Directions: Best to stay at Furnace Creek Resort in Death Valley. Have
a 'good' friend drive you to the Titus Canyon turnoff (30 miles from Furnace Creek). It's
on the way to Beatty and is clearly marked. The driver can drop you off (with more water
than you have ever carried in your life) or they can drive ahead and dispense refreshments
during the run. Be advised there is no place to turn around and AAA will not come to the
aid of a stranded vehicle. However, on my run I was passed by several light trucks, SUVs,
and cars including a Honda Accord...
Trail Information: If unaided, wear a camel back and carry at least
two large water bottles. There is NO WATER other than what you carry in. The entire trail
is a 26 mile ONE-WAY jeep road (currently in great condition). The first 8 miles of the
dirt road are deceivingly uphill and if you can sucker... I mean convince the driver to
take you to the top of the first pass you'll be forever grateful. The view from this ridge
is spectacular. From this ridge the jeep trail travels 15 miles downhill (except for one
little 1000 foot bump) and opens into Death Valley. During the run you will pass through
narrows barely wider than one truck width. The total descent during the run is 5400 feet.
Remember that this run ends at the canyon's mouth in Death Valley. The run is physically
easy, but if you have had bad experiences with heat or dehydration DO NOT ATTEMPT this run
unaided! No call boxes, no cell phones, and the beasties that bite can kill you before
anyone even realizes you're in trouble. If rain is forecast for anywhere in Death Valley
DO NOT ATTEMPT this run unless you're a great fastwater swimmer too!
Miscellaneous Information: The best times to visit Death Valley are in
the Winter and early Spring. The rest of the time it's just too damn hot - 120+. Furnace
Creek Resort is pricey but has restaurants, a Saloon ($9 pitchers), a general store ($7
6-packs), a golf course, and a pool. There is plenty to amuse kids and adults alike... so
it's a nice way to repay friends and family members who do not share our love of this
sport.