Goler Wash/Barker Ranch/DV Spring 12

[Christopher Thwaites]

Scatter..thanks. How long to Westside Rd. from the geologist's cabin?

[charlie56]

I will be watching this thread to see if the dates work out. I should be in the Panamints with a geology group in early April.

[Christopher Thwaites]

Charlie56,
It would be great to see you "on the trail" rather than helping me upload pics to the forum. Your depth of knowledge on off road/back road camping and exploring has helped me find some fine spots. Hope it works.

[scatter]

Originally Posted by Christopher Thwaites

Scatter..thanks. How long to Westside Rd. from the geologist's cabin?

That one is a little harder to answer. The cabin to the pass is only a couple of miles, so a half hour is pretty easy no matter the condition of the road. From the Westside Road to the cabin, if I remember right, is around 25 miles. Again, really depends on the condition of the road and the winter will make a difference there. Best bet on that part is to check with DV road conditions. That road is usually one of the better dirt ones in the Park, I've done it in a well sprung Jeep in 45 minutes. As a WAG, 2 hours should handle it pretty well. Problem might be all the stuff to see along the route. I'd give myself a half day and enjoy it and all the stops that might tickle your fancy.

[charlie56]

Originally Posted by scatter

I'd give myself a half day and enjoy it and all the stops that might tickle your fancy.

I agree, two hours if you go straight down but you will at least want to stop at Warm Springs and check out the cabins, the mining ruins, and especially the natural hot (warm springs) up on the hill.

Originally Posted by macmcintire

I don't want to hurt my baby again!

Mac, coming from the east, Westside Road to Warm Springs is an easy 2wd stretch. From Warm Springs up to the Cabins can be done with 2wd but there are a couple of patches of loose rocks and a short dryfall section. Piece of cake with lockers. Nothing at all like the rock garden at the top of Goler. Striped Butte (pot of gold) is worth it.

[Christopher Thwaites]

Great info guys. Thanks for the input. Mac I would check on the travel time from Ballarat to the junction Badwater Rd. and Westside Rd. If you decide not to try Goler then you can meet us at the Geologist cabin or a yet to be determined camp spot for Sat night. It also is beginning to look like we might decide to camp 2 nights along the road from Mengel to Westside rd. Lots to see and explore.

[ANZAC]

It would be helpful to have a mudmap of the options/routes/meetup points here, hard to visualize.

I am not interested in Goler gulch/rock climbing or very narrow routes. Light 4WD stuff is ok.
I'm also interested in prospecting while there. Not sure if timing will work out with work but thinking about it.

[vandiesel]

Anyone know how far from Portland to the meet? I'd love to make this trip but it may take too long there and back for me.

Brad

[macmcintire]

979.2 miles from Portland, Oregon to Ridgecrest, California @ 65 mph = 15.06 hours @ 12 MPG = 81.6 gallons of gas @ $4.00 per gallon = $326.40. Stopping at Sportsmobile West on the way to Ridgecrest = priceless! Meeting other SMB owners and camping in Death Valley = memories that cannot be valued in dollars and cents.

[Christopher Thwaites]

Anzac..you good meet the other vans as Mac may do coming up to the Geologists cabin on Warm Springs rd.