Maybe Eddie remembers different but as I remember the last time i did Lippencott, the dirt road was narrow with a drop off on one side. In my opinoin the trail into Coyote Canyon on Anza Borrego was much harder. High clearance is required but other than that stock vehicles do it all the time. Like you are thinking they are being over cautious. What about this for a plan, go into Saline Valley Fri night and camp at the Warm Springs. Soak in the tubs Fri night and saturday, Join the group Sunday after it comes thru Steel pass and by the Springs. You can see the Racetrack Sunday with the group. When leaving if there wasn't enough light left and you felt uncomfortable going down Lippencot you could go out by way of Ubehebe Crater Crater and Grapevine, and out of the park thru the southern entrance to Baker and I15. A little long but as Toad says, "It's always an adventure"

 

Seconded. I'm going somewhere WITH TOAD, so she can't give me anymore shit about NOT going on runs.

 

My wife and I would like to meet up with everyone in DV or Saline over the weekend. We would likely join up for a day only because we just moved up here and do not have our camping gear with us. I am also starting a new job on Monday.

Death Valley and Saline are such large areas; the group could just make the trip a smaller one with plans on going back for more exploration.

In regards to camping at the springs… you do know that it is clothing optional, right?

 

From the times I have been there most people (thank goodness ) wear a bathing suite. Ocationally some hardy soles go without at night but it's "most" always tasteful in that they come to the tubs withe a robe or towel and then disrobe. If there are other people in the tub they just look away. I am a pretty modest person and I and my wife have never been embarrased by others there. I do understand though, depending upon who is there at the time it may be different. Keep in mind that the warm springs are part of DV and Rangers stop by daily so things are kept pretty much decent. I have been there around 6 times and I have only seen one person walking around nude during the day. (and then get on a motorcycle-what a weird sight). The other thing for those who haven't been there to know is that the tubs are very clean. When I have been there at the lower springs, I have seen the caretakers empty, clean and refill the tubs every day I was there. Also (for the lady wheelers) the bathrooms are very clean and do not smell.

 

I have been a few times and your observations are about the same as mine. Though there was a group playing volleyball in the nude when I drove by once!

It is a very tame and mellow place, even since before it was part of Death Valley NP.

For those that have not been, it is a really neat place and going into the springs is definitely optional. There is also lots space to camp nearby. Since it is somewhat of a holiday weekend, there will likely be more people there but I don't think it is ever what you would call crowded.

 

I aggree. I'll be in for whatever we do though.

 

Doesn't make sense to change the original plan if I'm the only one who would benefit, and it doesn't appear that making it a two day trip would get more people to join in.

 

Well I would have to leave sunday on our original trip, but I'm down for anything. Just think we need to know the plan by tonight.

 

You guys and plans....

Where is your sense of adventure?! Just pack the Jeep up and head for dirt.

 

*Looks around*

Hey, how about Last Chance Canyon? They allow fires... and there's some moderately "fun" obstacles.

*Sees Toad throwing him a dirty look*

Ok... DV it is.