DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL MONUMENT
BACKCOUNTRY ROAD CONDITIONS

from Steve Smith November, 1992

1. Aguereberry Road
Road is graded at least annually. After the first 3.5 miles, road enters a narrow area and climbs moderately. This one mile section has loose rocks and bedrock protruding out of the road surface and most sedans risk undercarriage damage. Final ascent to Aguereberry Point (last .5 mile) is precipitous and caution is necessary because of occasional rocks. Subject to snow and mud conditions during wet periods. Watch for other vehicles on blind curves! Flood damage still exists--ruts, rocks, channels to one foot depth. Road is in good condition; advise slow speed to prevent tire damage.

2. Ashford Canyon
2WD trucks with high clearance can drive up approximately 3/4 mile; however to avoid potential damage to your vehicle, park at the Ashford mill ruins and walk. 4x4s can get up to canyon mouth.

3. Big Pine Road
Traffic is infrequent on this road. Drivers should carry water and spare tires in attempting this road. Drivers should also expect some flying gravel, dust and occasional rough spots. The road is subject to washing and silting, so there are always rocks and rough areas. Conditions change as Inyo County maintenance crews grade the road to the monument boundary. Road is very washboard. High clearance, 2WD at times, 4WD is recommended. The road reaches elevations over 7000 feet. Snow is not routinely removed. Note--first 8 miles (inside monument) very rough and washboard, no clearance problems. Minor washouts at/near Sand Spring.
An alternative and safer route is via NV267, US95, NV266 which turns into CA168. Scenery is just as nice. This paved route is 47 miles longer and takes only 30 minutes more time. Watch for cattle, seen frequently.

4. Warm Springs Canyon--Butte Valley Road
High clearance, 2WD vehicles can make it to the Warm Spring talc mining camp approximately 2 miles up the canyon; be aware though that there are some sandy and rocky areas. 4x4 is required beyond. Overnight camping permitted approximately 1 mile beyond Warm Springs camp. Butte Valley roads are in good condition. High clearance 4x4 is required to exit out through Goler Wash which is now in very rough condition.

5. Charcoal Runs
The last 2 miles to the Charcoal Kilns is unpaved. Large cobbles require caution and slow speed. This road is closed during the winter months due to ice and snow. Graded 9/91.

6. Chloride Cliff
Coming from the east (NV) 2WD high clearance Ok but rough in spots: areas that scrape undercarriage. Last couple of miles into Chloride City require 4WD high clearance to avoid exposed rocks and uneven road surface. Coming from Daylight Pass, mile marker 10.1, 4WD high clearance is required and the road is very rough. Most of the little used roads in Chloride Cliff area are storm damaged and require 4WD and several are hazardous.

7. Cottonwood Canyon
Road from Stovepipe Wells airstrip to mouth of Cottonwood Canyon soft, deep sand, washboard surface texture and some rough rocky areas. Drop into Cottonwood Wash 8 miles from Stovepipe Wells airstrip. Wash is very rocky and rough. Road turns hard to the left once through narrows at mouth of
 
Page Index Prev Page 24 Next Issue Index