• Death Valley from Aguereberry Point

    Death Valley

    National Park CA,NV

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  • Furnace Creek Campground Temporary Closure

    Furnace Creek Campground will be CLOSED for construction starting April 16, 2013. Texas Springs Campground will remain open for summer camping in the Furnace Creek Area. More »

  • Scotty's Castle Fire Closure

    Due to a fire at Scotty's Castle on May 20, the Scotty's Castle Visitor Center is closed, tours are cancelled, and power and phones are out. The road through Grapevine Canyon is closed. The castle may re-open on Tuesday May 28.

Standard Road Conditions

 

DIRT ROAD DEFINITIONS

Low Clearance Two-Wheel-Drive (2WD) Roads
These are maintained gravel roads where a standard 2WD drive passenger vehicle is able to travel at low speeds, on long, dry straight-of-ways, without losing control due to wash boarding, ruts, or dips. In hilly areas or in curves, the safe speeds may be significantly lower.

High Clearance Two-Wheel-Drive (2WD) Roads
These are maintained gravel roads where a high clearance 2WD vehicle is able to travel safely at low speeds on long dry straight-of-ways, without losing control due to wash boarding, ruts, or dips. All high clearance 2WD roads may be rocky with areas or soft gravel or sand that makes travel unsafe for sedans or RVs.

High Clearance Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) Roads
These are unmaintained roads where a high clearance 4WD vehicle, in four-wheel- drive, driven by a driver experienced in 4WD drive techniques, can drive the road without getting stuck. All 4WD roads may be rocky, with deep sand or gravel and steep hills


VEHICLE DEFINITIONS

Low Clearance Two-Wheel-Drive (2WD) Vehicles
A low clearance 2WD vehicle is defined as a standard passenger vehicle with less than 8 inches of clearance from the lowest point of the frame, body, suspension, or differential, to the ground.

High Clearance Two-Wheel-Drive (2WD)Vehicles
A high clearance 2WD vehicle is defined as a SUV or truck type vehicle, with at least 15 inch tire rims or more, designed for heavier type use than a standard passenger vehicle, with at least 8 inches of clearance or more, from the lowest point of the frame, body, suspension, or differential, to the ground.

High Clearance Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) Vehicles
A high clearance 4WD vehicle is defined as a SUV or truck type vehicle, with at least 15 inch tire rims or more, with a low gear transfer case, designed for heavier type use than a standard passenger vehicle, with at least 8 inches of clearance or more from the lowest point of the frame, body, suspension, or differential, to the ground, also including a means to mechanically power both, front and real wheels at the same time.

Did You Know?

The MNesquite Dunes in Death Valley National Park

In 1917, Death Valley recorded 52 days with temperatures over 120 degrees and 43 consecutive days over 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The original long hot summer. More...