Death Valley April 2023.

Last edited by Bentworker (4/14/2023 11:41 AM)

On May 19, 2023 we traveled to Panamint Valley which runs parallel to Death Valley and is separated from Death Valley by the Panamint Range. Day 1 we saw temperatures ranging from 103-116 F with thunderstorms and lightning in the late afternoon/ evening. It was so hot that the rain barely hit the ground, but rain dropping from the clouds was clearly visible until the rain evaporated prior to hitting the ground. 

Day 2, at Panamint Springs, the temperatures ranged from about 98-103F and the thunderstorms returned and we had a nice rain for about 10 minutes. The thunderstorms passed and  everything dried out in about 25 minutes.

These destinations are on the west side of Death Valley. I did not check temperatures on the east side of Death Valley.

If this drive is on the table next year, I would suggest April or early May. 

Death Valley is probably hottest during June, July and August. Driving through Death Valley in a convertible with no A/C during those months would be challenging; moreover, all approaches to Death Valley during those months would likely be over !00F for over a 100 mile radius. The National Park portion of the drive is relatively short, but adding in the approach increases the challenge.

If I left my truck running during our stops on our recent trip, the radiator temperature would come down (we were climbing approximately 3000 feet off road in 4 low). If I turned the truck off, the truck gave an overheat signal and the water temperature was in excess of 260F, although it came down after approximately 5 minutes.. 

Either way, I am onboard.
 

Last edited by boss347convertible (6/06/2023 1:18 PM)

Too much going on for this year, for me.

Lots of people will be coming from Texas and farther east. Could this be worked out as a stop on the way to the bash.  I have not really looked at routes yet

boss347convertible wrote:

Westbound 40 will take you close to Baker. Southbound 15 through Salt Lake City will go through Las Vegas to Baker.  Death Valley also has multiple entrances on the east side of the park. The park does have overnight accommodations  and just outside of the park, on the east and west side, overnight accommodations are available. 

I will post in the bash thread, but as an addition/alternative,  the California coast is 136 miles west from Bakersfield, and epic parts of Highway 1: Morro Bay, Cayucos, San Simeon, Big Sur, Carmel and Monterey would make, weather permitting, for an unforgettable two days. In my opinion, this drive follows some of the most beautiful coastline in California.

 

 
HERE HERE! Yup, I keep telling them that the Hwy 1 trip should not be missed. Along with Yosemite National Park.