Death Valley Backcountry & Wilderness Access · Death Valley Backcountry & Wilderness Access Death...
Transcript of Death Valley Backcountry & Wilderness Access · Death Valley Backcountry & Wilderness Access Death...
Death Valley Backcountry & Wilderness Access
Death Valley is the largest national park outside of Alaska, with a great mix of both Wilderness recreation and backcountry driving opportunities. The park is over 93% federally protected Wilderness and has more than 1,000 miles of paved and dirt roads. This map provides information to help you access the backcountry safely while protecting this spectacular resource.
Backcountry SafetyHazards• Most areas of the backcountry do not have cell phone service.• Mine shafts, tunnels, and buildings are extremely hazardous to enter.• Watch for rattlesnakes, especially near old structures and vegetated areas near water.• Hantavirus, a potentially fatal disease, is spread through feces, urine, and saliva of rodents. Avoid disturbing or
camping in confined areas where there are signs of rodent activity. Backcountry cabins may be unsafe to enter.• Watch for Illegal marijuana grows near remote natural springs. If discovered, get out immediately and report location to a ranger.
Weather• Heat and very low humidity create extreme dehydration and heat stroke potential during summer. We do not suggest
lower elevation hiking between May and October.• Do not camp in dry washes or drainages due to the possibility of flash floods.• In winter, the higher elevations can have snow and ice conditions that may require special safety equipment.
Trails• Death Valley National Park has few maintained trails and no established campsites in the Wilderness. Since most
hiking here is cross-country, it is important to hike on areas where your footsteps will have the least impact. Avoidtrampling vegetation, fragile soil crusts, aquatic habitats, and animal burrows.
Water• Natural spring sources are unmonitored and often unreliable. Illegal marijuana grows and feral burros occasionally
contaminate water sources. Consider carrying all water needed for the trip, stashing it ahead of time, or making othercontingency plans. Any water obtained in the backcountry should be purified before drinking.
Dispersed (Backcountry) CampingCamping is allowed one mile away from any developed area, paved road, or “day use only” area. Specific areas closed to camping include:
• On the valley floor, from Ashford Mill in the south to the north end of the shifting sands of theMesquite Flat Sand Dunes
• On the Eureka and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes• Within one mile of Greenwater Canyon• Darwin Falls Trail• ”Day Use Only” dirt roads: Titus Canyon Rd, Mosaic Canyon Rd, Natural Bridge Rd, Mustard Canyon,
Grotto Canyon, Piñon Mesa, West Side Rd, Wildrose Rd, Skidoo Rd, Aguereberry Point Rd, KeaneWonder Mine Rd, Cottonwood Canyon Rd (first 8 miles only), Racetrack Rd (from Teakettle Jct toHomestake Dry Camp), Desolation Canyon Rd, Historic Stovepipe Well Rd, and Salt Creek Rd.
• CAR CAMPING — park adjacent to the dirt road, on the shoulder, and in previously disturbed areas
• BACKPACKING — camp at least 100 feet from any water source• GROUP SIZE — is limited to 12 persons and no more than 4 vehicles• PERMIT — when spending the night in the backcountry, please fill out a voluntary overnight Backcountry
Permit at Furnace Creek Visitor Center or Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station during open hours• BACKPACKER PARKING — vehicles may be parked off pavement along the shoulder of any park road.
Vehicles left for more than 10 days along Highway 190 may be impounded
Death Valley National ParkNational Park Service
Unpaved Road Definitions — Subject to change. Weather will impact road conditions, including the possibility of ice and snow at higher elevations in the winter months.
and clothing-optional hot springs. Maintained soaking tubs and JOHNSON CANYON ROADprimitive campground increase the draw of this area. Lee Flat High-clearance first 6 miles to mouth of canyon, then 4WD has some of the healthiest Joshua Trees in the Mojave Desert. the last 4 miles in the rocky wash. Last 0.1 mile of road is
STEEL PASS ROAD overgrown. Beyond this road’s end a 2 mile hike leads to Rough 4WD with sustained technical sections. Vehicles must Hungry Bill’s Ranch, with fruit trees planted in the late 1800s.be able to navigate narrow, steep bedrock steps, with careful WARM SPRINGS CANYON ROADwheel placement to avoid vehicle damage. Travel is easier north
High-clearance first 10 miles to Wam Springs Camp, then to south. Experienced 4WD drivers only. One of the most remote 4WD to Butte Valley due to deep ruts, rocky areas, and corners of Death Valley. Joshua Trees, panoramic vistas, and bedrock steps. Rough 4WD over Mengel Pass between Butte solitude greet the adventurous traveler.
SOUTH EUREKA VALLEY ROAD Valley and Goler Canyon. Expect large rocks, challenging High-clearance. County-maintained road to Eureka Dunes. Heavy boulder fields, and sustained technical sections. For washboard and deep sand near dunes. Beyond the dunes the road experienced drivers only.turns into the Steel Pass Road and becomes rough 4WD. Eureka Goler Canyon Road continues west into Panamint Valley. Dunes are the highest sand dunes in California at nearly 700 feet. Rough 4WD. For experienced 4WD drivers only. Section over
NORTH EUREKA VALLEY ROAD both sides of Mengel Pass is challenging, steep and rutted. High-clearance. County-maintained road. 4WD often required Canyon narrows at west end is sometimes impassable to reach Hwy 168. Provides access to Sylvania Mountain after floods. Butte Valley is famous for it’s isolation, unique Wilderness outside northern park boundary. The Cucomungo
cabins, and mining history. Large piles of white talc in Warm Canyon Road forks to the east leading to Hwy 266 in Nevada.Springs Canyon attest to one of the most profitable mining BIG PINE / DEATH VALLEY ROADoperations in park history.High-clearance. County-maintained road. Expect dust, heavy
SKIDOO ROADHigh-clearance. Steep grade with protruding rocks at 3.5 miles. Sedans risk undercarriage damage. Subject to snow and mud conditions. Early 1900s ghost town site. One of the largest and best preserved stamp mills in the park.
AGUEREBERRY POINT ROADHigh-clearance due to rock outcrop in road at 3.5 miles and steep, rocky final 0.5 mile to viewpoint. Subject to snow and mud conditions. Dramatic view of Death Valley at road’s end. The historic Eureka Mine is located at 1.7 miles.
UPPER WILDROSE ROADMost vehicles on unpaved road section to kilns, then high-clearance on final 1.6 miles to Mahogany Flat. 4WD often necessary beyond kilns due to steep, narrow sections and deep ruts. No RVs or trailers. Often closed in winter due to snow and ice. High elevation road leads to historic Charcoal Kilns, pinyon pine forest, campgrounds, and Telescope and Wildrose Peak trailheads.
LAKE HILL ROAD (Big Four Mine)High-clearance first 5 miles off Hwy 190, then 4WD for washed out section to mine site. Access for hikers to Panamint Dunes.
RACETRACK ROADHigh-clearance with off-road tires due to loose gravel, deep washboard, and sharp rocks. Flat tires are very common. No RVs, washboard, and large drainage dips. The final section from PLEASANT CANYON ROADsedans, or low-clearance vehicles. May require 4WD due to changing Eureka Valley west to Hwy 168 is paved. Occasionally closed Rough 4WD. Washouts, large boulders, steep sections, and road conditions and irregular maintenance. The Racetrack is a dry due to snow and flood damage. Access road winds past narrow passages through vegetation. For experienced 4WD lakebed famous for its mysterious moving rocks. Driving on the towering mountains, Joshua Trees, and historic sulfur mines drivers only. South Park Canyon Rd. enables prepared groups lakebed is prohibited. Do not walk on surface when wet. to reach jumping off points for longer 4WD adventures. Not to make a loop. Named features like “Telephone Pole Bridge”
LIPPINCOTT ROAD recommended for sedans or low-clearance vehicles. and “Chicken Rock” attest to the extreme exposure and high Rough 4WD. Very steep, exposed, and winding with cliff edge GREENWATER VALLEY ROAD (FURNACE CREEK WASH consequence of this road. Access to high-mountain valleys, washouts. Uphill traffic has right of way. Lower part has very ROAD) mining history, and spectacular views down into Butte Valley. narrow section that is difficult for wide vehicles. Experienced High-clearance due to washboard. County-maintained road. Spur
HARRY WADE ROAD4WD drivers only. Incredible views into Saline Valley and historic roads to Gold Valley, Deadman Pass, and historic townsites of High-clearance due to washboard. May be impassable when mining sites. Greenwater and Furnace. Spur roads often 4WD due to deep, loose
HIDDEN VALLEY - HUNTER MOUNTAIN ROAD Amargosa River is flowing. Muddy areas develop quickly gravel and/or rough rocky sections.High-clearance through Hidden Valley due to washboard, patches of Deadman Pass Road is an alternative 4WD route to return to during times of heavy rainfall. Access through the expansive soft dirt, rocks, and dips. Subject to flooding, impassable mud, and pavement, connecting Greenwater Valley directly to Hwy. 127 to the southern end of Death Valley.
ECHO CANYONHigh-clearance first three miles, 4WD required beyond. Lees Camp Road, which connects to Amargosa Valley, is rough 4WD, requiring short-wheelbase, narrow vehicles. Experienced 4WD drivers only. Vehicle damage is possible going over the dry fall. Within Echo Canyon’s narrows is the Eye of the Needle, a natural arch. The Inyo Mine’s (private property) old structures and mining equipment are found in the upper canyon.
HOLE IN THE WALL ROADHigh-clearance first four miles to the Hole-in-the-Wall, then 4WD the next two miles to the road’s end due to deep gravel and rocks. 400’ deep gap in wall-like ridge.
CHLORIDE CITY ROADHigh-clearance first 2.2 miles to Monarch Canyon spur road. 4WD required beyond to Chloride City and Chloride Cliff due to rocky bedrock steps, off camber sections, and deep ruts. High-clearance on the segment to Amargosa Valley. One of the earliest sites of mining in Death Valley can be reached via this drive.
TITUS CANYON ROADHigh-clearance due to steep grades, deep gravel, and ruts. Often closed due to flood damage and mud after storms. No RVs, campers, or trailers. The most popular backcountry road in the park is one-way from east to west. Winding through the Grapevine Mountains, the road passes a ghost town, petroglyphs at Klare Spring, and finishes through spectacular canyon narrows. A short two-way section at the west end of the road provides hikers access to the narrows of Titus Canyon and nearby Fall Canyon.
PHINNEY CANYON ROADHigh-clearance first 15 miles off Hwy 95 (road is not signed), then 4WD last 3 miles. 4WD section is very rough, narrow, and has a steep technical section. Impassable in winter due to deep snow. Strozzi Ranch Road is a dead-end spur road that requires 4WD on the last 3 miles due to sections of sand. Entering the “Nevada Triangle” of the park, this dirt road provides access to the high woodlands of the Grapevine Mountains and historic Strozzi Ranch. standing water after rains. Spur roads to White Top Mountain and east. High-clearance to the pass, then 4WD to the highway due to OWLSHEAD ROAD
COTTONWOOD CANYON ROAD various mine sites 4WD due to steep slopes, ruts, and rocky areas. deep, loose gravel. Greenwater Valley is best known for impressive High-clearance first 9 miles due to washboard. 4WD to High-clearance first 8 miles due to deep sand and rough washboard. 4WD over Hunter Mountain due to steep slopes and washouts. displays of late spring wildflowers. Once bustling during mining roads end due to deep washouts and drainage crosscuts. No sedans or low-clearance vehicles. 4WD necessary after the booms, little remains of the ghost towns. Do not enter military base. Active bombing and unexploded road drops into the wash due to deep gravel and large rocks. WEST SIDE ROAD ordinance present significant hazards. Access to a remote and Cottonwood Canyon is named for the tree-lined stream beyond High-clearance due to washboard, deep gravel, and sand. seldom-visited corner of Death Valley.road’s end. Marble Canyon spur road is marked by a metal post Amargosa River crossing at southern end may be impassable
SARATOGA SPRING ROADabout 2 miles above the drop into Cottonwood wash and ends at when flowing. Historic route of the 20-mule team wagons, this High-clearance due to washboard. May be impassable when the first narrows. road skirts the west side of Badwater Basin.
LEMOIGNE CANYON ROAD Amargosa River is flowing. Large springs create a haven for
Often impassible in winter and early spring due to mud, ice, and snow. Road traverses through an open valley and then climbs steeply onto a high plateau with wooded pinyon-juniper forest. Springs and historic mining sites abound.
SALINE VALLEY ROADSouth Pass Section (Hwy 190 to Warm Springs junction) High-clearance. County-maintained dirt road. Section from Hwy 190 TRAIL CANYON ROAD
4WD. Very rutted, crossing numerous gullies. The old road up the to Lee Flat has been surfaced for 8 miles, but is very potholed. birds and other wildlife. Historic mines dot the surrounding High-clearance first 4 miles to top of the alluvial fan, then canyon is closed beyond the 4.4 mile point. This rarely visited From South Pass through Grapevine Canyon the road can be rocky hills.4WD beyond. Passage is slow going with many large rocks. canyon in the southern Cottonwood Mountains was once the and rutted. Expect heavy washboard. Occasionally closed due to IBEX SPRING ROADLeads to a spring and old mining area at the forks of the home of prospector Jean Lemoigne. rockfall and washouts. High-clearance 2.8 miles west from Hwy 127 to signed canyon.
TUCKI MINE ROAD North Pass Section (Big Pine Rd to Warm Springs junction) junction. 4WD west to Ibex Spring and Buckwheat Wash, HANAUPAH CANYON ROAD4WD due to large rocks, deep gravel, and multiple slanted High-clearance. County-maintained dirt road. Expect heavy and south to Saratoga Spring Road. Frequent gully crossings, High-clearance first 5 miles to top of alluvial fan, then 4WD dry falls 3 to 4 feet high. The road enters Telephone Canyon. washboard. Washouts common during rain. Occasionally closed deep washouts, off camber slopes, and/or deep sand make to end of road due to very rocky and rough conditions. From 2.5 miles from the canyon mouth, a short walk up the right due to rockfall, snow and ice at high elevation pass (7200ft). travel slow. Historic mines, verdant springs, remote roads, and fork leads to a natural arch. The road continues up the left Warm Springs Road High-clearance due to sandy stretches the summit of Telescope Peak to the salt flats, this canyon has
towering sand dunes.fork to the ruins of Tucki Mine. and uneven road surface. May be impassable after heavy rains. the greatest vertical drop. One of the largest springs in Death Long, remote dirt roads lead to sand dunes, historic salt trams, Valley creates a desert oasis.
Rules and Regulations
Drive only on designated roads. Obey the speed limits and other rules of the road. Only street Pets are permitted, (on leash, 6ft max.), on dirt and paved roads, and in developed areas. They legal vehicles are permitted, no OHVs. are not allowed in the Wilderness, on trails, or in buildings. Owners are responsible for cleanup.
Pack animal use is allowed except in developed campgrounds, paved roads and interpretive It is illegal to discharge a firearm anywhere in Death Valley or to bring one into a federal trails. Forage is scarce, so grazing is not allowed. Weed free feed only. building. Hunting and trapping are illegal within the park.
Campfires are only allowed in NPS-provided firepits. Gathering firewood is prohibited. Check for Feeding animals is illegal and dangerous. Animals will be encouraged to hang out near the fire restrictions before camping. Campstoves and gas burning backpacking stoves are allowed. roads once fed by people, which endangers the animals and visitors.
Properly dispose of human waste, or better yet, pack it out! Propane cylinder recycle bins are Leave what you find. Rocks, plants, animals, and historic objects in Death Valley are protected located in most campgrounds. Do not leave even “biodegradeable” trash, pack it out! just like in a museum. Vandalism and theft are prohibited.
No camping is permitted within 100 feet of a water source. Springs are a vital for desert animals Despite being legalized by the States of California and Nevada, possession or use of marijuana and home to fragile plant species. Reduce your time spent in these sensitive habitats. is not legal on federal lands, including Death Valley National Park.
Bicycles are permitted on paved and dirt roads. Bicycles and other mechanized means of travel The use of drones is prohibited. are not permitted off roads, on trails or closed roads, or in the Wilderness.
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Devils HoleDeath ValleyNational Park
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Road conditionsrequire experienced4-wheel drivers.
Road conditionsrequire experienced4-wheel drivers.
Road conditionsrequire experienced
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Watch forf looding
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In winter carrychains. Roadmay be closed.
In winter carrychains. Roadmay be closed.
In winter carrychains. Roadmay be closed.
Deep sand
Road conditions beyond Echo Canyonrequire experienced4-wheel drivers and short wheel base.
Lippincott Roadconditions require
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DeepSand
Road conditions require an experienced
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ASHMEADOWSNATIONALWILDLIFEREFUGE
PanamintDunes
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Dry Mountain8674ft2644m
Ubehebe Peak5678ft1731m
Cerro Gordo Peak9184ft2799m
WaucobaMountain11123ft3390m
Mount Inyo11107ft3385m
HunterMountain
7454ft2272m
Towne Pass
Lake Hill2030ft619m
Emigrant Pass
Wildrose Peak9064ft2763m
Rogers Peak
BennettPeak
Porter Peak
Mengel Pass
Needle PeakSugarloafPeak
Sentinel Peak9636ft2937m
TheGrandstand
PanamintButte
6732ft2052m
Pinto Peak
Tin Mountain8953ft2729m
White TopMountain
Grapevine Peak8738ft2663m
BustedButte
BlackCone
Stonewall Mountain8875ft2705m
Mount Helen
Mount Palmer6710ft2045m
Daylight Pass4316ft1316m
Winters Peak5033ft1534m
Pyramid Peak6703ft2043m
Coffin Peak5503ft1677m
Smith Mountain5912ft1802m
Mormon Point
Manly Peak7196ft2193m
Striped Butte
Brown Peak4947ft1508mDeadman
Pass3263ft994m
Salsberry Pass3315ft1010m
Jubilee Pass1290ft390m
JubileeMountain
Ibex Pass
Wingate Pass
South Pass5997ft
Shoreline Butte
Eagle Mountain3806ft1160m
Funeral Peak6384ft1945m
3040ft927m
NevaresPeak
SchwaubPeak
IndianPass
Kit FoxHills
Death ValleyButtes
Hole inthe Wall
Wahguyhe Peak
Chloride Cliff
Corkscrew Peak
Red Pass5,280ft1,609m
ThimblePeak
Last ChanceMountain
8465ft2577m
Steel Pass
Magruder Mountain9046ft2757m
Mount Dundee
Gold Mountain
Palmetto Mountain8960ft2731m
Mount Jackson6411ft1954m
ChocolateMountain7703ft2348m
Owens Peak
4956ft1511m
Furnace (site)
Greenwater(site)
5318ft1621m
North Pass7300ft
Eye of the Needle
Lost Burro Gap
DedeckeraCanyon
Scotty’s Castle
Mesquite Spring
Grapevine
UbehebeCrater
Scottys Junctio
Mt. Perry
Lida Junction
Salt Creek
HistoricStovepipe Well
KeaneWonderMine
Rhyolite(ghost town)
Emigrant
Stovepipe WellsVillage
Emigrant
West
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Road
Aguereberry Point6433ft1961m
Skidoo(townsite)
EurekaMine
Ballarat(ghost town)
Panamint City(ghost town)
Father Crowley Point
DarwinFalls
Wildrose
Golden CanyonTrailhead
RefugeHeadquarters
Zabriskie Point
ArtistsPalette
Badwater
AshfordMill
(ruins)
SaratogaSpring
Eagle Borax Works(ruins)
Thorndike
Mahogany Flat
Charcoal Kilns
Teakettle Junction
CrankshaftJunction
TheRacetrack
Two-way traff icto mouth of TitusCanyon.
ToLas Vegas
To Tonopah and Reno
DantesView
5475ft
NaturalBridge
DevilsGolf Course
Leadf ield(ghost town)
Hells Gate
Beatty
Panamint Springs
Darwin
Shoshone
To Pahrumpand Las Vegas
Trona
Lone Pine
Death Valley JunctionAmargosa Opera House
To Pahrumpand Las Vegas
Lathrop Wells
Amargosa Valley
Beatty
Panamint
Valley Road
Road
Canyon
Cutoff
one way
one way
one way
Artists Drive
Harry Wade Road
ToBaker
Gold Point
Mine
Mine
ToBig Pine
ToLakeIsabella
ToBig Pine
ToDyer
RIDGECREST
Big Pine
Road
Keeler
Lida
Eastern SierraInteragencyVisitor Center
ToLos Angeles
ToSan
Bernardino
State Line Road
Telescope Peak11049ft3368m
Furnace Creek
Eureka DunesDry Camp
HomestakeDry Camp
Mosaic Canyon Amargosa Farm Road
Warm Springs
Cerro Gordo(ghost town)
Valle
y Vi
ew R
oad
Warm SpringsCamp
Hungry Bill's Ranch
Barker Ranch
Tucki Mine
Lost BurroMine
Strozzi Ranch
KlareSpring
Chloride City (town site)
Inyo Mine
LeesCamp
Tecopa
Ibex Spring
CLOSE
D until
2020
due t
o f lo
oding
Trona W
ildrose Road
NO PUBLIC ACCESS
NO PUBLIC ACCESS
NO PUBLIC ACCESS
DesolationCanyon
Sidewinder &Willow Canyon
Olancha
Clothing optional hot spring area
Vehicle Def initionsLow Clearance Two-Wheel-Drive (2WD) Vehicles A low clearance 2WD vehicle is def ined as a passenger car, sedan, or recreational vehicle with less than 8 inches of clearance from the lowest point of the frame, body, suspension, or differential, to the ground. These vehicles are only suitable for paved and low clearance dirt roads.
High Clearance Two-Wheel-Drive (2WD) Vehicles (Including All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) & Crossovers)
A high-clearance 2WD, AWD, and/or crossover vehicle is def ined as a vehicle built on a passenger car, light pickup, or SUV frame and suspension platform, but is intended for light to moderate off road use. These vehicles have at least 15 inch tire rims and 8 inches of clearance from the lowest point of the undercarriage to the ground, but do not have low-range 4 wheel drive.
High Clearance Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) Vehiclesn
A high clearance 4WD vehicle is def ined as a SUV or truck type vehicle that is designed for heavy duty use, including moderate to rough off road use. These vehicles have at least 15 inch tire rims and 8 inches or more of clearance from the lowest point of the undercarriage to the ground, a means to mechanically power both front and rear wheels at the same time, and a low gear transfer case.
Modif ied Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) VehiclesVehicles in this category have been specially modif ied for navigating diff icult and technical roads where stock vehicles risk signif icant damage or getting stuck. Modif ications may include bigger tires and rims, lift kits, improved suspension, special gear ratios, etc.
URental VehiclesS 23.7
Rental vehicles are discouraged from traveling on any backcountry dirt road. F Rental agreements frequently prohibit Wash
driving off pavement,
LA and may not cover towing, recovery, or other emergency servicesket .T Roc Full size spare tires and tools
are often not included. Towing services from dirt roads often exceed $2,000.
Drinking WaterHigh clearance 4WD road
High clearance 2WD or AWD road
Camping in developedcampgrounds onlySalt f latLow clearance 2WD road
Hiking trail or cross-country route
Campground
Ranger station
Gas station
0
0 10 Miles
10 KilometersNorth
Vehicles, including bicycles, must stay on roads.
Rough 4WD road
Backcountry Roads(see other side)1
Spring
Paved road
3.1
Dirt Road Def initionsCaution! Tire damage and flats are common on all backcountry roads. All-season or street tires may not be suitable, and drivers should know the limitations of their vehicle.
FRONTCOUNTRY
Low Clearance, Two-Wheel-Drive (2WD) RoadsThese are maintained dirt roads where drivers can expect light to moderate washboard and packed gravel.
BACKCOUNTRY
High Clearance, Two-Wheel-Drive (2WD) & All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) RoadsThese are maintained dirt roads where drivers can expect rocky areas, rough washboard, soft gravel, and/or sand that make travel UNSAFE FOR LOW CLEARANCE VEHICLES.
High Clearance Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) RoadsThese are unmaintained roads where drivers can expect technical rocky areas, deep sand or gravel, and steep grades. Careful wheel placement and spotting may be necessary to prevent vehicle damage and/or getting stuck.
Rough Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) Roads:These are remote unmaintained roads where drivers should expect tall rock ledges, deeply eroded ruts, tight switchbacks, exposed slopes, off-camber washouts, dry waterfalls, and/or other technical obstacles. For experienced 4x4 drivers proceeding with caution.
Backcountry & Wilderness Access Map
Drive only on designated roads.
Be prepared to change a flat.
Produced in parntership with the Death Valley Natural History Association www.dvnha.org
photos/NPS/Kessler