Death Valley

[Fjold]

Mastodon Peak Loop, 3.5 miles. PAX

Isn't Mastodon Peak Trail in Joshua Tree?

[Fjold]

I had to cancel the trip to Death Valley, Wifezilla and I have to fly to Ohio tomorrow for a funeral.

[Neuvik]

Dang, sorry to hear. It will still be there when you get back though! Havn't wheeled the southern section, I need to do that.

You'd be an offroad boss if you took a trailer on Pleasant Canyon Loop to Briggs Cabin via Chicken Corner!

[RBShooter]

If you end up rescheduling, the DV experience from FC down to Badwater, then back up and stopping/driving Artists Palette, Devils Golf Course, and a few other stops in between FC and Badwater is probably a half day adventure if not less. Then check out Titus Canyon the other half of the day. Or vice versa.

I'd also recommend taking a half or full day and head to Stovepipe Wells, stopping at Mesquite sand dunes for a look. From there go up and over Towne Pass and down in to Panamint Valley. Stop at Panamint Springs Resort for an early lunch and check out the best campground and cheapest gas in the park. From there, drive a few hundred yards west to Darwin Falls parking lot and do the short hike to Darwin Falls. Afterwards, keep heading west on 190 up the canyon to Father Crowley overlook, AKA Star Wars Canyon. If you want to head further up 190, make a right on Saline Valley Alternate Rd and head a few miles in to the DV back country on a really easy and recently-graded road. Or stay on 190 and turn left at Darwin to see a real...uh...interesting town that people live in. On your way back, have lunch or dinner at the restaurant at Panamint Springs resort and top off your gas tanks with the least expensive gas in the park.

[Quigg]

Just home from a weekend in Death Valley. Stayed at Panamint Springs and enjoyed the place. Was not prepared for how HUGE the park is... Tons of driving but we really, really enjoyed it. Did no research before going and we were dumbfounded by the size and beauty of the place not to mention the crazy diversity of what to see! We expected a big desert valley and that was about it. Never have I been so pleased to be so wrong.

Also, HUGE THANKS to everyone here who suggested Titus Canyon. That was probably the highlight of the trip. Someone at Panamint suggested to save time that we just drive up to the exit and walk in to see the slot canyon but we decided, mainly based on the enthusiastic suggestions here, to do the whole thing. It's certainly boring for the first 8 miles or so but the rest was sooooooo worth the time. What an incredible drive!!