7 TIPS FOR OVERLANDING DEATH VALLEY

 

Death Valley Overlanding

Jeep or Car Camping

By Del Albright, Sustainable Motorized Recreation Advocate

Death Valley National Park is an incredible desert environment because it’s one of the most extreme and diverse landscapes in the world.  Much of it can be enjoyed by backcountry camping or overlanding. Just make sure you have whatever necessary permits fit your adventure (entrance fees, tour permits, camping, etc.). 

Death Valley National Park is 3.4 million acres (about 5,270 square miles or 13,650 square kilometers), making it the largest national park in the contiguous United States. It stretches across eastern California and western Nevada and features vast desert landscapes, sand dunes, mountains, and salt flats, including Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level.

Here’s why it’s such an amazing place to visit:

1. Unique & Extreme Landscapes

• Lowest Point in North America – Badwater Basin sits at 282 feet below sea level, creating a surreal salt flat landscape.
• Towering Sand Dunes – Mesquite Flat, Eureka, and Ibex Dunes offer stunning dune fields perfect for exploration and photography.
• Colorful Canyons & Rock Formations – Places like Golden Canyon, Mosaic Canyon, and The Artist’s Palette showcase incredible geology with reds, yellows, and purples in the rocks.
• Massive Mountains – The Panamint Range, including Telescope Peak (11,043 feet), provides high-alpine views contrasting the desert below.

2. Harsh & Beautiful Climate

• One of the Hottest Places on Earth – Furnace Creek holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth (134°F in 1913).
• Starry Skies – As a designated Dark Sky Park, Death Valley has almost zero light pollution, making for some of the best stargazing in the country.

3. Tons of Adventures

• Off-Roading & 4x4 Trails – Roads like Titus Canyon, The Racetrack, and Goler Wash are perfect for Jeeps and off-road vehicles.
• Hiking & Exploring – Trails range from easy walks to tough treks, such as the challenging climb to Telescope Peak.
• Mysterious Moving Rocks – The Racetrack Playa features eerie “sailing stones” that mysteriously move across the dry lakebed.

"Cousin Jack" miner's cabin, made famous by Cornish and Welch miners of the 1800s.

4. Rich History & Ghost Towns

• Old Borax Mines & Abandoned Towns – Places like Rhyolite and Harmony Borax Works give a glimpse into the area’s mining past.
• Native American & Pioneer History – The Timbisha Shoshone people have lived in the region for centuries, and stories of early pioneers add to the park’s mystique.

5. Rare Natural Events

• Wildflower Superblooms – In wet years, the desert erupts in a stunning carpet of flowers.
• Ephemeral Lakes – After rare heavy rains, Badwater Basin can fill with water, creating a shallow mirror-like lake.

7 TIPS for OVERLANDING DEATH VALLEY:

Overlanding or car camping in Death Valley National Park requires careful planning due to the park's extreme conditions and remote terrain. Here are key considerations and planning steps:

1. Research & Permits

• No special permits are required for dispersed camping, but you must follow park regulations.
• Camping is allowed on designated backcountry roads at least 1 mile from paved roads.
• Check for any seasonal restrictions or closures. Double-check for camping permit updates.

2. Vehicle Preparation

• High-clearance, 4WD recommended for rough roads like The Racetrack, Steel Pass, and Lippincott Pass.
• Ensure your vehicle is in top condition (fluids, brakes, tires, battery, suspension).
• Carry a full-size spare tire, tire repair kit, and air compressor.

3. Navigation & Communication

• Download offline maps (e.g., Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad) since cell service is limited.
• Bring a paper map as a backup.
• Consider a satellite communicator (Garmin inReach, SPOT) in case of emergencies.
• GMRS, such as Rugged Radios is highly recommended.

4. Water & Supplies

• Water: At least 1 gallon per person per day, plus extra for cooking and emergencies.
• Food: Non-perishable, high-energy foods.
• Fuel: Gas stations are sparse; carry extra fuel if exploring remote areas.

5. Weather & Timing

• Best seasons: Fall through Spring (October–April).
• Avoid summer due to extreme heat (often over 120°F).
• Be aware of sudden weather changes and flash flood risks.

6. Camping & Leave No Trace

• Dispersed camping: Stay on durable surfaces and pack out all waste.
• Fires are not allowed outside of developed campgrounds.
• Use a portable toilet or wag bags in sensitive areas.

7. Emergency Preparedness

• First aid kit, extra medications, and a way to signal for help.
• Inform someone of your itinerary and expected return time.
• Know basic vehicle recovery techniques (traction boards, tow straps, shovel).

HELPFUL LINKS:

DEL'S BOOKS (LAND USE, WILDFIRE, DEATH VALLEY, COWBOY POETRY, AND MORE)

WEBSITE (HOME PAGE)

PINTEREST (BOOKS, ARTICLES, AND MORE)

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

DEL'S ARTICLES (LAND USE, LIFE, WILDFIRE, VOLUNTEERISM, AND MORE)