Now I've un-lurked I guess I'd better introduce myself... just returned from my fourth visit to Death Valley over the New Year. I live in the Bay Area. So far my visits to DV have been pretty much on-road, but now that jeep rental is available I'm hoping to fly into Furnace Creek in the spring and do some real off-road exploring. At the moment I'm trying to decide just HOW off-road... I would love to do Mengel Pass for example but it seems kind of on-the-edge for someone with very little off road experience. (I have the Death Valley SUV book and have read it all, makes for great fireside dreaming). Otoh just driving to the Racetrack seems kind of tame. If anyone has thoughts/advice I'd be very interested...

That seems long enough for a hello...

John Harper

Welcome to the board.. I would recommend hooking up with one of our groups and getting in on a run.. That will help you get more acquainted with offroading and heading into the back country..

Welcome! B-Spec's idea of coming along on one of our outings would be a good way of introducing yourself to off-highway travel, and getting a comfort level established.

Please also read the forum ruels and guidelines. We welcome your questions, and are happy to provide ideas for trips, etc.

David Bricker / SYR

Welcome to the board.

If you were to rent a Jeep out of Furnace Creek, I would say head up Mengle Pass and never look back.

Put that Jeep into low range and take your time. You'll be through that section in no time. As a novice offroader you'll probably whiteknuckle the wheel the whole time. However, once through that section, exhilaration takes over and you'll realize "that was not so bad". Just watch your lines and try not to avoid obstacles that the Jeep could easily drive over.

Or wait and cut your teeth with some of us as B-spec said.

Warm Springs,Butte Valley,Goler Canyon to Panamint Valley is a epic trip the very first time.

Welcome John,

there's a few of us from the Bay Area that make trips down to DV multiple times a year. Maybe we'll see ya there one of these days.

Andy

Welcome!
These guys said it!