Driving the Saratoga Spring Road in Death Valley NP
Saratoga Spring Road is a thrilling desert drive located in San Bernardino County, in the U.S. state of California. It is one of the challenging backcountry roads in Death Valley National Park.
![Saratoga Spring Road](https://www.dangerousroads.org/cache/images/900x/d/saratogaspringroad0-d38f9aaa.jpg)
Where is Saratoga Spring Road?
The road is located in the southern portion of California, at the southern end of Death Valley National Park. Large springs in the area create an important wildlife habitat.
How long is Saratoga Spring Road?
The road is completely unpaved and spans 23.81 km (14.8 miles), running from the paved S.R. 127 (Death Valley Road) to Ibex Spring Road. The drive is usually manageable for most vehicles.
Can I drive Saratoga Spring Road with my vehicle?
The road is passable for high-clearance 2WD vehicles in dry weather. However, if there has been recent rainfall or a wet season, a high-clearance vehicle is required due to multiple river crossings, which can make the road difficult or impossible to navigate. When the Amargosa River is flowing, the crossing will require 4WD or may be completely impassable. Due to frequent flooding, road conditions in the area vary throughout the park. For the most up-to-date information, visit Death Valley’s official website at nps.gov/deva.