Death Valley Spring Base Camp

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Come join us for a few days of exploring Death Valley. For this trip we will have a very flexible agenda. WE will basecamp at the Panamint Springs resort and hang / explore from there THU pm, FRI, SAT, SUN until MON.

The idea of this adventure time is to be flexible. Join whether you have been in Death Valley many times or if this is your first time. Join whether you are novice to off-roading or have bounced around a bit in the past. Join whether you want to go see things or just hang around camp.

Trip Logistics

Dates

Thu Feb 12 - Mon Feb 16, 2026

Meet-up

• Date: Thursday, Feb 12, 2026
• Time: 6:30 AM
• Location: McDonald’s at Santa Rita and Highway 580 E.

Return

• Date: Monday, Feb 16, 2026

Note: Feel free to join if you can only make part of the time.

BaseCamp

• Panamint Springs Resort
• Reserve Camping/RV Spot Here
• Panamint Springs is on highway 190 about 10 miles in the western side of the DV park.

Expectations

Death Valley in general is a moderate level trip. We will explore from Basecamp, lots of easy options from there. In the remote areas there are a few more challenging obstacles but we can adjust the daily routes to avoid and plan accordingly.

Itinerary

⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ This is work in progress. We are working on it. Please stay tuned. ....⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️

Get Ready Before we go

Before we go we need to make sure you have everything you need to join us. Please make sure you have the following:

Offline Navigation

Many areas in Death Valley do not have phone service so you need an offline map solution. The Rally Point has attached a GPX file with many of the trails. Please download it into your nav device.

HAM Radio for Communications

• Even if you don't have a license you can listen in legally, there are a number of handheld radios that are satisfactory on Amazon available from $35-$200. Baofeng to Yaesu.
• PROGRAM Mhz 146.460

Extra Fuel

Gas is available at a few spots in the park. (Including at Panamint Springs Resort) However if we end up exploring remote areas and your rig is thirsty please bring some extra.

Amber Chase Lights to Keep the Group Safer on Dusty Trails

• This is absolutely critical as our group will kick up a lot of dust and the wavelength of amber goes the furthest through dust clouds. Please mount them higher up on the rear of your vehicle and they can be battery operated, plug-in to a cigarette lighter, or hardwired to a switch on your vehicle.
• You must have rear amber lights to join this trip to help keep others from rear-ending you on the trail.

Other

• Off road tires and Spare
• Recovery Gear / Tools
• Stock high clearance required and should be fine
• Definitely 4WD
• Prepared for desert ie water
• Meds, emergency kit

Terrain

Many of the trails in Death Valley in general are of moderate level with some challenging obstacles. High Clearance and 4x4 are required for the remote sections.

While mostly easy there are some serious sections that are at times steep with loose footing and sections that are rocky and require high clearance and good tire placement. You might need a tug from time to time so don't be bashful if you need any help, a spotter or whatever. And you may leave some markings on your rig.

Air Quality / Weather

Please check for latest conditions: Weather Forecast

Weather conditions in the desert can change quickly. Also Wind can appear on short notice. So we have to be flexible and adjust as appropriate.

... Let the adventure begin ... making memories ...