Death Valley – Saratoga Springs to Eureka Dunes – Part 2

Respect our history or lose it forever, the choice is yours.

We took our time packing up and preparing for the days adventure. When we reach such remote and preserved areas like this, it can be hard to leave. Once ready, we cleaned up after ourselves and returned the cabin to better shape then when found and continued on our way.

Looking back up the valley we came from.

Now out of the valley that we shared with the night, we’d set our heading north towards Panamint Springs. There we’d refuel our thirsty vehicles for our next stretch and restock on any misc supplies. It wasn’t smooth sailing though, the trail out was riddled with rocks and often times reclaimed by Mother Nature. Slow and steady, equipment preservation was crucial.

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

Our time on smooth and comfortable paved roads was short lived. Up the mountain pass, we turned right onto South Saline Road. Periodically maintained by Inyo County, there are no difficult sections here. The flat and flowy washboard trail slowly leads up to a great view of the Panamint Dunes and Valley.

A bit further up the path Y’s off into two different directions. Keeping left will be a direct shot into Saline Valley, turning right begins the ascent into Hunter Mountain, followed by a quick decent into Hidden Valley. We decided to take the long way around, as we had the time to spare and vehicles capable of making good time in rough conditions. Gaining elevation brought upon snow patches and mud.

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

The drop into Hidden Valley is fast and full of hairpin turns situated mostly along a shelf road. Didn’t take long to return to the familiar desert landscape.

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

Next stop would be Teakettle Junction, followed by the Grandstand and Racetrack. Our route through Hidden Valley was smooth and easy going, but that would change once we made our left hand turn onto Racetrack Valley Rd. By far the worst washboard we’ve ever encountered.

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

The Racetrack would serve as our lunch spot for the day. After miles of teeth chattering washboard, our vehicles deserved a rest as much as we did.

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

Up next was the infamous Lippincott Pass. A giant sign discourages most inexperienced and unprepared motorists from traveling any further; looking for an alternative passage out to avoid the return trip in vehicles & tires that shouldn’t be there in the first place. In fact, we had numerous people ask if they could get out that way (pointing towards Lippincott) looking for approval that they could exit the park in that direction. Lot’s of disappointment in their faces as we told them what they didn’t want to hear.

What was a problem for them, was an adventure for us.

Down we went.

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

Our last push for the day would be across the Saline Valley desert floor.

The Saline Hot Springs offered a vastly different atmosphere compared to the previous year. Turns out Valentines Day weekend at a clothing optional location can be quite the eye opener for someone who’s a bit more on the conservative side. Thankfully, it was much more mellow this time around and that allowed the group to enjoy the hot tubs.  Finished off the night around a campfire surrounded by stories and laughter before turning in for the night.

Another day awaits.

Continue to Part 3