Saline Valley (North to South)
Saline Valley October 15th ~ 18th 2009 (Thursday thru Sunday)
Eureka Dunes, Steel Pass, Hot Springs
Trip Leader: Andrew Rutherford
Saline Valley October 15th ~ 18th 2009 (Thursday thru Sunday)
Four days and three nights at Eureka Dunes and the Hot Springs in Saline Valley.
Rated easy to moderate with some slightly more challenging obstacles, majority of off highway travel is either poorly graded dirt road or rough 4x4 road through Dedeckera Canyon/Steele Pass.
Overnight camping at Eureka Dunes is remote backcountry style – the only facilities are fire rings and the standard concrete vault toilet. Camping at the Hot Springs is a little more civilized. In addition to vault toilets, there is one open air shower, and several natural hot springs for soaking in. First night at Eureka Dunes, second and third nights at the Hot Springs.
Itinerary
Thursday – travel from LA/OC to Eureka Dunes and overnight camp. Possible rendezvous points along the way at either the Road House in Olancha, or the Country Kitchen in Big Pine. Eureka Dunes are located east of Big Pine off Big Pine/Death Valley Road. Standing some 700ft higher than the valley floor, these dunes are some of the tallest in the United States.
Friday – break camp and head south thru the narrows of Dedeckera Canyon. Then on to Steele Pass and the blue marble bath. Continuing south to the Hot Springs in Saline Valley. Total miles for the day approx. 27, all of which are rough 4x4 with a few dry falls in Dedeckera Canyon.
Saturday – day trip to Snow Flake Talc Mine. A steep, narrow shelf road climbs 2,000ft above the valley floor to the mine. Total miles for the day approx. 30, either sand, 4x4, or rough/loose 4x4 to the mine. Time/enthusiasm permitting, either some other mine roads in the area, one of the year round waterfalls, or more time doing nothing.
Sunday – break camp and head south on Saline Valley Road. Stopping to see the remains of the salt pans at the lake and some of the old tramway towers. Here the schedule is a little open – can either detour up Lippencott Mine Road to the Racetrack, or simply head out thru South Pass and stop at Olancha for late lunch/early dinner. Excluding detours, approx. 45 miles of poorly graded dirt.
The weather
Daytime temperatures vary between 60 and 85. Nighttime temps can get down into the 40s. There may be no wind at all, or it could be very unpleasant.
Trouble with the schedule?
Can’t make all three nights? Not a problem. Figure a way to get to Eureka Dunes on Friday morning, or into the Hot Springs Friday night.
What to bring?
Essentially everything. Expect to use almost a tank of fuel between Big Pine and the next available gas station. Extra fuel is always useful. Drinking water is essential – one gallon per person/day. Hat, sunblock, camera, film. Firewood, BBQ coals. I’ll be bringing a BBQ grill.
Disclaimer
Usual comments apply re: air dams, side steps, tires, spare tire etc. This is not a very difficult trip, but the area is somewhat remote. Approx. 120 miles of off highway travel, and 220 miles between gas stations.
Need more info.?
Contact: Andy Rutherford
(310) 721 0416 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Expect to see a .gpx file full of useful waypoints here sometime soon.
Four days and three nights at Eureka Dunes and the Hot Springs in Saline Valley.
Rated easy to moderate with some slightly more challenging obstacles, majority of off highway travel is either poorly graded dirt road or rough 4x4 road through Dedeckera Canyon/Steele Pass.
Overnight camping at Eureka Dunes is remote backcountry style – the only facilities are fire rings and the standard concrete vault toilet. Camping at the Hot Springs is a little more civilized. In addition to vault toilets, there is one open air shower, and several natural hot springs for soaking in. First night at Eureka Dunes, second and third nights at the Hot Springs.
Itinerary
Thursday – travel from LA/OC to Eureka Dunes and overnight camp. Possible rendezvous points along the way at either the Road House in Olancha, or the Country Kitchen in Big Pine. Eureka Dunes are located east of Big Pine off Big Pine/Death Valley Road. Standing some 700ft higher than the valley floor, these dunes are some of the tallest in the United States.
Friday – break camp and head south thru the narrows of Dedeckera Canyon. Then on to Steele Pass and the blue marble bath. Continuing south to the Hot Springs in Saline Valley. Total miles for the day approx. 27, all of which are rough 4x4 with a few dry falls in Dedeckera Canyon.
Saturday – day trip to Snow Flake Talc Mine. A steep, narrow shelf road climbs 2,000ft above the valley floor to the mine. Total miles for the day approx. 30, either sand, 4x4, or rough/loose 4x4 to the mine. Time/enthusiasm permitting, either some other mine roads in the area, one of the year round waterfalls, or more time doing nothing.
Sunday – break camp and head south on Saline Valley Road. Stopping to see the remains of the salt pans at the lake and some of the old tramway towers. Here the schedule is a little open – can either detour up Lippencott Mine Road to the Racetrack, or simply head out thru South Pass and stop at Olancha for late lunch/early dinner. Excluding detours, approx. 45 miles of poorly graded dirt.
The weather
Daytime temperatures vary between 60 and 85. Nighttime temps can get down into the 40s. There may be no wind at all, or it could be very unpleasant.
Trouble with the schedule?
Can’t make all three nights? Not a problem. Figure a way to get to Eureka Dunes on Friday morning, or into the Hot Springs Friday night.
What to bring?
Essentially everything. Expect to use almost a tank of fuel between Big Pine and the next available gas station. Extra fuel is always useful. Drinking water is essential – one gallon per person/day. Hat, sunblock, camera, film. Firewood, BBQ coals. I’ll be bringing a BBQ grill.
Disclaimer
Usual comments apply re: air dams, side steps, tires, spare tire etc. This is not a very difficult trip, but the area is somewhat remote. Approx. 120 miles of off highway travel, and 220 miles between gas stations.
Need more info.?
Contact: Andy Rutherford
(310) 721 0416 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
