Death Valley Driving Holiday
Discussion
toohuge said:
cat220 said:
blueheron said:
If you do go though, pay attention to the signs telling you to switch your A/C off in the car. You don't want to be stranded out there.
Good point, take plenty of water too. We stopped to help a family en route to Furnace Creek a few years ago, I'll never forget how hot the bonnet was on the broken down car and how distressed the family were with the heat. We ended up leaving their car and taking them with us to Furnace Creek.But do as a precaution keep water in the car as dehydration can catch you out.
Chris
BullyB said:
yer, cheers for the advice. I will keep well stocked up with water and fuel.
I was looking for any emergency numbers but it looks like 911 is all I need, not that the phone will work anyway...
I need to check what AVIS's break down cover is...
You might want to buy yourself a US phone to use out there. I bought a 'tracfone' for $20 in CVS, think it came with $10 of credit but you can add more if you need and it will be much cheaper for any US calls.I was looking for any emergency numbers but it looks like 911 is all I need, not that the phone will work anyway...
I need to check what AVIS's break down cover is...
cat220 said:
Agree re the aircon but simple things like a puncture can be a big deal in that heat, also as mentioned previously the are many unsurfaced tracks that are pretty remote. Always better to give the place a bit of respect and carry plenty of water.
We got a puncture in our 4x4 on the way back from Racetrack Playa. Had only seen one other car all day. Not fun changing a wheel in 140 degrees.
BullyB said:
not sure if I'm brave enough to go up there... looks good however on google earth.
Is it just a loop back to the main road?
Yes, but still worth a look. As I said, we did it in a people carrier (6 people and all their luggage) in August, so you should be OK. Is it just a loop back to the main road?
The only time the car started to get a bit hot was on the final part of the climb up to Dante's view, but that's something you cannot miss - the views up & down the valley are stunning.
We're due to drive there on Wednesday (currently in San Diego) and it's looking like touching 50 degrees 
The tired mustang we're driving will have its work cut out, I turned down the $7 a day breakdown cover too, doh! We've got a stack of water and plenty of suncream. Will hope for the best, especially as the 'tang has told me I've got low "tire" pressure twice already.
The tired mustang we're driving will have its work cut out, I turned down the $7 a day breakdown cover too, doh! We've got a stack of water and plenty of suncream. Will hope for the best, especially as the 'tang has told me I've got low "tire" pressure twice already.
Was in that part of the world just over a week ago, had just over three weeks and left palm spring cuz it was too hot. Been Death Valley many times but will only pass through in the summer. Stayed del ccoranado hotel the Saturday before flying home, very nice, much nicer temps in the San Diego area, best of luck in the heat.
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