What to expect

This is a camping trip with possible hotel nights every 3 or 4 days - lodging in a hotel every night would limit our daily movement dramatically. Driving distances are pretty extreme in Death Valley. It is much more fun to have a drink around the campfire in the late afternoon rather than pushing on to a hotel before nightfall. Lets leave stress behind!

All roads and trails we will be using are open to the public and DO NOT represent any danger to your vehicle as long as you use common sense. Please read my tips for saving your tires and paint (and with that your marriage).

Road surfaces will vary from blacktop to graded dirt, to unmaintained dirt. We do not intend to engage in any rough off-road activities. No damage to your vehicle intended - Mother Nature will be safe, too.

Almost all stock 4x4 will be suitable for this trip. However, I strongly discourage owners of vehicles with a lowered suspension to participate - you will damage your vehicle!

If you have running boards, I also recommend you either take them off before the trip or you might get them scratched.

Also, if you run extremely low ratio tires (45 or lower aspect ratio - like 285/45R19) you run the risk of severe tire damage.

If you have mud flaps (splash guards) installed, you will have to be extra cautious when reversing or they might get ripped off.

Have a safe trip!
Harald Pietschmann