Joshua Tree to Death Valley

[s8t]

We are going from Twentynine Palms to Stovepipe Wells. Has anyone done this? Any suggestions on the best route?
We are traveling in a 40ft DP towing.

[skinsgamer]

If you Google Map it, you'll find 3 routes, one takes you through Mojave Preserve. I've run the Mojave Death Race twice through there and the roads are mostly two land and all paved. It's actually a good alternate to Vegas if the 15 is backed up. The other two take you through my town (Ridgecrest), which according to our billboard is the best way to Death Valley. I have driven both routes and so long as there's no monsoon, both are reasonable. That said, it is the desert and there are a lot of hills (mountains), curves and narrow roads.

If you take the Mojave preserve you can stop at the Mad Greeks in Baker, Ca for awesome gyros, it's a mid-point.

We are headed to Furnace Creek in two weeks, so we get to traverse Death Valley and go right through Stovepipe Wells.

Have fun!
Link to Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Twen...062109!3e0!5i1

[coupevilleDF]

We took 190 into Death Valley last fall and came out on 178, I would not recomme 190 from 395 if you're towing because of the grade and curves, but you don't really need to go that way, 178 was ok but not great. Next time I'll come into the park from the east side as proposed by the blue line in the Google link.

[Stuff-Happens]

. . .Don't know your timeframe but a drive thru Mojave Preserve is pretty nice ( you can boondocks at the Kelso Sand Dunes for a night if so desired )( Nice & Quiet ). . Up thru Baker & on to Tecopa & Shoshone ( have websites ). . .Shoshone has a decent RV Park with a volcanic heated swimming pool & you can feed the desert tortoise just behind the motel; also has an eatery there. . . China Ranch ( has website ) just out of Tecopa has THE BEST dates ever; & quite scenic with some good hikes & wildlife. . .Then head to Stovepipe. . .If you have time check out Panamint Springs Resort ( has website ) & the cool hike to Darwin Falls if you wish. . . Stay Happy & healthy. . .

[s8t]

Thanks for the responses. I have to go through (or to) Panamint Sprngs or Furnace Creek for fuel. Has anyone taken 127?

[focker]

I drive 190 from Olancha to Panamint every year and it is a fairly easy route for me as long as I am taking it nice and slow on the downhill portions.

I would avoid buying fuel in DV if you can, it is usually double the price of anywhere else.

[Stuff-Happens]

. . .Many times on Hwy 127; get fuel in Baker. . .Shoshone is more expensive than DV for fuel, but, a nice place to stop for a drink or feed the desert tortoise . . .If you spend a night or 2 in Shoshone there are also several good hikes there but the volcanic heated pool is comfy. . .Gonna start being toasty there soon. . .From Baker until Dumont Dunes it is fairly level & then after Dumont Dunes there is a 5 mile climb that is not bad in a gasser so should be easy in a DP. . . Check out China Ranch; WONDERFUL dates & scenery & hikes! My friend Steve works there & his wife Colleen is the Postmaster at Shoshone. . . Send a private message if you want more info about the area. .