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Death Valley camping
#37375 06/12/14 07:54 AM
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wondering if any of the folks here have also camped in death valley (in July) and have suggestions? I was looking at sites at Emigrant (2100') or Wildrose (4100') and hoping they would be cool enough to be tolerable in our mesh-only configuration of the hogback tent. Planning to avoid Furnace (-180') on the assumption that a) it will be cruelly hot and b) all the RV's will be running their generators all night spoiling the peace.

We found at Joshua Tree that by getting up to 4000' (Jumbo Rocks) that it was perfectly pleasant despite the valley below clocking 117° that day. Hoping for the same here, wondering if the 2100' is enough or if we should just plan to get to 4100'.

By contrast, camping in the city of Phoenix in late July after a thunderstorm in the late afternnon was just... rully rully hot and humid.

Re: Death Valley camping
brholler #37385 06/12/14 09:04 AM
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If you could camp higher, at least 8k, you would be getting some better acclimatization in. I would try for 2 nights at 8k or above before hiking the Whitney trail. But you should drive through Death Valley if you've not seen it.

It is extra driving north, but the Hwy 168 over the White Mountain area (Westgard Pass) puts you close to the Bristlecone Pine area, which is a worthwhile sight seeing side trip. Grand View campground is dry but at 8k.

Horseshoe Meadows off the Whitney Portal road gets you to 10k and plenty of camping, too.

Re: Death Valley camping
Steve C #37391 06/12/14 09:34 AM
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We're visiting Death Valley _after_ the Whitney climb, so the altitude there is only in search of temperature moderation.

Acclimatization will be Yosemite followed by Horseshoe Meadows - hopefully 2 days, but I thought I read you could only stay one?

Re: Death Valley camping
brholler #37392 06/12/14 11:03 AM
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Wildrose is a drive off the main road, but I would think getting up to 4k then would be tolerable, especially if you weren't spending the mid-day. Not sure how full it is in summer.

If you have a place to stay in Yosemite, and you (or the kids) have never been, that is really good.

HM: Yes, it is designated one night only. It is almost never full. Packing up for the day, then spending a second night would probably work. There are also the walk-in hiker sites at Whitney Portal, just below the trail head.

Re: Death Valley camping
Steve C #37393 06/12/14 11:52 AM
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You could also do Onion Valley one night (reservable), then move south to HM on night 2.... or try to get a walk ins @ Rock Creek Lake then move to HM.

Here are some photos from Little Lakes Valley, just up the road from Rock Creek. LLV is one of my favorite places:
http://www.hikinggeek.com/2013/08/16/little-lakes-valley-trip-report-august-16-2013/

Re: Death Valley camping
brholler #37405 06/12/14 04:07 PM
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You could also go and park on Aguereberry Point and stay a night up there. You would have nice views to enjoy and be almost at 6300 feet.


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