balfre1946
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We are thinking of going to Death valley in our 36ft class A with toad in mid-September...coming in from Yosemite..any recommendations about routes, RV parks ( no dry camping, way too hot, we have animals)
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Ivylog
Blairsville, Ga. USA
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Good luck as the three times I've been through it was with the heater on high and the windows open trying to keep the engine from overheating. Last time I even had a water spray on the radiator of the Burb from the Airstream I was pulling. WE saw the smoking remains of the frame of what was a MH that three generations got out with only the cloths they had on. Oh Yea, I boiled my brake fluid and had to use the tranny and the electric brakes on the Airstream to get down to Stove Pipe Wells. This was after stopping at Towne pass (elev 5,000') and letting the Burb cool down before decending into the valley on 190. All of the above is true so next time I see Death Valley it's going to be from 30,000'.
* This post was
edited 07/27/12 07:50pm by Ivylog *
This post is my opinion (free advice). It is not intended to influence anyone's judgment nor do I advocate anyone do what I propose.
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TexasShadow
Spring Branch, TX USA
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probably the easiest (on your rig) route is north on 127 from Baker CAThere is, I think, elec hookups at Furnace Creek campground, and there are hookups up at Stove Pipe Wells. Not very many, so maybe you need to make a reservation. Stovepipe Wells is more central to things in the park. Take in Scotty's Castle..it's pretty and will be air conditioned.
Going out of the park, again, the easiest is probably the way you came in. The other routes have some steep and/or long grades.
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hershey
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Death Valley is a must see area, but its not at all a friendly place in the heat of summer. Plan on seeing it in the winter months. About the first week of November is one of the best times. Lots of old and new country music. Some very good and some, well they used to be good.  Its the Death Valley Encampment. Is mostly dry camping but you don't need AC.
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skipsor
Thousand Oaks, CA
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If you are worried about your animals don't go in September. The temperatures are very likely to be well over 100 and there is little or no shade in most of the park.
Come back from November to March with your animals.
Stay in the mountains and enjoy the cooler temperatures.
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RVnRobin
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While I haven't yet driven the routes east from Yosemite, I believe you need to choose carefully due to the need to cross several mountain ranges. You may want to take the long way around, either to the north or south and approach Death Valley from that direction.
Since I have been in Death Valley (DV) nearly a year now I can speak to the roads heading east from DV. Roads on the east side of the valley are the least steep of them all. The best is probably 190. I suggest you plan doing your driving in the early mornings and get off the roads by 11 or 12 o'clock, before it gets hot. Even in September.
As far as camprounds with full-hookup sites, there are three. One is at Stovepipe Wells. One is the National Park campground at Furnace Creek. Although, it has been closed for a while now for some extensive upgrades. Not sure when it will reopen. The third option are some sites at the Furnace Creek Ranch and Resort. Not many people know about these.
The high temperature this year to date was 128 in the shade on July 11. Once you get used to the heat, it is really not all that bad. Although, it takes a week or two to get used to it. In September temps generally are in the 80s at night and not much more than 100 during the day.
Good luck and plan well.
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balfre1946
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We are on a 2 year tour and will be driving down from Tahoe to Las Vegas to be in the Grand Canyon by September 12 then head east so coming to Death Valley in November is not an option, we will be in Charleston, SC by then. Has anyone actually driven an RV in Death Valley in early September?
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dreamer
Southern Illinois
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We were through The Valley Of Death in mid September on motorcycles, it was 112' F. I don't recommend it. Good luck.
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supercub
Modesto CA
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I was there last Jan for the first time. I kept the motorhome in Pahrump NV and took the car to Death Valley for a day trip. I think it's about an hour drive from Pahrump to Furnance Creek. I can't remember the name of it, but make sure you take the drive up to a vista point that over looks Death Valley.....was a beautiful view.
That point is several thousand feet above the valley.....and it was cold up there.........down in the valley it was hot.........nothing bad like it is in the summer time though.
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2gypsies
Enjoying the West!
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If you're on such a structured schedule then yes, definitely drive through Death Valley - at least you'll get to see it! We've come through one of our times in May and it was just as hot as Sept. will be but it was just enroute to somewhere else for us. We've stayed much longer in the winter. You won't be alone there if that's what you're worried about. Others on vacation do the same thing although I would advise for you not to try any "off roading" or long hikes, although there are a few very short less than a mile hikes that you should do just to learn about the park. Also, Artist Drive with your tow vehile is a must. It's a short loop from the Furnace Creek area. Be sure to stop at the visitor center for information. The national park service patrols the main roads daily - their ranger live there - it will be neat for you to see. We have come in from the east (Hwy 190) a few times and exited that way too. It's a beautiful drive from Lone Pine, CA (there's a nice RV park there if you need one the night before your Death Valley drive). If you can - drive in from the east then stop at Stovepipe Wells which is right on your way and in a central location. There you will find a campground with electric hookups. Stay at least a day to do a little touring - especially to Scotty's Castle and do one of the tours. It's well worth it and it's cool temps in there. It would be a shame to pass it up if you think you'll never be back. Have a good trip!
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