Best way through Death Valley?

I think perhaps all of my road trips are "challenge trips". Last year I drove 5500 miles to Lake Superior and back in 12 days. I did roughly this same route two years ago, skipping Yosemite, Death Valley and the North Rim, in four days. I can do this in six--350 miles a day is not too much to ask, I think. Can't dawdle looking at every little thing like I'd like to, but can still see a lot of stuff.

"It would be a shame to be that close to Virginia City and not stop by for a look."

Indeed, but some things must be sacrificed. I might go there for a weekend one of these days. Although no time soon, since the passes on 50 and 80 over the Sierras have been a nightmare lately.

"You are going to drive to Ely and not go see Great Basin National Park -- say it 'aint so!"

Sigh...this was the hardest cut of all. But I am visiting four national parks.

"I hope those "sccondary roads" over to Enterprise are limited to SR-56? Those other dirt roads are for experienced off-highway drivers..."

SR-319 in Nevada from Pioche to the border. Then UT-56 through Modena to 18 and Enterprise.

"I have driven all of the roads, more than a few times, and there are a few geographic and topographical realities that Street and Trips can not factor in. I really doubt you can cover all of that distance in the six allotted days unless you are planning to be on the road (driving) more than nine hours per day and some of those days are going to be pushing twelve..."

Maybe. Bodie Ghost Town could get cut out. Frankly the main objective of the trip is for my sister to see the Grand Canyon, and for me to drive through Yosemite and Death Valley. I defintely do believe in driving from early morning to sundown.

"Lee's Ferry, AZ"

Is that where Alt-89 crosses over the Colorado? Interesting.

Yes, if you approach from the west on 89A, the turn-off is just prior to the bridge, and the ferry site is just a couple miles back off the highway. The GC float trips "put in" there also. The stop won't take much time, there isn't a lot there -- a ranger station, two or three abandoned ferry buildings with historical markers, and the ranch (house, some outbuildings and the orchard). Bob

Just back from a field run to Death Valley. <a href = "http://www.meganedwards.com/Vegasland/Furnace-Creek-Death-Valley.htm">Click here<a/> for current wildflower conditions.

CA-190 is supposed to re-open in May -- If it is open when you are making your run -- certainly go that way. The route through Shoshoni is interesting, but pretty slow.

I think I'll skip Zion.

It's a tough choice but with our tight schedule, it will make the trip more doable. It's about 400 miles from Eureka, NV to Jacob Lake, so we should be able to stop the first night in Eureka and the second night somewhere in the neighborhood of Jacob Lake and the North Rim.

Would I be correct in assuming that Labor Day weekend will be a time where lots of people are descending on the Grand Canyon? Should I book ahead and make reservations somewhere near the North Rim on Monday, September 5?

Kevin,
I'm not sure about that -- keep in mind though there isn't much in the vicinity. There is a lodge at Jacob Lake, and then there's the North Rim Lodge. Other than that, there is a motel at Marble Canyon, and there are quite a number at Kanab, Utah and at Page, Arizona. If I had to guess, I'd say that Labor Day would NOT be too crowded in that area, except perhaps for the Page area (because of Lake Powell). South Rim would probably be much more crowded, but I suspect the North Rim wouldn't be as bad. But since your trip is tightly scripted, I'd probably make a reservation at Jacob Lake or North Rim to ensure you can stick to your plan. Bob