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Tue Jul 29, 2008 9:01 pm

I'm planning on attempting this run in my Thing this Friday.
Do any of you have any experience running that trail in a VW-based vehicle? I know that 4x4s do it all the time. We'll be going west to east from Ballarat to DV so I think we'll be going down hill through the most treacherous parts.
A friend will be coming along in his Land Rover to help out if needed.
Recommendations???
ref:
http://books.google.com/books?id=HjMozd3dBjoC&...;ct=result

-Mark

Tue Jul 29, 2008 9:08 pm

Ive never drove them or even heard of them but they sure do look like a fun ride, in the winter that is. :wink:

Tue Jul 29, 2008 9:22 pm

Make sure you bring LOTS of water. Drink as often as possible and make sure everyone else stays hydrated too.

Ive never done it in a bug, just hiking in death valley (and not during summer)

Should be a fun trip just watch your temps.

Tue Jul 29, 2008 9:56 pm

Never done it, but I'd certainly be right there with ya if it was not the middle of the summer. I'm willing to try anything once.

Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:12 am

Mark.....I have been up Goler Wash..up to the top of Mengal Pass in a Meyers Manx buggy with a "stock" 1500 single port motor. We did that run with the Manx Club a few years back, but only to the top of the pass, so I have NO knowledge of the route down into Death Valley. Going up Goler was not bad, but as I said It was a few years ago. The really rough spots were the "waterfall's".... :shock: really just small ledges near the bottom...but "should" be do-able in a longer wheelbase Type 181.....GOOD LUCK & take lot's-o-pics !!!!!!!

Wed Jul 30, 2008 2:26 pm

My recommendation....modify your plans and bring your buddy on the NIGHT RUN this weekend ;)

Then later in the cooler season, organize a trip for everyone. :D

Seriously, though...have fun...and take pics! 8)

Wed Jul 30, 2008 2:53 pm

Recommendations?!

I recommend you wait to do it in winter. :wink:

Or..... all of you pile in to the Land Rover and crank the AC.

Wed Jul 30, 2008 3:27 pm

Black Ops:
Thanks for the input. That's the kind of thing I was looking for. I'd heard about the challenges of the dry waterfalls on the way up and have seen photos of what appears to be the roughest part on the way down -- past Mengel Pass. I've seen photos of a Vanagon synchro going down it so I'm assuming if he can do it, I can too.

Yes, I know it's going to be HOT. That's less than desirable, but not a show-stopper. As long as I'm moving it isn't that bad. Two weeks ago I made the "Black Canyon & Inscription Canyon" loop in the 100+ weather and it was fantastic.

Life's too short to wait for ideal weather.

Yes, I'll bring plenty of water. That's a given.

I REALLY wanted to do the night run but given that I did that Barstow loop two weeks ago, the great Big Bear Run last week, and will do this Goler/Mengel run on Friday, the long drive from Covina to Ocotillo won't be happening.
I estimated that it would cost me $170 in gas just to get the motor home there and back to say nothing of the gas cost of my Baja trying to keep up with those wild San Diegans in Ocotillo.

I might be able to join you some other time down there but not this time.

BTW, we're hoping to make the spur run up to Manson's Barker Ranch on Friday as well.

Wed Jul 30, 2008 4:12 pm

Lots of water and a buddy. I'd go if it was not so far awy.

Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:33 pm

You're a hardcore dude, Mark. I'm jealous.

I hope you have a good time. Let us know how things go, and like Copper said, take some pics and post them up!

Thu Jul 31, 2008 3:25 pm

VW thing vs land rover

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaU0tBlz_O4 part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnCdIJN7Mtg&feature=related part 2

Sat Aug 02, 2008 5:00 pm

Wow! What a trip!
Yesterday, my Land Rover friend and I went from Ballarat, CA to Death Valley the hard way.

First we drove up Goler Wash. Within a minute in the wash, I finally saw my first big horn sheep in the wild. He was right in the middle of the trail and stayed long enough for me to photograph him.

Next we took the short spur up to Charlie Manson's Barker Ranch and checked it out. That was fun but a little creepy.

Then we turned north up Coyote Canyon and cruised up to Mengel Pass. The dry waterfalls were not too tough. They were about a 3 or 4 on Roger Mitchell's scale if you're familiar with his SUV trail books.

After reaching the top and resting for a bit we continued down the other side toward Striped Butte. That's when hit the rough stuff -- about 50 yards down the trail was the formidable rock garden. I'd rate it a 5 on the Mitchell scale. After plotting a course and doing a little strategic rock arranging, I descended without scraping anything.
Now granted, I went very slow. Next I tried my hand at spotting for my friends '08 LR3 descent. Unfortunately for him, I'm a lousy spotter and he got into a sticky situation. I rearranged a few rocks while he waited then he continued and made it down without a scratch.

In retrospect, I probably could have done it without a spotter but it is always nice to have an extra pair of eyes. I was most worried about scraping my rear S&S bumper as it restricts my exit angle -- but it never hit.

It was obvious to me that that portion of the trail had greatly deteriorated since the video of the VW Vanagon going down it.
After that we checked out the cabins in the area (Geologists, et al) then drove past Striped Butte and Warm Springs down to the DV Valley proper.

At Warm Springs the LR3 said the temp was 104. With the top, windows AND doors off my Thing I had plenty of ventilation and so long as I was moving it the temp was very comfortable. Felt like about 90 or so. I had plenty of ice cold water and Gatorade so wasn't bothered at all by the heat.

BTW, I coasted with the engine off -- as i love to do -- for 90% of the descent down Warm Springs road.

By the time I got to the valley proper, the LR3 now said the temp was at 116. Again, as long as I was moving it wasn't bad at all. I did observe, though that looking straight ahead was fine but if I turned my head 90 deg one way or the other, my down wind ear felt like it had a hair dryer blowing on it from a few inches away. It was weird. Again, I was drinking like a fish. My metal gearshift handle was so hot, I could only touch it long enough to shift gears. I nearly burned my legs when I reapplied some sunblock from the glove box. I REALLY enjoyed being in such a harsh environment -- in such an austere vehicle -- and reasonably comfortable -- and almost completely alone (except when I'd slow down to let the LR3 catch up).

After reaching Westside Road, we continued south and eventually took the Harry Wade escape down to Hwy 127 then on to Baker where I hitched back up to the LR3 for a comfy ride home.

Here's a short clip of the Mengel Pass section. The descent part was sped up since I went so slow.

Sat Aug 02, 2008 9:36 pm

Nothing there but a red X

Sat Aug 02, 2008 10:50 pm

Mark, you're a complete stud.

I especially like the "Survivorman" narration. I'm grinning ear to ear.

Mon Aug 04, 2008 7:25 am

What a great off road area. I used to do all the ghost town stuff several times a year in that area back in the late 80's. I havn't been back since. This brings back good memories.