Sequoia to Death Valley via Sherman Pass Road in April: doable?

[Bruce Bogtrotter]

Thinking of a 3 day trip from LA. First day around Kern River and Sequoia area. Second and maybe third day in Death Valley. I've taken CA-178 from Bakersfield to CA-14, but was wondering if I go up Mountain Highway 99 if I could head east on Sherman Pass Road / Nine Mile Canyon and get to the US-395?

https://goo.gl/maps/ZMZX1

TIA.

[Sport-Touring]

[miles]

Most years that would be a "No", but this year might be different.  Check the Caldrons website to see if Sherman's Pass is open before you go.

[Bruce Bogtrotter]

Caldrons = caltrans?

I've checked Caltrans and they don't register the various names of Sherman's Pass as a road in their database.

No one picked up at the number for the Sequoia park office either.

[M.Brane]

 Sherman Pass is a Kern County road not state. Given the amount of snow we've gotten this season I can't see it being closed for long if at all, but we all know how unpredictable the weather can be in the south Sierras.

 It's not just a ride it's an adventure.

 

[Bruce Bogtrotter]

Should've mentioned, this will be a trip for the second week in April.

I guess I'll allow time to go around in case Sherman Pass is closed.

[miles]

Caldrons = caltrans?

Damned autocorrect.

[ride200mi]

Thinking of a 3 day trip from LA. First day around Kern River and Sequoia area. Second and maybe third day in Death Valley. I've taken CA-178 from Bakersfield to CA-14, but was wondering if I go up Mountain Highway 99 if I could head east on Sherman Pass Road / Nine Mile Canyon and get to the US-395?

https://goo.gl/maps/ZMZX1

TIA.

Been on most of that route, and as someone has already mentioned, check to see if Sherman Pass is open. But with what little snowfall that this area had, April (I would think) should be fine. On the other hand, there is little to no services on those roads or they tend to be closed for the most part. Remember too, this area can get pretty warm  the higher altitude. Looks fun for sure!!!!  

[bubba zanetti]

There is a weather station on the road here ...
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=35.97786726504047&lon=-118.09221267700195&site=hnx&smap=1&marine=1&unit=0&lg=en#.VQdsqxjK6rU

I would phone the nearest Ranger Station for first hand observations.

[Bruce Bogtrotter]

I would phone the nearest Ranger Station for first hand observations.

They picked up after several days of trying: 760-376-2171.

Was told Sherman Pass probably won't be opened till after Memorial Day. Still icy in sections. Maybe just as well: was looking to be 10+ hours in the saddle that day (Porterville to Beatty, NV), not including breaks. The 178 east it shall be.

[Hotbrakes]

The pass through Yosemite doesn't open til the end of May.  Going to Death Valley in a few days from Oregon, no mountain passes or fun for us...

[DangerMoney]

Death Valley Morning Report contains weather forecast and road conditions. Go to


http://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm

and click on

Morning Report near the bottom of the page.

[Bruce Bogtrotter]

Thanks for the tip on the Morning Report.

Even if some of the roads I wanted to go over in Sequoia are closed, I sure as hell don't want to do Death Valley after April. I don't have one of those Israeli refrigeration suits.

[SoCalFJR]

I've done Sherman many times...you ride for a ways along the Kern to get too it which is nice....it tops out at 9,200ft........but with the lack of snow my guess is it will be open this year.......it is 15-20mph switchbacks all the way up....with plenty of sand and gravel.......but anybody past beginner can do it, just take your time.  Two up or a little squeamish or marginal brakes just go around the lake........it's pretty cool too.  If you go Eastbound once over the top you will be treated to a wide open thousand mile vista on the other side that's worth seeing........  

[Bruce Bogtrotter]

it is 15-20mph switchbacks all the way up....with plenty of sand and gravel.

Thanks much for the intel.

[Bruce Bogtrotter]

This sucks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEF1UtKxb9I