nice as well. Same for the roads past Panamint Dunes. You might be able to get out that far in 2wd.

Also second Aguereberry, Echo, Hole in the Wall, and Cottonwood.

But absolutely get last minute road conditions. This last round of flooding has rearranged EVERYTHING. What might have been a nice 2wd road when we were all there last could be a modified 4wd ONLY road now. Or DVNP could come through and make what was a rough road a piece of cake if they just recently graded it. This last storm will take a very long time to recover from.

[WilliamBevan]

Thanks for all the recommendations Beardilocks! 

Yeah I've been wondering about that west side road for awhile. It looks like it has a fair amount of roads that go up into canyons but I haven't seen many trip or hiking reports about those canyons.

Thinking about getting a 4WD tacoma later this year so hopefully I can drive up the wash and hike into the mountains with the dog on the next trip.

Thanks!