touring Death Valley

[motorofficer]

I want to spend about 4 days touring Death Valley in mid January. I plan to rent a motor in Las Vegas, ride up and tour for 4 days. Have never been there. Can anyone suggest a route or intinerary? How about some suggested stops or lodgings? Is the weather good for riding in January? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks,

[Steve H]

Been to Death Valley a couple of times, plenty of lodgings in the valley but they can be pricey. I'd consider driving up through Death Valley and staying at Lone Pine or Big Pine a bit further North of the Valley (fantastic driving country) - nice tiny villages with good restaraunts and lodging - I've stayed North of these two in a bigger town called Bishop which was beautiful also but maybe a bit too far for you if you intend to stay closer to Death Valley.

If you could stretch it to 5 days another option could be driving from Vegas into Death Valley finding lodging on the way, then up to Yosemite National Park staying there overnight then back down to Vegas - I've done San Francisco (via Yosemite) to Vegas in 2 days and it was pretty easy so it could be an alternative option.

As for lodgings try the Death Valley National Park Site for information. Also give Trip Advisor Death Valley a go as there's often invaluable advice from fellow travellers on the site.

Weatherwise in January it's gonna be a bit chillier than usual (we had teperatures in excess off 100 in the shade during September) with temperatures in the 60's, check out Death Valley Weather for a comprehensive guide, you can input the dates that you're planning to go and see what the forecast was for that particular time last year.

Here's a couple of pics just to wet the appetite

Death Valley...
https://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a231/steveqpr/Random%20USA/2970a5ff.jpg
Admittedly i photoshopped this 'un with a hint of sepia!
https://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a231/steveqpr/Random%20USA/4cda66fe.jpg

Yosemite...
https://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a231/steveqpr/Random%20USA/de81460e.jpg

Have a great time
____________________
Mellow Yellow
The BCF Top TEN - 2010, 2009, 2008, The Original.