Late Dec-Early Jan Death Valley\Western Nevada (maybe)

[KGBoundy]

Hey all! I have some kind of vague plan to start somewhere near the south end of death valley and head up the west side of Nevada on the b roads and trails. (possibly through Idaho and all the way home to Montana. weather and will power permitting) Probably would start a day or two after Christmas and go to January 10 th at the latest. there may be some salt flats involved. there might be some (or a lot of) snow in some places. I just don't know. But I'm fairly certain that it will be cold at some point.

Planning on saddling up something that will do snow as well as the sand -a Minnesota or similar. and planning on about 80-100 mile days. As far as the riding aspect goes I'd be doing it on the cheap. No motels, and minimal restaurants.

This all being said, I have a few questions. All input is welcome.


Is this a dumb idea? Honestly I'm a little wary of the desert and the winter in this case. I think It can be done, but I don't want to be the dead dumb guy or the dumb guy who has to get rescued.

Any advice? I've done several longer trips but I am in no means an expert.

Is there anyone who wants in on this? Nothing about this is for sure but If we can go roughly the same speed It would be cool to have a riding partner for the sake of saftey, as well as the company.

Thanks!
 KG

[Smo]

Make sure to research the salt flats before you plan on crossing them.  Some of them could have a few inches of water at the right time in the winter, or be muddy.  Riding in miles of 2" water would be pretty awesome, but best to do the research and have backup plans.  Also, be ready for mirages, in the true meaning of the word.

Bring a good warm sleeping bag - I'd bring a 10-20 degree down bag.  Be ready to deal with cold wind, too.

Death valley has some remote hot springs that I've heard are pretty cool.  Not sure if any are on dirt road routes or if they are out-and-back trips.

[KGBoundy]

Cool! I'll see about the flats, cause you're right, it could turn into a fiasco with the wrong conditions. Also i found a hot spring called palm spring in the park as well as several further north into Nevada. and i'm psyched cause hot springs in the winter are sublime.

[Von Petrol]

Death Valley's higher elevation could be cold and snowy. The valley cold nights and perfect days. The hot springs are called Saline Valley Hot Springs. It is a very neat place in the northwest backcountry. The springs are about 50 or so miles from the nearest paved road. I know Death Valley's backcountry very well. If you need a route let me know.