Death Valley! Anyone know about Hunter Mountain Road?

khalilsc · 01-26-2011, 11:32 PM

Trying to do Hunter Mountain Road to hidden valley and the racetrack, seeing if anyone knows the conditions there? We've heard Lippencott is too gnarly for an Extended Body, really don't feel like getting body damage!
Also, any other advice, comments suggestions about recent trips to Death Valley would be greatly appreciatted. Thanks a bunch everyone!

We leave Mon the 1st for a week! Woooooohoooo!

saline · 01-26-2011, 11:48 PM

I don't have any up to date info other than as of the 18th South Pass was open but labeled the usual "closed" by Inyo County. This is the morm. North Pass had 12-14" of snow on it and not many have gone through.
Hunter Mtn is higher than South Pass and can present issues with snow. Lipincott was tight when we went down it a year ago, but certainly doable in a EB.

We are headed into Saline Valley on the 13th.

woodbee · 01-27-2011, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saline

Lipincott was tight when we went down it a year ago, but certainly doable in a EB

I second that. I came down the Lippincott last April in my EB and had no problem.

Woody

Ford_6L_E350 · 01-27-2011, 11:13 AM

I'd say to ask the DV Rangers, but they are negative about all roads except the paved ones.

We've done Hunter Mountain in the snow, maybe 12" deep. Not fun, but doable. But, I wouldn't want to go down, I'd rather go up in the snow. It is steep and a big dropoff.

Mike

**macmcintire** · 01-27-2011, 11:29 AM

For more information about the Hunter Mountain Road, click this link:

http://www.backroadswest.com/deathvalle ... Hunter.htm

charlie56 · 01-27-2011, 12:57 PM

We went up Lippencott in our EB last November. (Down is easier)

No body damage. There is one very tight corner where a spotter would be helpful but not required. Your front bumper will get very close rock wall and your rear passenger tire will dip down into the wash a little. The pucker factor will come into play a little. Other than that its just a narrow shelf road.

Make sure to check out the mines at the top. Some have minerals you can see without going into them.

We didn't have time to go on Hunter Mountain. Remember to bring a teakettle.

When ever we ask a DV ranger about road conditions they always (for obvious reasons) side on being extremely conservative.

EMrider · 01-27-2011, 06:37 PM

We spent MLK weekend in saline valley. Conditions were perfect. Warm in the 70, uncrowded and no wind.

Little to no snow on south pass road. But the road is pretty beaten up and rocky from some slides from recent rains. Made for very slow driving on some sections. It took me four hours from the 190 to the springs.

Enjoy. DV is great this time of year.

R

khalilsc · 01-29-2011, 11:12 AM

You guys ROCK! I'm new here on the Forum! I do much more searching and reading then actual posting but wow, thanks for the info.
We have heard such conflicting stuff regarding Lippencott, but we may just give er a go. Which way is "down" and which way is "up"? I assume down is into the valley but just making sure

I've got freshy tires, but think I'm gonna pick up some chains in case we get a storm or find ourselves in deep.

RE: Hunter Mountain Road
Which direction is best? Seems to me you have to go "down" one way or another- trying to figure out which direction to come and go from. Thanks again!

Ford_6L_E350 · 01-29-2011, 11:27 AM

Up Hunter Mountain is away from Teakettle Junction, DV. Down is coming off the Mountain and into the Death Valley.

Between Hunter Mountain and Teakettle Junction, check out the remains of Goldbelt. It's about 2 miles from the base of the road up the mountain.

Mike

charlie56 · 01-29-2011, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khalilsc

You guys ROCK! I'm new here on the Forum! I do much more searching and reading then actual posting but wow, thanks for the info.
We have heard such conflicting stuff regarding Lippencott, but we may just give er a go. Which way is "down" and which way is "up"? I assume down is into the valley but just making sure

I've got freshy tires, but think I'm gonna pick up some chains in case we get a storm or find ourselves in deep.

RE: Hunter Mountain Road
Which direction is best? Seems to me you have to go "down" one way or another- trying to figure out which direction to come and go from. Thanks again!

In reference to Lippencott. Down is from the Racetrack into Saline Valley.

And since you are new, if you decide to become a paid member, you will have access to the subscriber area. In that area is a folder with (among other things) Google Earth KMZ files. Download the Southern California file and you will have the Lippencott Track as well as others in the DV area.

If going "Down" make sure to stop at the overlooks and be certain no one is coming up. Backing up an EB on that road would be a big chore.