Death Valley CLOSED: Fall/Winter 23/24 Trip Planning

[GowerGulch42]

Here's satellite from October 30th. This is where it crosses the salt pan at the north end. By my measurements, about 2.5 miles of road west of the salt flat are rutted like above. There's loads of little cuts all along the road.

[TacoLand]

From DVNP:

Additional areas of Death Valley National Park opening 12/23: North Highway, Ubehebe Crater, and The Racetrack

Roads reopening on Saturday, Dec. 23 include:

North Highway
Ubehebe Crater Road
Old Stovepipe Well Road
Lower end of Titus Canyon Road
Racetrack Road
Lippincott Road
Hidden Valley Road
Lost Burro Mine Road
White Top Mountain Road

https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/news/addi...-12-23.htm

[Beardilocks]

Just saw this as well. From NPS FB:

On Saturday, December 23rd, Death Valley National Park will reopen 95 miles of roads, including access to popular destinations like the Racetrack and Ubehebe Crater!

The Racetrack is famous for tracks left by moving rocks on the dry lakebed. A lake was present for at least a month after Hurricane Hilary. Now the lakebed is dry again, so people can walk on it without causing damage. No vehicles or bicycles are allowed on the Racetrack.

The roads will finally open after they were heavily damaged by flash floods caused by the remnants of Hurricane Hilary back in August. Many of the park’s roads, including Racetrack Road, are only suitable for high-clearance vehicles. Many park roads remain closed until flood repairs are completed. Mesquite Springs Campground will likely open before December 31.

[Beardilocks]

Honestly surprised they seem to opening the 2-way section of Titus. Last I heard the narrows were closed to foot traffic. Maybe that’s changing but I haven’t heard.

[MojaveGeek]

Honestly surprised they seem to opening the 2-way section of Titus. Last I heard the narrows were closed to foot traffic. Maybe that’s changing but I haven’t heard.

How could they close the narrows to foot traffic? I don't mean legally... it just seems stupid to even consider (not that they wouldn't consider, of course). Great new on the openings, suits my spring travel plans well

[DAW89446]

Caltrans Press Release – 24-Hour Traffic Control Wraps Up in Death Valley National Park.

Caltrans Press Release - 24-Hour Traffic Control Wraps Up in Death Valley National Park - Sierra Wave: Eastern Sierra NewsSierra Wave: Eastern Sierra News

[Beardilocks]

Just checked NPS. Lower Titus is open to foot traffic but closed to bicycles now. Previously it was closed to all traffic.

On another note: I wonder how long it will take for tracks to begin to appear on the Racetrack again. A month long lake should have pretty much wiped it clean.

[TacoLand]

Anyone have thoughts on hiking Lower Titus just to stretch the legs and get in some views? Specifically wondering how it'd compare to Fall Canyon which I've done before. I've driven Titus maybe five times and always thought it'd be great to do a hike-through if closed, but never really paid that close of attention because I didn't think the opportunity would ever arise to explore on foot without auto traffic.

[DAW89446]

I wonder how long it will take for tracks to begin to appear on the Racetrack again.

I assume you're talking about stone tracks. But I suppose tracks will show up this weekend ... Wouldn't surprise me if some yahoo takes his big modified diesel mud-bogger out there and does a sideshow for social media posterity ... 

[MojaveGeek]

Anyone have thoughts on hiking Lower Titus just to stretch the legs and get in some views? Specifically wondering how it'd compare to Fall Canyon which I've done before. I've driven Titus maybe five times and always thought it'd be great to do a hike-through if closed, but never really paid that close of attention because I didn't think the opportunity would ever arise to explore on foot without auto traffic.

Lower Titus is quite nice without the cars. The walls are also pretty cool in places if its wet. I like to get up to the brecciated parts, IIRC it's about 4 miles in (I can check my old GPS tracks if anyone wants). You don't really get to appreciate the walls when you drive through. And hey, you can drive right to the canyon mouth! (when to lower part of the road up from the North Road is open).