Overall Route Rating
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4.38 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.38
16 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By MCR Contributor (1039 McR Points) on May 17, 2011

Rider Reviews

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ThomasR
April 30, 2012
Went for 4 days in April with 70-75 Deg. temps.…
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Trapper
57 McR Points
November 23, 2011
This ride was a great experience. Especially for…
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Written Directions

Everyone knows where Death Valley is. Enter the Park from the east off Hwy 395, from the south out of Baker on I-15, from the east from Pahrump or from the north at Scotty's Junction or Beatty, both off NV 95.

Scenery

In a word: Spectacular! This is some of the most breathtaking, "extraterrestrial landscape" on the planet. There's hardly a thing growing out there higher than your knee yet it will be forever etched in your memory as not just one of the greatest motorcycle rides ever but one of the most beautiful as well. There's a place in the park where you can look down at one of the lowest points on earth at -280 ft in one direction and up to the highest point in the continental US in another (Mt Whitney, at 14,494). The mountains are rugged and wrinkled with amazing contrast between blonde and deep reddish brown. Spring time blankets the valley with wildflowers. A surreal place that is on the must-do list of every serious rider.

Drive Enjoyment

oad quality varies from area to area but is pretty good for the most part. Construction work can take place most anytime of year though there is less in the summer for a good reason - it's HOT!

Tourism Opportunities

DV is a desolate place. There are services in the park at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells - gas, restaurant and a general store. Camping is available in several places. There is motel lodging too but motels in the park are few and those are a bit pricey. Consider planning rides to end your days in Beatty, or Pahrump, NV or Lone Pine or Big Pine, CA.

There are only a few roads through the park. If you can't create some loops do them one direction one day and the opposite the next. The section from the valley to Beatty is great! Don't miss Hwy 178 between Shoshone and Furnace Creek. Do Hwy 190 from Death Valley Junction to Lone Pine. Awesome! And try to make time to get to Scotty's Castle - the tour is worth it! Get "Barry" as your tour guide.
 

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NechoBike
November 25, 2020
22 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Adventure Touring
It can be HOT! So, take your lighter armored gear. But it is one of the most amazing places in the US. I recommend riding it in the spring, if you're lucky you'll catch one of those "super-blooms" that happens after a rainy winter. The wildflowers are stunning, on top of the desert. The geology blows your mind, if you're into the rock thing.
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knoxone
June 25, 2021
85 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
take care riding this in the summer. My girlfriend was a heat casualty, luckily she was able to cool off/recover in the last gas station heading north. Wear lose clothing that covers your skin to reduce the brutal effects of the sun.
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wooly
July 3, 2021
640 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Started the ride as the sun came up to beat the midday heat. Not a particularly challenging ride but some nice subtle scenery. Lot of pastel colors in some sections like Artist Drive and Zabriskie Point. Have to go to Badwater Basin for the lowest point in north America and then to Dantes View 5000 feet above Badwater.
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