Death Valley Dreaming, 2012:
Biking and Hiking Death Valley

Biking Bad Water and Artist Loop, Stove Pipe Wells, and the Armagosa Crest
Hiking Golden and Gowen Canyons, Sidewinder Canyon, and Wildrose Peak

February 3 - 10, 2012

by Rob Jones

(Text © copyright by Rob Jones; Photos © copyright by Rob Jones)
High Sierra from Wildrose Charcoal Kilns
High Sierra from Wildrose Charcoal Kilns
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Death Valley Dreaming 2012

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Pano of Death Valley from Sidewinder-Willow Canyon Crest (scroll L-R to view wide Pano)
Pano of Death Valley from Sidewinder-Willow Canyon Crest (scroll L-R to view wide Pano; 1.3mb, 4556 x 900 pixels)
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      Photos are scattered throughout this report.
      Keep scrolling.

      This trip was organized by Cheryl Soshnik and others of the Wasatch Mountain Club.

Yes! There is also a part 1, from 2011, companion report. It is: Death Valley Dreaming: Biking and Hiking Death Valley - 2011

      Preliminary: First, Kathleen and I drive to Fresno, see Gordon and Beth, have a 4-hour lunch with George Whitmore and Nancy. Then, Kathleen stays in Fresno while I head to DV.

      Day 1: Bad Water and Artist Loop 41 miles.
      When I arrived in DV yesterday afternoon - I find a throng of Wasatch Mountain Club (WMC) bikers swirling around the vagrant tamarisks (evil interlopers, invasive species that have decimated the Colorado River drainage, having the effect on water sort of like bushco had on the Democratic budget surplus - gone). New people to meet, and some old friends with whom to catch up. Glorious. Warmish and with calm winds, I somehow missed the gale two days ago. Fortunate.
      Back to today: Our first ride is to Bad Water, well below sea level, then back and up and up the Artist's Drive to Artist’s Palette. It's about 18 miles out to the salty low spot for the first break. Then, on the return, we climb and climb (low gears burning, well, muscles burning anyway) to the scenic toilet and the Palette. Another good spot for a break.
      Down. Approaching 30 MPH and cool enough to produce goose bumps. Perhaps the goose bumps rise from the terror of negotiating the hairpin turns and anticipating gravel on the narrow road?
      The second law of bicycling comes into play, what goes down must go up (it's a unidirectional law), as, following a 180 degree turn, we are again climbing, then finally more down to the Bad Water Road.
      Slowly back to texass Spring CG, where a delightful sun shower awaits - taking advantage of those tamarisk shower trees (useful for something after all), and Dutch oven meal of chicken, potatoes, carrots, onions. Yum.
      Full moon approaches, and the lights seem on during the short night.

See the map of today's Bad Water and Artist Loop ride at: (click here)

DV photos by Chris Winter

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wDV-2012-day1 Chery-Rob at Artist Loop Start by Chris Winter1.jpg (383784 bytes)

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wDV-2012-day1 Rob and Cheryl by Chris Winter1.jpg (465123 bytes)

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wDV-2012-day3 Dave-Rob-Kneel-Chris by Chris Winter1.jpg (365886 bytes)

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DV photos - Day 1

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wDV-2012-day1-1 Start of ride to Badwater.jpg (283382 bytes)

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      Day 2: Skulking to Stove Pipe Wells. 50 miles.
      The Roadrunner dashes between empty Dutch ovens, flushing bugs from around the pots from last night's oven-baked delights. Cleaned up today, the ovens will hold cornbread and brownies, complimenting Cheryl's chili concoction - yum, again).
      I try for a photo between darting dashes of the Roadrunner.
      The day starts cool, so we all enjoy more coffee as the world warms. Lovely. It's a working breeze on the way to Stove Pipe Wells, passing the Devil's Cornfield and the Mesquite Dunes (replete with scenic toilet). After the lunch break, the ride back is more enjoyable, thanks to a bit more downhill and down breeze.
      Shower time, cocktail hour, a bit of evening fire while preparing dinner and the 70F degree temps leave with the lowering sun.

See the map of today's Stove Pipe Well ride at: (click here)

DV photos - Day 2

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wDV-2012-day2-1 To StovePipe.jpg (304482 bytes)

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      Day 3: Crestival - Amargosa Crest. 40 miles, plus and minus 3000', from below sea level to the pass.
      After 20 miles, almost exactly, from texass Springs CG, the steady grade relaxes and we're lolling dips. This must be the unmarked summit. We passed the 3000' mark just a short distance back. I continue to MP (milepost) 130, and the road begins to roll dips, down. Dave, Chris, Kneel, and I enjoy a snack, then the route down is quick and cool and tights and wind jacket are mandatory. It's easy to roll along at 20 MPH, more if extra power is applied. It's a good ride because one just turns around when tired, and rolls back most of the way to camp. It's a grand descent.
      It's a partially cloudy day and the temperatures are lower due to the obscured sun. At breakfast, we watch a fluffy Coyote walk the low ridge above camp, skylined. Apparently spotting the best camps to visit later, best as in most likely to produce food scraps.

Map - A map of this GPS track/map of bicycling the Amargosa Crest can be seen below. Change the map type (topo, terrain, etc.) and alter the scale as you wish. Click "bigger map" text below map if you want a larger map.

DV photos - Day 3 Most by Dave Rumbellow

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wDV-2012 Dave R photo 1 Amargosa Crest.jpg (220209 bytes)

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wDV-2012 Dave R photo 2 Zabriskie Pt.jpg (267478 bytes)

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      Day 4: Golden and Gowen Canyons to Zabriskie Point and around About 6.5 miles.
      Hiking now, the bike is in the back of the car.
      Now, there are four of us after the majority of the WMC folks clear out for the land of Smog (Smog Lake, utah), Zig, Dave, Randy, and me. We relocate to a central camp and, after saying goodbyes to the WMC riders, we think about our hiking options.
      The polished conglomerate swirls down canyon with side bands of oxidized blood-red and coppery-green layers twisted into a geologic Gordian knot. Fabulous geology!
      We start up Golden Canyon and scale the yellow silts to the rampart below Manly Beacon to Zabriskie Point, where a flock of Germans have been disgorged from a tour bus and now ramble about the Point. Back around in Gower Gulch, amidst more twisted geology, we are hiking the completion of this lovely loop. Delightful.
      A veil of clouds descends on Telescope Peak and the weather front craters our temperatures - into the 40F's.

DV photos - Day 4

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wDV-2012-day4-1  Dave, Randy, Zig in Golden Can.jpg (326658 bytes)

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      Day 5: Slotting the Sidewinder. about 6 miles, ERM of about 10.
      The slot slips left, then right, corkscrews and sidewinds, the flutes above are nearly connecting. Then, a natural bridge arches over the conglomerate gulch, drilled through by floods of yore and last year. Yowee. We're in one of the slots that branches off Sidewinder Canyon, about MP 31.5 on the Bad Water Road. Another slot, another two natural bridges and some climby stuff too.
      Continuing up canyon, we clamber out of the canyon, then wander a low and descending ridge and then along the crest of Willow Canyon. Apparently, there may be a route into Willow, not far from the car park. And, what about a route into the upper section of Willow? We don't invest time looking for an upper route, yet, judging by the plethora of sheep trails, it looks like the Bighorns may have found a way to the rumored water in Willow. Today, it's grand to stay on the crest, where vistas are broad and the hiking quite decent. Sheep trails abound, and we see a few sheep scurrying out of view. What exactly do these agile ungulates eat out here while scampering about on nearly unclimbable terrain? We finally find a passable route off the crest, yet we are nearly back to the car park by this time.
      Back to texass Creek CG, where it's warm and the sun is full.

Map - A map of this GPS track/map of the hike of Sidewinder Canyon can be seen below. Change the map type (topo, terrain, etc.) and alter the scale as you wish. Click "bigger map" text below map if you want a larger map.

DV photos - Day 5

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wDV-2012-day5-1 Dave, Randy, Zig ready to hike.jpg (320652 bytes)

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      Day 6: Wildly Wildrose Peak. The eyes have it! about 8.7 miles, ERM of 18 (up about 2300', to 9065'); and Charcoal Kilns.
      The High Sierra, soaring summits shrouded in snow form the Northern skyline, while views to the green dot that is the oasis of Furnace Creek and the salt depression below sea level and the crenulated mountains and ranges range across the Easterly view. A hint of Telescope Peak and the zig-zag road scar of Rogers (with radio tower) and Bennett dominate the South. Up here, amid skiffs of snow and an ancient pygmy forest, views abound and astound.
      We started the day by moving to Emigrant Camp at about 2000' above sea level. After quickly throwing a few camp items into place, we empty the contents of Zig's vehicle into the tents and all jump in for the drive to the charcoal kilns and trailhead for Wildrose Peak. It's over 4000' of climbing to get to the TH, and the weather is a bit different up here. I suspect in many years, it would be impossible to make this drive, let alone this hike, this time of year.
      The trail takes the direct route to the peak, first on a graded route apparently left over from the clear-cutting of the pygmy forest about 140 years ago - clear-cut to feed the numerous kilns. After about a mile and a half, the trail leaves this route and climbs steeply to a ridge overlooking the Eastern side of the range, then, after a short length of relatively leisurely walking, again takes the direct route on short switch-backs to the false summit, after which one gladly strides an undulation to the 'real' peak.
      The wind is cold and bites right through our wet clothes, prompting us to done what we have, including wind jackets. Too much haze for a proper panorama, so I try to memorize the vista.
      Because we started late, we arrive late back at Emigrant Camp, with just enough light to throw the rest of basic camp into place and locate items for dinner. As dark descends, I find a place for a shower and enjoy it as the breeze subsides.
      Finally easing into my well-trashed chair for dinner, I note we and fellow campers are not alone. Shiny turquoise eyes glow from the creosote brush, blinking an uninterpretable Morse code into the night. Dave and I try to isolate the owners of these eyes, yet without success. Finally, one silently waltzes into camp, and right past Zig's tent, and, it's a Kit Fox, a whole family of Kit Foxes. Yowee. Yet, no photos because there is no light in this time prior to moon rise. And the eyes have it for this last night in Death Valley National Park, looking forward to your next visit.

From the NPS:
      Wildrose Peak is the northernmost summit of the Panamint Mountains. A rewarding hike on its own, it is also a good alternative when winter conditions prevent hiking Telescope Peak. The trail starts at the north end of the charcoal kilns and climbs steadily up a drainage thick with pinyon pine and juniper. Watch for weathered stumps of trees cut more than 100 years ago to be made into charcoal at the kilns. The final two miles of trail meanders along a forested ridge and switchbacks up the peak, revealing increasingly spectacular views. Other than a few scattered stands of limber pine, the rounded summit is exposed and windswept. Pinyon pine and juniper woodlands above 6000 feet provide habitat for mule deer and mountain lion, while rugged canyons and lofty ridges are home to bighorn sheep. The highest summit in the park, Telescope Peak crowns the range at 11,049 feet. Its windswept slopes are home to ancient bristlecone pine trees, some as old as 3000 years. Maintained trails lead to the tops of Telescope Peak and 9064 feet high Wildrose Peak. They are a cool refuge from the desert's heat, but can be covered by deep snow in winter and spring.

Map - A map of this GPS track/map of the hike to Wildrose Peak can be seen below. Change the map type (topo, terrain, etc.) and alter the scale as you wish. Click "bigger map" text below map if you want a larger map.

DV photos Day 6 - Wildrose Peak

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wDV-2012-day6-1 Zig and load-out for Day 6.jpg (207589 bytes)

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wDV-2012-day6-2 Arch 1.8 mi up from Hwy 178.jpg (398826 bytes)

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wDV-2012-day6-12 Randy and Wildrose Pk register.jpg (347027 bytes)

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wDV-2012-day6-13  Dave and Zig on Wildrose Pk.jpg (363443 bytes)

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wDV-2012-day6-14 USGS monument on Wildrose Pk.jpg (488045 bytes)

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wDV-2012-day6-15 Zig leaves Wildrose Pk - view S.jpg (407348 bytes)

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Scenic Toilet of Death Valley and Inner Earth
Scenic Toilet of Death Valley and Inner Earth
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Scenic Toilets of Death Valley Dreaming 2012

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wDV-2012-scenic-toilet1 Badwater.jpg (234953 bytes)

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wDV-2012-scenic-toilet2 Mike and Alyson at Artist Palett.jpg (282669 bytes)

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wDV-2012-scenic-toilet6 Zabriskie Point.jpg (216700 bytes)

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wDV-2012-scenic-toilet7 Amargosa Crest ride.jpg (299023 bytes)

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wDV-2012-scenic-toilet8 Emigrant CG.jpg (450833 bytes)

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Maps

See the map of the Bad Water and Artist Loop ride at: (click here)

See the map of the Stove Pipe Well ride at: (click here)

See the map of the Armagosa Crest ride at: (click here)

See the map of the Sidewinder Canyon hike at: (click here)

See the map of the Wildrose Peak hike at: (click here)

Links

Death Valley Dreaming: Biking and Hiking Death Valley - 2011

Click here to go to the report of the Joshua Tree Junket - this trip immediately follows the 2011 DV Dreaming.

Scenic Toilets of Inner Earth.

Click here for -- USGS article about measuring the span of arches.

Click here or on the happy cyclists to go to all WV reports about Bicycle Touring

All Wilderness Vagabond trip reports about Bicycle Touring
Looking for All Wilderness Vagabond trip reports about Bicycle Touring?
Click the image to go to All WV reports about Bicycle Touring

More Truth Than Joke:

Rarely do conservation or science articles mention the major demon,
population growth. Here is an exception:
weather extremes the new normal
weather extremes the new normal
(Click the image for the full article - read down)

natural gas - risky stuff
natural gas - risky stuff
(Click the image for the full article)

More truth than joke - part 1

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wbushco the reason for deficit.jpg (226353 bytes)

wbushco the reason for deficit.jpg

wJesus is a socialist.jpg (167334 bytes)

wJesus is a socialist.jpg

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wno money for health care.jpg

corporate Care for the Planet
corporate Care for the Planet
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More truth than joke - part 2

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wGod is a Socialist.jpg (297295 bytes)

wGod is a Socialist.jpg

wgop and women.jpg (55753 bytes)

wgop and women.jpg

wgovernment oversight and tea baggers.jpg (189052 bytes)

wgovernment oversight and tea baggers.jpg

wealth disparity
wealth disparity
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More truth than joke - part 3

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wgreed makes you believe.jpg (348633 bytes)

wgreed makes you believe.jpg

wguns to protect your home.jpg (234261 bytes)

wguns to protect your home.jpg

wmagic answers are OK.jpg (401449 bytes)

wmagic answers are OK.jpg

bushco did it

bushco did it
bushco did it
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Jefferson speaks to the tea baggers
Jefferson speaks to the tea baggers
(Click the image for the full-size image)

Link to below Onion article (click here).

Scientists: 'Look, One-Third Of The Human Race Has To Die For Civilization To Be Sustainable, So How Do We Want To Do This?'
      26 Jan. 2012 | ISSUE 48•04

      Scientists say at least 2 billion dead bodies will be burned and converted into fossil fuels.
      WASHINGTON—Saying there's no way around it at this point, a coalition of scientists announced Thursday that one-third of the world population must die to prevent wide-scale depletion of the planet's resources—and that humankind needs to figure out immediately how it wants to go about killing off more than 2 billion members of its species.
      Representing multiple fields of study, including ecology, agriculture, biology, and economics, the researchers told reporters that facts are facts: Humanity has far exceeded its sustainable population size, so either one in three humans can choose how they want to die themselves, or there can be some sort of government-mandated liquidation program—but either way, people have to start dying.
      And soon, the scientists confirmed.
      "I'm just going to level with you—the earth's carrying capacity will no longer be able to keep up with population growth, and civilization will end unless large swaths of human beings are killed, so the question is: How do we want to do this?" Cambridge University ecologist Dr. Edwin Peters said. "Do we want to give everyone a number and implement a death lottery system? Incinerate the nation's children? Kill off an entire race of people? Give everyone a shotgun and let them sort it out themselves?"
      "Completely up to you," he added, explaining he and his colleagues were "open to whatever." "Unfortunately, we are well past the point of controlling overpopulation through education, birth control, and the empowerment of women. In fact, we should probably kill 300 million women right off the bat."
      Because the world's population may double by the end of the century, an outcome that would lead to a considerable decrease in the availability of food, land, and water, researchers said that, bottom line, it would be helpful if a lot of people chose to die willingly, the advantage being that these volunteers could decide for themselves whether they wished to die slowly, quickly, painfully, or peacefully.
      Additionally, the scientists noted that in order to stop the destruction of global environmental systems in heavily populated regions, there's no avoiding the reality that half the world's progeny will have to be sterilized.
      "The longer we wait, the higher the number of people who will have to die, so we might as well just get it over with," said Dr. Chelsea Klepper, head of agricultural studies at Purdue Univer­sity, and the leading proponent of a worldwide death day in which 2.3 billion people would kill themselves en masse at the exact same time. "At this point, it's merely a question of coordination. If we can get the populations of New York City, Los Angeles, Beijing, India, Europe, and Latin America to voluntarily off themselves at 6 p.m. EST on June 1, we can kill the people that need to be killed and the planet can finally start renewing its resources."
      Thus far, humanity has been presented with a great variety of death options, among them, poisoning the world's water supply with cadmium, picking one person per household to be killed in the privacy of his or her home, mass beheadings, and gathering 2.3 billion people all in one place and obliterating them with a single hydrogen bomb.
      Sources confirmed that if a death solution is not in place by Mar. 31, the U.N., in the interest of preserving the human race, will mobilize its peacekeeping forces and gun down as many people as necessary.
      "I don't care how it happens, but a ton of Africans have to go, because by 2025, there's no way that continent will be able to feed itself," said Dr. Henry Craig of the Population Research Institute. "And by my estimation, three babies have to die for every septuagenarian, because their longer life expectancy means babies have the potential to release far more greenhouse gases going forward."
      While the majority of the world's populace reportedly understands this is the only option left to save civilization, not all members of the human race are eager to die.
      "I personally would rather live, but taking the long view, I can see how ensuring the survival of humanity is best," said Norwich, CT resident and father of three Jason Atkins. "I guess if we were to do it over again, it would make sense to do a better job conserving the earth's finite resources."
      "Hopefully, the people who remain on the planet will use the mass slaughter of their friends and loved ones as an incentive to be more responsible going forward," he added.


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