In my book (DV SUV trails by Roger Mitchell) Goler wash is rated as "unpredictable", it can be anywhere between II and V levels (with level VI as "virtually impassable"). The current conditions must be requested from the rangers.

Also, nearby to Goler is a very scenic Rogers Pass trail, rated III-IV. I do not know how it is passable in April. Vovkus was there several years ago. This is the south-western corner of the region.

I am personally familiar with the Steel Pass (Dedeckera canyon) trail in the northern DV, rated III-IV. Also, I know the Lippincot Grade road to Racetrack playa (rated III-???). Together, these two trails can make two-days travel.

I am familiar with some others northern trails, but those are too easy.

There are great trails in the eastern part of DV, but I've never been there.

Depending on rain, Golar is easy for moderate. Within DV, you will find few moderate type trails.

The most difficult trail in my DV book is Echo Pass, in the very eastern part of the Valley. It is rated V - difficult. But I've never been on that trail myself yet.

There are plenty of trails rated III - IV. For me, IV is more than easy, it is moderate on my scale.

"Moderate" trails are kind of elusive species. This is a very thin, almost nonexistent boundary between "I can do this" (easy) and "I doubt that I can do this" (difficult). For each person, this boundary is pushed to a different degree. When Ray is saying "moderate", I really do not know what is he meaning.

See this...
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I recommend:

-Pleasant Canyon Loop (rated a 7 on a scale of 1 to 10)
-Golar Wash

Ballaratt (sp?) is a nice central location. The views here are not the best but its central and has a small general store. Closest town is Trona I believe so that is where you'll want to fill up.

Most trails are within striking distance from here.


There's another easy trail in this area which I cant recall without my guidebooks with me but it has a nice difficult offshoot to the Silent Sepulcre (sp?)


The last time I ran Golar it was difficult and I had to winch out a full sized off-road edition titan that came in from the opposite side. But I'm sure that portion has been graded smooth by now.

You wont find too much hard stuff out there unless you go to Isham Canyon assuming its even still open, but I don't want any part of that trail, dual lockers or no, that's 100% chance of severe body damage.

If you guys go in April I might be able to make it out. Cant commit right now too many balls in the air right now. Pleasant Canyon is awesome and if you're out there for the first time I would say its a must. Definitely on my list of top 10 trails I've done. It starts at the desert floor and climbs up to the top of the ridge line of the Panamints for great views of both sides of the mountain range. All kinds of old mining sites to explore.

Make that X6 DV. Something warm.

Ray, this kind of "moderate" is about 2 or 3 level on Roger Mitchell's scale. All trails mentioned above are more than that. I had an impression that you want something scary to make it "moderate" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Pleasant Canyon would be great, I'd like to visit this place. Are you sure it will be free of snow in April ?

Yes. It will be free of snow...

I'd prefer cold nights to hot days so earlier is better.