Overall Route Rating
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4.83 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.83
6 Reviews

Through Death Valley on Badwater Rd

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By steben53 (15 McR Points) on Apr 27, 2012

Rider Reviews

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chucktaggart
15 McR Points
March 1, 2015
Great ride! Started at Furnace Creek Resort with…
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ThomasR
April 30, 2012
What a fantastic time and views to see. America…
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Written Directions

From Furnace Creek to Shoshone via Badwater Road.

Scenery

I need to give this 4 stars because it's so much more than just a road. Heading south there is a large cliff to the east that parallels the road for some miles. The vistas are spectacular - you can sometimes see forever. If you think DV is just a flat desert, well, some of it is but this ain't that. At Ashton the road turns east and begins a long climb out of the desert that winds it's way past oaks and then conifers on it's way to the summit. The big thing here is that in Spring and Fall you are alone out here - no, really, you are alone. It's huge and expansive and you can see forever but you see almost no one! Have a friend ride along just in case and avoid summer months - too hot!

Drive Enjoyment

The road starts out with some straight sections, then some sweepers then some twisties and then back again. You will not be bored - the road will hold your interest and, besides, the scenery is spectacular. The road is in good shape as it ungulates and snakes it way toward Ashton Junction. At Ashton the road turns east for a long climb to the summit. At one point we got a glimpse of the view behind us and had to pullover to take it in. We sat at the side of the road for 20 minutes and not a single came in either direction. Overall this road is in good to very good condition.

Tourism Opportunities

For this stretch of road amenities are non-existent - there aren't any! There's gas in Furnace Creek and gas in Shoshone but that's all you'll need.
 

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OzzieHerr
March 13, 2022
9 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Stunningly beautiful ride, weather was great, very little traffic. Make sure to do the Artist's Palette loop (only 5 miles). Also visit Devil's Golf Course and Badlands.
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ImpromptuAdventures
May 28, 2019
47 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Enduro
This is quite an enjoyable ride. Big sweeping corners with visibility as far as the eye can see. It can get crowded on holiday weekends. It wasn't painfully crowded but did have to pass a few cars along the way. People are generally good drivers and courteous in Death Valley.

Sand/gravel can collect in some of the rollers so be careful where it dips.

Here's a little video I shot of my ride through recently - https://youtu.be/nHXzrd4Nt00
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chucktaggart
March 5, 2015
15 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
The review on this is dead on. Beautiful ride! Roads are in great condition. There is NOTHING between Furnace Creek and Shoshone AT ALL other than open roads. In March, when I went, I went the entire 72 miles without passing a single car. TIP = I almost did not stop for this, but I decided last second to do it. Make sure to do the side road called "Artists Drive". It is one lane and one way along the east side of the road, so it parallels for about 4 miles. You do not miss much time by taking it, and it is worth the stop. If you are bringing lunch, make a point to stop at Artists Palette on this side road to eat. You will understand why when you get there.
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