Off-road Big Pine/Death Valley Road, Death Valley National Park, California

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If you are coming south on the 396 from Mammoth or Reno and want to see the northern attractions of Death Valley National Park and want to do some offroading then this is the best way to enter the park. If ou plan on seeing Eureka Dunes, Racetrack Playa, Ubehebe Crater or Scottys Castle then this is the fastest way to get there from northern 395. Warning: The road might be closed during the winter. here are signed a the entrance of the road showing if it is open. The road start in Big Pine where you take the 168 east for about 2-3 miles. You will then see a turn off with signs to Scottys Castle. 0 miles (0:00 hours driving a fast pace, double the times if you drive at a slow pace): The first 30 miles of the road is paved and drives over the mountains to the East of Big Pine. Along the way you will see the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. 30 miles (0:50 hr): Once the road get out of the first mountain range you will switch to a nice gravel road for 7 miles. 37 miles (1:05 hr): Turn off for the Eureka Dunes. This 10 mile (20 round trip) dirt raod is in good shape but recommend a high cleanance vehicle. To continue on to the rest of the park continue on the "main" road (do not take turn off to the dunes - or return to turnoff). The road switches back to a paved road as it goes over the next mountain range. You will pass some old mine ruins along the road. Approx 47 miles: The paved road ends at the bottom of the mountain and switches to a good gravel road that heads south. 72 miles (2:00 hrs): Arrive at the paved park road 3 miles south of Ubehebe Crater and the start of the Racetrack Playa road. Vehicle needed: High-clearance. Expect dust, heavy washboard and occasional rough spots. Carry chains in winter.

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