 |  |  |  |  |
| Order Online or Call Today! Toll free (888) 99-Nomad Mon. – Fri. 9 AM - 6 PM PST. 100% Satisfaction or Your Money Back, Guaranteed |
| We proudly accept! |
| Environmental The PETT® The SYSTEM™ WAG BAG® Gear Bags Mesh Duffel Expedition Compression Water Proof Duffel All Terrain Duffel Dog Gear Leashes Transport Harness Water/Food bowls Recovery Air Compressors Air - Portable Fuel Containers Pulley Block Recovery Gear Kit Shackles Snatch Strap Tow Straps Tree Trunk Protector Winches Winch Strap Water Containers Tools Max Ax Tire Puncture Kits Tyrepliers |
| Pet Supplies |
| Camping Gear |
| Off Road Recovery and Safety Equipment |
| DesertNomad.com™ |
| Panamint Range South Park Canyon-Pleasant Canyon Loop By: Duv H. On February 19th and 20th, 2005, Dan and I had the pleasure of joining members and friends of the Gettin' Off 4x4 group in Panamint Valley to explore this land of extremes. On the 19th, about 20 rigs converged at the ghost town of Ballarat for the South Park Canyon – Pleasant Canyon loop. After an overview of Death Valley and what to expect on the run by club President, Terry Johnson, Dan and I aired down, made some brief introductions, and hopped in the TJ. We began on a flat, dirt road (be aware that, when wet, this creates an alkali mud that rusts unprotected metal quickly) for about 3.8 miles, before beginning our steep ascent from around sea level climbing quickly to higher elevations. While not particularly difficult, the first several miles of trail featured steep switchbacks, narrow trails, and sheer drop offs. To press on to the upper South Park Canyon, we had to cross the log bridge and tackle chicken rock. While the obstacles were not particularly difficult, they were at the top of a narrow shelf road that tested the nerves. Shortly thereafter, we reached South Park Canyon, which was covered in white and a flurry of snowfall. A little over 13 miles into the trail, we encountered trouble. Unbeknownst to us, Middle Park Canyon has two routes across the canyon floor. The route chosen by the group goes straight across the middle of the canyon, and was filled with rutted mud. Several vehicles went before us without incident, but our right rear tire dropped in a mud hole deep enough to swallow the 37 inch tire. Also, a full-sized Chevy Suburban behind us sunk deep enough to be pretty much high centered in the mud. Since, in the act of trying to get us out, others would get stuck, it took over three hours to get all rigs unstuck and out of the mud bog. We ended up back- tracking from the way we came and taking the alternate route across the lefthand side of Middle Park Canyon. While it was still filled with mud, it was significantly easier to cross than initial choice. While we were captured in the mud-bog, those in front of us tried to climb Rodgers Pass. While they made progress, the significant grades proved too slippery for all the vehicles to climb. An alternate route going directly over the hill (roughly 6,400 feet of elevation) from Middle Park Canyon to Rita’s Cabin was chosen. While the decent to Rita’s Cabin was steep and slippery in the snow, everybody made it safely. The remainder of the loop through Pleasant Canyon was scenic and uneventful, though we did end up back in Ballarat after dark. All rights reserved Desertnomad.com™ |
