Death Valley Snow & Road Report 2012/2013

[isaac004]

As of 3/4, yes, it is very clear. There was no snow and no standing water/mud anywhere on the road over Hunter Pass, pretty dry. See my ride report here for details: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=869090

However, I heard that last weekend there was snow up there, so I am not sure how it is now.

I should be making another pass through there this weekend and will report back.

[arbrlvr]

Thank you! I'll be attempting it about Wednesday of next week with my 18 yr old son. I'll look for your post from this coming weekend. That would be awesome. I've had to turn back from hunter and back track all the way, not nearly as fun. Have a good trip this weekend!

[Low594]

Originally Posted by isaac004

As of 3/4, yes, it is very clear. There was no snow and no standing water/mud anywhere on the road over Hunter Pass, pretty dry. See my ride report here for details: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=869090

However, I heard that last weekend there was snow up there, so I am not sure how it is now.

I should be making another pass through there this weekend and will report back.

Originally Posted by arbrlvr

Thank you! I'll be attempting it about Wednesday of next week with my 18 yr old son. I'll look for your post from this coming weekend. That would be awesome. I've had to turn back from hunter and back track all the way, not nearly as fun. Have a good trip this weekend!

Good to hear! We have a group that will be running over Hunter Mtn on 3/25!

[isaac004]

Just got back from DV last night. As an update to my report a few weeks ago, the following roads are in good shape (as in about the same condition as last year, no major surprises): Saline Valley Road to South pass to Saline Valley Hot Springs, Steele Pass. Rode Lippencot for the first time, in the downhill direction, very rocky but any intermediate can do it if you take your time. It was OK on a single, probably not much fun on a bigger twin.

Swansee to Salt Trams to Cerro Gordo Road...the only snow I saw was a small patch just west of the trams, it is very easy to by pass, and may be gone in the next 1-2 weeks. Swansee is very rocky, not for the faint of heart. Otherwise, all perfect, and stunning views of snow capped Sierras! I will post a few teasers later.

[r3r3r]

Originally Posted by isaac004

Just got back from DV last night. As an update to my report a few weeks ago, the following roads are in good shape (as in about the same condition as last year, no major surprises): Saline Valley Road to South pass to Saline Valley Hot Springs, Steele Pass. Rode Lippencot for the first time, in the downhill direction, very rocky but any intermediate can do it if you take your time. It was OK on a single, probably not much fun on a bigger twin.

Swansee to Salt Trams to Cerro Gordo Road...the only snow I saw was a small patch just west of the trams, it is very easy to by pass, and may be gone in the next 1-2 weeks. Swansee is very rocky, not for the faint of heart. Otherwise, all perfect, and stunning views of snow capped Sierras! I will post a few teasers later.

Thanks for the update. Things are looking good for the noobs rally in a couple of weeks!

[spafxer]

Hey Isaac,

We tried a few months ago to get big bikes to the Salt Tram from Cerro to Swansea. It turned out the GSAdventure I was with was just too big a bike.

Did you go up from the Swansea side? I have been to the Salt Tram from Cerro, so I am familiar with that, but I'd like to do the trail to Swansea..

Recommendations?

[Lost Rider]

Originally Posted by spafxer

Hey Isaac,

We tried a few months ago to get big bikes to the Salt Tram from Cerro to Swansea. It turned out the GSAdventure I was with was just too big a bike.

Did you go up from the Swansea side? I have been to the Salt Tram from Cerro, so I am familiar with that, but I'd like to do the trail to Swansea..

Recommendations?

these are some of the (steeper than the photo) steps going up the other side of Swansea, I wouldn't want to go with anyone on a GSA unless I knew they had mad skills, but that's just me.
There's a few other fun climbs going up that way, super fun ride. You on the 530, no problem IMO.

See you soon hopefully!







Sounds like it's a little different up there compared to 5 weeks ago.




Thanks for the update Isaac, looking good for n00bs.... still waiting on your teaser photos.

[isaac004]

Originally Posted by spafxer

Hey Isaac,

We tried a few months ago to get big bikes to the Salt Tram from Cerro to Swansea. It turned out the GSAdventure I was with was just too big a bike.

Did you go up from the Swansea side? I have been to the Salt Tram from Cerro, so I am familiar with that, but I'd like to do the trail to Swansea..

Recommendations?

I agree with Finn, there's only a few GSA riders I would want to go up there with, because I know they could handle it and because I would not have to help haul the bike up or down!

It is steep and rocky, fun on a thumper, but I would not even take my F800GS up there. I would call it an advanced trail, but also suitable for seasoned intermediates.

Pics coming soon, just been very busy!

[Team Longriders]

Good job guys

[isaac004]

As of Sunday 3/17, this was the only snow spot on Swansea Grade Road....it was very easy to ride around on terra firma. I did not ride up White Mountain Road. You could go from the ghost town of Cerro Gordo straight to Salt Trams without any snow at all. In the next 1-2 weeks I bet that snow patch will have melted.