Between Owens Valley and Death
Valley, there are two little-known depressions: Saline Valley and Eureka
Valley. They may be accessed by two paved routes: Cal 190 and Cal 168. These
two roads also form the south and north boundaries of the region.All but two of the interior roads are graded and can be driven by careful drivers in normal vehicles.
ither of these could be visited as a longish one-day trip from Los Angeles. However to properly enjoy both valleys and also to explore side roads, an over night trip is suggested. In summer months, a good campsite would be in adjoining Bistlecones at 8300'.
Saline Valley is the largest of the two. The trip up from Hwy 190 begins on pavemnt. As you cross the rim of the valley, there are two interesting side roads, leading west to Cerro Gordo and east to forested Hunter Mtn., which supplies the only flowing water in Saline, running down Hunter Canyon. Water and pine nuts supplied Indians.
At the bottom is Saline Valley Marsh, a lush oasis in the otherwise barren landscape. Mesquite thickets occupy the margins of the marsh, as well as desert holly and creosote bushes.
North are the remains of the Salt Tramway and the Borax Works. Another side road leads to two warm springs, and a rough pitch east to Eureka Valley. At the north end, you reach the paved Eureka Valley-Death Valley Road, ending your trip.
Eureka Valley contains Eureka Sand Dunes -- a National Natural Landmark. These dunes, the tallest in California, from a distance almost seem to float. Yet with sufficient rainfall in the spring, they present an amazing display carpet of wildflowers. Please don't trample on the wildflowers.
Walt Wheelock, our author, first camped at Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley in 1926. He toured Saline Valley, in 1961, while researching for his Desert Peaks Guide. He founded La Siesta Press and still publishes guides to mountains, mines, and Baja California. In addition at 84 years (1993) be is still leads OHV tours. During the present year, he has led three OHV trips for the Sierra Club, to prove that 4-wheeling will not damage our environment, if we tread carefully!
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