A remote unpaved road to Aguereberry Point, in Death Valley NP

Perched on the crest of the Panamint Springs Area, on the west side of Death Valley National Park, in USA, Aguereberry Point is an overlook at an elevation of 1.960m (6,433ft). It’s one of the challenging Backcountry roads in the Death Valley National Park.

The road to Aguereberry Point is called Aguereberry Point Road. It’s 10.29km (6.4 miles) long. High-clearance vehicle required due to rock outcrop in road at 3.5 miles and steep, rocky final 0.5 mile to viewpoint. Sedans may risk undercarriage damage. Subject to snow and mud conditions. The road has a gentle slope and offers one of the most beautiful views in the park. The road is pretty rugged and remote. The drive is definitely worth it and the view is spectacular on a clear day. Because of its westerly setting, this place is one of the best locations to photograph the valley in afternoon and around sunset. It’s a beautiful area full of many interesting things to see. Drive carefully and obey posted speed limits. Many wild animals, including the threatened desert tortoise, have been killed by speeding cars. The viewpoint was named for Jean Pierre "Pete" Aguereberry, a Basque miner who was born in 1874, emigrated from France in 1890, and lived at and worked the nearby Eureka Mine from 1905 to his death in 1945. From this point on the Panamint Range, one can view the surrounding Panamints extending to the north and south, Mount Charleston to the east, Furnace Creek and the salt flats of Badwater Basin. The road right by the summit, and on the way passes the remains of Harrisburg, a small and long abandoned mining settlement.

Do not travel this road in severe weather conditions. During the summer, expect high temperatures, intense sunlight, and low humidity. Storms and flash floods can be powerful and sudden. The road can be closed anytime due to flash flood damages caused by torrential rainstorms. Plan your visit in the park. Drink plenty of water. Avoid hiking in the heat. Travel prepared to survive: Stay on paved roads in summer. If your car breaks down, stay with it until help comes. Carry extra drinking water in your car in case of emergency. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or a headache, get out of the sun immediately and drink water or sports drinks. More people die in single-car accidents than by any other means. To avoid an accident, follow the speed limits, shift to a lower gear on steep downhill grades, and wear your seatbelt. Never place your hands or feet where you cannot see first. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, or black widow spiders may be sheltered there. Avoid canyons during rain storms and be prepared to move to higher ground. While driving, be alert for water running in washes and across road dips. Do not enter mine tunnels or shafts. Mines may be unstable, have hidden shafts, pockets of bad air and poisonous gas. Hikers, backpackers and four-wheelers need to be self reliant and well prepared. Always plan ahead, carry detailed maps and let someone know your plans. Backpackers should obtain a free backcountry permit from any visitor center. Dial 911 from any telephone or cell phone. Cell phones may not work in many parts of the park. Do not depend on them.
Pic: Jim Heald