Death Valley is a large area of dry land located east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. It is infamous for the great number of deaths (for its namesake) to occur in the valley. The valley is operated by the National Park Service as Death Valley National Park or DEVA for short.

The area is known to have set North America's hottest temperature record of 134 Fahrenheit on January 13, 1913 (also second hottest in the world after 136 at Al Nair, Africa). Coincidentally, the coldest temperature in the valley, of 12 degrees, was also set in 1913 though on July 3.

Another feature of contrast here is the enormous difference in elevation between the valley bottom and its top, Telescope Peak (11,048 feet). This change in elevation provides a spot year-round to relax in.

Biking in Death Valley is restricted to the many dirt roads in the area. Due to the fragile environment, bikers are deterred from all hiking trails in the park. However, this still leaves many opportunities for those with a pair of wheels.

Getting There

Entrance sign to Death Valley as you would see coming in from Wildrose Canyon.

The valley is surrounded by towns and cities on nearly every side. To the west is Lone Pine. To the north is Tonopah. On the east is Las Vegas. Baker is at the south.

From Lone Pine

Begin by heading east on CA-136. Continue straight at the junction with CA-190. After traversing the Panimant Valley, the road ascends the Panimant Mountains and over down into the valley. It passes by Stovepipe Wells at it dips below sea level.

From Tonopah

Tonopah is a mountain town at an elevation of 6,000 feet located in the Nevada desert.

Start off on southbound US95 to Beatty. From there, look for a sign directing Death Valley National Park. Follow that sign and turn right on NV-374 as it ascends over Daylight Pass and down into Death Valley.

From Las Vegas

Death Valley is remarkably close to Las Vegas when put into consideration of how remote and desolate it appears.

Start off by taking US95 northbound (actually, it's more of a westbound) to Beatty. Again, turn on NV-374 but this time, left. It should take you into the national park in a few miles.

From Baker

Baker is a small community in the desert at about 900 feet. The town actually sits in an extension of Death Valley itself.

Start off north on CA-127. After passing by the tiny town of Shoshone, look for CA-178 (you can't miss it!). There, continue on west over Salsberry Pass and down into the valley.

Permits, Passes and Regulations

Most of Death Valley lies in a very fragile environment. Therefore, biking is limited to the many dirt roads in the park. These, however, are plenty enough for the casual biker.

A $20/week pass is required by the National Park Service for anyone parking within the park. These can be obtained in Furnace Creek near the center of the park.

No permits are required for biking anywhere. No camping permits, no backcountry permits, ect. either.

Notable Routes

Wildrose Canyon is one of the many dirt roads which are open to mountain bikers in Death Valley

Here are some notable trails in the area. They are listed in ABC order.

Artist's Palette- This one-way dirt road climbs from below sea level to 600 feet in elevation displaying spectacular colors that only an artist could have created.

Ubehebe Crater- The loop begins near Scotty's Castle and circles the Ubehebe Crater. A side route traverses to Little Hebe Crater.

Wildrose Canyon- This dirt road runs up in between Wildrose Peak and Rogers Peak. Several campsites are available along the route. Biking and hiking are only ways to reach the top in winter when snow blocks access to road.

History

Death Valley was first visited by non-natives in 1849 by gold-goers looking for a shortcut to get to the goldfields quicker. 20 of the wagons split off into this group which eventually became one of the greatest tragedy of this period. And although this was in winter, about half the party was lost to dehydration.

The group of 20 began off over Beaver Dam wash (in Beaver Dam State Park near modern day I-15) and slowly made their way across the southern Great Basin. The group split at Groom Lake due to a dispute for water which had become scarce. They ended up meeting again soon after in Death Valley. trapped by the modern-day Panamint Mountains to the west.

After several more months, the group finally passed over Towne Pass severely reduced. In the end, they ended up 6 months later than those who did not take the shortcut through the valley.

External Links

These are some useful sites that you may want to visit first:

NPS- Death Valley- Official Death Valley National Park site