Saline-to-Owens-Valley Tramway

1. I've seen almost every type of vehicle imaginable out there, so just about all CAN make it, most of the time (but there have been times the road has been completely washed out, and others were miles of crawling over rocks and boulders). But if its a questionable vehicle, eventually the odds will catch up with you. This is not a place where you want to take a significant risk. The environment can be extremely harsh and unforgiving. Legendary stories exist of bad outcomes. If you do need help, almost all in this group will stop to try to help. That said, if you need a tow, the only company that will come out charges around $3000 (I believe). So, it is strongly recommended to be prepared, flats are extremely common as the roads are VERY rocky. Bring a tire repair kit, fix a flat, and make sure you know where your jack is and how to use it. Take an extra spare tire if at all possible. I've actually had 2 flats, twice! Donut spares just won't cut it. So, be responsible for yourself, even though you will likely find a lot of friendly people that will try to help.

2. Bring everything you need, including extra water and food (and beer) in case you get stuck or the passes close (or a trailer jack knifes in the pass area, its happened). Bring some extra supplies for the springs, usually a little bleach for cleaning the tubs, good degradable TP, hand sanitizer, etc. No wipes, the pumper truck has a hard time with those.

3. Pack out what you bring (standard advice, right?). There is NO trash service out there at all. Also the NPS requires that your firepit ashes also go home with you. As they can still be hot at the time you are leaving, a lot of people bag up the ashes they encounter when getting to their camp spot.

4. Don't feed the animals or leave food out. I understand that most of the burros have been rounded up but they were getting to be a real problem. They would push over coolers, and eat anything. Coyotes, people's dogs off leash and the ravens will get stuff also.

5. Speaking of dogs, I believe that the NPS requires dogs to be on a leash. Not that many will heed this but do try to respect other campers. If your dog is a problem don't bring it, please. Not everyone is a dog lover, and no one likes to step in dog shit. I'm tired of dog fights, dogs getting into my stuff in camp, pissing on my tent or other stuff, and especially incessant barking.

6. Speaking of noise, sound carries like you can't believe out there. A lot of people have noted an increase in very loud groups, and loud music blasting late. Yeah, I was a teenager way back when and can say I was guilty. Anyway, try to have a fairly quiet camp.

7. There are showers near the tubs. If you are nasty, please use them before getting in. At the least, rinse your feet off in the tub outflow first so you aren't tracking a bunch of sand and dirt in.

8. Jets. Totally cool in my opinion (others may disagree), but you can expect low flybys during the weekdays (rarely at night!). They've been there doing low level training since at least WW2 and likely before. A condition of Saline being added to the park was the low level flying was still to be allowed.

9. Nudity. The area is officially clothing optional. Personally I'm not a nudist but I am not going to wear anything when I get in a tub! But a lot of people that visit are nudists and it just is what it is. So expect it. Also, its optional of course, but it still seems weird to me when people get in a tub wearing swimsuits!

10. Don't enter the source pools. And try not to hog a tub for hours and hours. Just out of respect for others and also the tubs have to be drained and scrubbed regularly. Its all volunteer efforts out there, its not in the camp host's duties. He is there primarily to help if someone has a major problem (injury, snake bite, etc.).

11. Almost forgot - cell service is almost nonexistent. Apparently ATT is the only service and it can only be obtained in a couple very specific, small spots. So, again, plan on being on your own, without service, and maybe without help (just in case).

(Text courtesy of Ronn Rose)