Saline Valley Road

Total Miles 78.2
Technical Rating
2 Easy
Best Time Spring, Fall, Winter
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

Death Valley is famous for its barren valleys and soaring vistas, but few people wander into its more remote regions like Saline Valley. The road into this area is dirt and often heavily corrugated and strewn with rocks or sand. Most vehicles with AWD or 4WD can tackle the trail, but good tires, a spare, and extra water are mandatory for any attempt. Along the route, visitors will experience some of the best views in this half of the park and gain access to hot springs, side trails to the Race Track, Steele Pass, and Eureka Dunes. Expect to see expanses of Joshua Trees, the majestic peaks of the Inyo Mountains, abundant desert wildlife, and, at night, some of the best stargazing in California. There is no cell service in this region, and the nearest fuel source to the North Entrance is Big Pine. Plan ahead and fuel in Panamint Springs, if necessary.

Photos of Saline Valley Road

Difficulty

This road is in good condition however it is extremely remote in places and the environmental conditions can pose a hazard. Flats are common thanks to sharp rocks and overheating is a serious issue in hotter months.

History

Saline Valley was heavily trafficked during the borax and salt mining operations of the late 1800s and early 1900s. The road was used to transport the mined materials across the Inyo Mountains to the railroad awaiting the raw materials.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

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Gus Sarmiento
Aug 27, 2025
Open
Along the middle of the road it gets pretty washed out like mile 30ish to 40 ish for about 5 to 10 miles of it high clearance is highly recommended other than thattttt it’s a ok!!
adam powell
May 16, 2025
Open
Holy crap I got worked on this route! Totally worth it and had fun once I was looking back and firmly back on asphalt. I took the North Pass coming in and it wasn’t bad at all until the valley floor where the washboard showed up. I cut across to the hot springs and found plenty of loose sand. Took a day of rest at the springs then got word that the south pass was better than the north. Come to find out it was way worse than the north pass. The entire valley floor is the largest most angry washboard I’ve ever experienced. My bike survived the beating unscathed. I’m still soar but had quite the adventure! If you’re gonna take this route tighten all your bolts/nuts and probably use loctite. Saw many dropped shackles on the route.
Randy Boelkes
Apr 17, 2025
Open
Miles and miles of washboard
Oscar Ramos
Apr 05, 2025
Open
Washboard made the valley crossing tedious
Bantha Overland
Mar 20, 2025
Open
Ran trail up North Pass to Saline Warm Springs. North Pass clear of snow and mud
Laura Spencer
Jan 11, 2025
Open
This trail is extreme washboard. Prepare to feel like a bobblehead throughout the drive! And inhale a lot of dust. haha We saw evidence of the wild burros, and heard them while camping, but never had a sighting. Some gorgeous sights on the drive.
Matt p
Dec 26, 2024
Open
Easy with washboards for daysss
Disco Overlander
Nov 13, 2024
Open
washboard for miles.
MB Bxxkl
Feb 16, 2024
Open
North pass and S. Pass Saline Valley Closed to Traffic by Snow. South Pass Saline Valley Road Closed to ALL traffic by Inyo County https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Ernesto Lopez
Jan 20, 2024
Open
Patrick Dundon
Sep 04, 2023
Open
Matt McMann
Jul 01, 2023
Open
moses mendez
Jun 16, 2023
Open
Johnny Taco
May 12, 2023
Open
Ronnie Darmis
Mar 29, 2023
Open

Saline Valley Road Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Saline Valley Road Map

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