Driving the truly epic Big Pine Death Valley Road
Usa, north-america
112 km
2,334 m
extreme
Year-round
Ready for an epic desert adventure? The Big Pine Death Valley Road carves its way through the heart of Death Valley National Park in California's Inyo County. Just a heads up - you might find it closed after big storms.
This wild ride stretches for about 70 miles (112 km), linking Ubehebe Crater Road to Highway 168, near the tiny town of Zurich. You'll be cruising along Eureka Valley Road, Loretta Mine Road, and Waucoba Road.
Prepare to climb! You'll hit a max elevation of over 7,600 feet (2,334 meters). Winter can bring snow, so pack those chains. Flash floods can happen anytime, so be prepared for anything!
Most of the road is unpaved, but the last stretch from Eureka Valley to Highway 168 is smooth sailing. This is the main backcountry route from Scotty's Castle to Owens Valley, a well-maintained gravel road that snakes through northern Death Valley and Eureka Valley. Keep an eye out for the turnoffs to Eureka Dunes and North Pass into Saline Valley. A high-clearance vehicle is a must if there's been flooding. Get ready for dust, washboard roads, and some bumpy bits.
This is one of Death Valley's most challenging backcountry roads. Remember, this area is remote, so come prepared. Death Valley is known as the hottest, driest, and lowest National Park, so expect extreme conditions. The road's condition is always changing, depending on recent weather. Also important to know: there are no services along the way, and Eureka Valley can see some serious washouts. Camping is not allowed on this road.
Where is it?
Driving the truly epic Big Pine Death Valley Road is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.2433, -101.1880
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 112 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,334 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 42.2433, -101.1880
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