Obi's Death Valley Hiking Thread

“Gawd, I'm just gettin' all kinds of ideas these days... and well in advance, too...

I'be been hearing and reading a lot bout hiking Death Valley N.P., and I know a few - like Dunk - have been there. Seems to me a great time to go would be Nov. - March, when temps are reasonable, and Spring is in the air. Would anyone be interested in doing an abbreviated BP trip there for a few days? I'm pretty flexible, and I could write to the Park Service to get some maps of trails, etc. (which I'm gonna do anyway), and would exhume the responsibility for planning it, with one reception - anyone going, who's been there and done that is welcome to take the reins!”

“Obi,
Sounds like a plan. I like to think I pretty familar with DV although I haven't backpacked there. Mostly dayhikes out of a primitive car camp. Did a lot a geological mapping in and around the park. My favorite place so far is Striped Butte. A couple cabins are nestled way back in a valley in the Panamint Mtns. Charlie Manson and family set up shop back there. Since DV was desiginated park status I'm not sure if it's accessible by car anymore. One place I want to try sometime is Telescope Pk. Well, anyway, I'm interested.”

“Pants......you can go up there from Ballarat. Been to Ballarat. Missed the Manson $hit, other than the stories from "Mayor Don." I hear Mayor Don has bought a store somewhere else. He was sure fun!

Obi...... who knows, boy, now you're talking within realm of my Vegas hub. ;-) But remember, I'm broke. ;-(”

“And...... I expect obi's gonna have a hiking talk show pretty soon. "Obi's Backpacking Show of Shows."”

“And NOW, for my REEEELY bid shew... THE BEETLES!”

“If you do Montgomery Peak or Boundary Peak, I'd be interested.”

“The best hiking is in the canyons on the east side. Even though you're talking about one of the hottest places in the U.S., any mountain pass in the area above 5000' has a good chance of being closed due to snow between Nov. and March. Telescope Peak isn't usually accessible till April. If backpacking leave any unesential gear behind to save weight for water, which is rare an unreliable any time of the year.”

“Sure! Count me in. Let me know when. I'll mark it in the palm!”

“I'll go but it has to be after the first of the year. I'm going with Mel in Sept and I have Canyon hikes for Oct, Nov and Dec. Ooooh that felt GREAT to say. Life is good.”

“MaryPhyl, I'm tempted to ask about those Canyon hikes! That's another venue I'd love to give a go or two.

I think it'd be safe to say that any hike in Death valley would take place after the first of the year. Jan-March, seems to me, would be best - temps are lower, make for a little more comfort out there.

Question is, what would BE a good hike for 3-5 days?”

“I'll send you some info on the canyon hikes. I know nothing about Death Valley--that is part of why I'd like to go.”

“Thanks! Same here, I never been to the canyon...”

“Death Valley... hmmmm.. Why not??? Keep me posted on this one.. I could only go in January or late April. Is late April too late for that area? I am an accountant and I'm crazed Jan - April.. Well. ok.. crazed all the time, but more so then.. ;-) And yes... MP.. LIfe is good!!”