Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board route from vegas to whitney

I will be driving soon from Las Vegas to Whitney. It looks like the most direct route is 95 or 160 out of Vegas, then 190 through Death Valley and eventually to 395. Has anyone driven this route? What is the drive time? Unexpected encounters? I am not excited about driving through Death Valley but don't see any alternatives other than making the trip much longer by driving around it.

We've driven the 160 route (through Pahrump)and on through Death Valley several times and it's definitely the way to go. If I remember correctly, it takes approximately 4 hours; of course, it depends on your driving style, and whether or not you are unlucky enough to have a slow-travelling RV in front of you. Your best bet is to get on the road as early in the morning as possible so that you're not crossing Death Valley in the heat of the day; same thing on your return trip home. When are you going up the Mountain?

I too would be excited by the prospect of driving through Death valley. Especially if you were able to take the time to drive to Bad Water. You could be standing at the lowest spot in the United States one day and the highest spot in the lower 48 the next day . Even just driving through Death Valley would almost quality. And, it is a spectatular drive.

Twila is correct, it's about a 4 hour drive. If possible, make sure to allow time on your trip for a stop at Badwater and at the Death Valley Visitors Center

Thanks for the responses. I am now excited about the drive and getting "low" in Death Valley before hiking up Whitney two days later (12OCT).

Another question about vehicles at Whitney: Do I need chicken wire (or something else) to protect the underside of my car from marmots at the campgrounds and parking lots near the trailhead of the Mt Whitney Trail?

I recently flew into Vegas and a friend picked me up and we drove to Lone Pine. We took 95N to 374W (Beatty) to 190 to 136 to 395 (basically right into Lone Pine). It was almost exactly 230 miles and took us exactly 4 hrs. We pretty much drove as fast as we could. We got lucky and did not have much traffic either way. Both ways we left around noon. It is a nice drive and the roads are excellent. Enjoy.

Death Valley is a fascinating place to visit. If you have time, take a side trip to Telescope Peak. You won?t be disappointed.

you should be fine, as long as you stay in campsite "4K"...