The heat here is simply awesome. Death Valley on average is the hottest place in the world. Its that simple - this valley can "cook". Names such as Stovepipe Wells, Furnace Creek, Devils Golf Course and Hells Gate are a dead giveaway as to the types of temperatures this valley experiences. Historically July is the hottest month of the year although late June can also see extreme temperatures. Seasons are turned around compared to typical … [Read more...]
Death Valley, CA – Attractions
Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 states; it houses a diversity of natural and human-made attractions. Based on numerous trips to Death Valley, we recommend at least 4-5 days to have enough time to visit some of the following highlights. However some schedules may not allow that amount of time: One day: we recommend you concentrate your sightseeing efforts near Furnace Creek as many natural attractions are located … [Read more...]
Death Valley, CA – Accomodation
CAMPING Death Valley National Park features a variety of campgrounds, some quite large like the 1000+ Sunset campground near Furnace creek (only open in the winter months), to just a few camp spaces. Many campgrounds close for the summer season - approximately mid April through mid October. For the campgrounds that do stay open in the summer months, often the prices will be cheaper. We have often found campgrounds closed in the park due to … [Read more...]
Death Valley, CA – Restaurants & Food
If you set your expectations low for culinary options prior to visiting Death Valley you won't be disappointed at all. In our experience, the food tends to be average and over priced. But you have to remember, this is in the middle of the desert - it's not like you can just walk out and pick fresh lettuce in the 120+ heat at times! PANAMINT SPRINGS Restaurant & bar review coming soon! STOVEPIPE WELLS Badwater Saloon - like the Tollroad … [Read more...]
Death Valley, CA – More Info
In addition to collecting information first hand from numerous trips to Death Valley, a big thanks goes out to the Death Valley National Park guide books, the guides at Scotty's Castle and park rangers for helping supply information for this article. Flash Flood, Panamint Valley - waters flowing down to the very seasonal Lake Levart Mojave Brown, always be careful hiking or biking near rocks in cooler weather in Death … [Read more...]
Mammoth, CA – Driving Distances
Driving Distances to Mammoth Lakes Bakersfield 4.5 hours 260 miles Death Valley 4 hours 214 miles Fresno 4.5 hours 200 miles Las Vegas 5.75 hours 377 miles Los Angeles 5.5 hours 325 miles Orange County 6.5 hours 363 miles Reno 3 hours 164 miles Sacramento 5 hours 290 miles San Bernardino 5 hours 290 miles San Diego 7 hours 400 miles San Francisco 7 hours 300 miles Santa Barbara 6.5 hours 385 miles Tioga Pass 3/4 hour 45 … [Read more...]
Bishop, CA – White Mountain Hike
White Mountain is one of 15 summits in California over 14,000 feet. Along with Shasta it is the only other 14,000+ mountain in California outside of the Sierra Nevada mountains. One of the oldest permanent settlements in North America was located 12,600 feet up one of the sides of White Mountain. This is the highest of the former permanent Indian settlements; there are several encampments slightly lower in elevation. The dirt White Mountain road … [Read more...]
Mt. Whitney, CA – Big Pine Restaurants
Prices are subject to change without notice. All phone numbers are in the 760 area code unless otherwise noted. Country Kitchen is located right in the middle of Big Pine on the west side of 395 at 181 S. Main St. They serve excellent breakfasts. We've eaten here when it was called Jeff's Country Kitchen and have eaten here again since the ownership change around 2013. Dave's pick is the Eggs Benedict. Casual dining … [Read more...]
Mt. Whitney, CA – Lone Pine
Lone Pine is a small town of about 2000 people with one stoplight in the entire town. Its most well known for three things; gateway to the Alabama Hills, a popular location for filming movies, television shows and commercials and home of the Whitney Portal Road leading to the Mt. Whitney trail head (this road starts in town). Incidentally Mt. Whitney was first climbed by three residents of Lone Pine on August 18, 1873. The town also offers … [Read more...]