FYI FORD MustangSteve's Ford Mustang Forum / Mustang Death Valley Challenge

**Posted by Rudi** 4/14/2023 7:29 AM

Depends may well be in order as well😱

**Posted by Bentworker** 4/14/2023 11:40 AM

Death Valley April 2023.

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

**Posted by Bentworker** 4/14/2023 4:22 PM

**Posted by boss347convertible** 6/06/2023 10:30 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.

**Posted by MS** 6/06/2023 12:45 PM

I was thinking the best challenge would be to do it at the hottest time if year. Apparently, my idea was probably borderline insane.

**Posted by boss347convertible** 6/06/2023 1:11 PM

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)

**Posted by HudginJ3** 7/11/2023 4:58 PM

Tomorrow 7/12/23 it is going to be 130 in DV. We need to get going before it gets hot. 🥵

Last edited by HudginJ3 (7/11/2023 4:59 PM)

**Posted by MS** 7/11/2023 5:50 PM

Too much going on for this year, for me.

**Posted by boss347convertible** 11/13/2023 12:08 PM

The 2024 bash is 2 1/2 hours away (Bakersfield) from me (Huntington Beach) and I will be attending. A drive through Death Valley to or from the bash can be done with one overnight, so if anyone has an interest in doing so, let me know.
The drive doesn't have to originate in Huntington Beach- we can meet at Baker off the 15 for those coming through Las Vegas. From Huntington Beach to Bakersfield via Death Valley- approximately 560 miles, from Baker to Bakersfield via Death Valley approximately 373 miles.

**Posted by MS** 11/13/2023 12:14 PM

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

**Posted by boss347convertible** 11/13/2023 12:44 PM

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.

**Posted by rpm** 11/13/2023 2:51 PM

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.

**Posted by TimC** 7/31/2024 7:08 PM

Circling back to see if there is interest in seeing Death Valley before or after this year's BASH.

Anyone?

**Posted by MS** 7/31/2024 8:25 PM

Maybe
Have to see how it fits in with return trip.

**Posted by Bullet Bob** 8/02/2024 8:45 AM

About visiting Yosemite NP....my brother stopped in last week for a visit. Said he stopped at Yosemite, wanted to drive through, maybe camp for a night. They would not even let him enter the park since he had not made a reservation in advance. It may be easier in October but I wouldn't count on that.
As for cruising death valley, I hope you all have a fun trip. We have other plans, post-bash, and besides, Jean is extremely Heat Averse. Don't know if I'll even get her back to Texas after last year's temps down there.
BB1

**Posted by 6sally6** 8/02/2024 10:45 AM

Bullet Bob wrote:
Jean is extremely Heat Averse. Don't know if I'll even get her back to Texas after last year's temps down there.
BB1

Yeah...least we gotta ocean to wade in..
Jus say'in !! (although the heat index is 105 today...toastee)
6s6

**Posted by rpm** 8/02/2024 11:20 AM

Bullet Bob wrote:
About visiting Yosemite NP....my brother stopped in last week for a visit. Said he stopped at Yosemite, wanted to drive through, maybe camp for a night. They would not even let him enter the park since he had not made a reservation in advance. It may be easier in October but I wouldn't count on that.
As for cruising death valley, I hope you all have a fun trip. We have other plans, post-bash, and besides, Jean is extremely Heat Averse. Don't know if I'll even get her back to Texas after last year's temps down there.
BB1

What? My son and his bride drive up to Yosemite for the day not too long ago.

**Posted by Bullet Bob** 8/02/2024 3:33 PM

Just sayin', Bob. That would have been around July 20. Maybe 'cause it was on Saturday???