Day 12 – Into Death Valley
What an incredible day.
The ride was short, but what it lacked in distance it made up for in experience. I left Panamint Springs early and jumped right into a massive climb—over 3,000 feet up Towne Pass in just 9 miles, with an average grade over 7%. It was a tough start, but the payoff was unforgettable.
From the top of Towne Pass, I was gifted a 17-mile descent that dropped 5,000 feet straight into Death Valley. Along the way, I felt the temperature rise over 30 degrees. It was one of the most dramatic shifts I’ve ever experienced on a bike. The views were otherworldly—huge, raw, and stunning. I’m still buzzing from that descent. Absolutely incredible.
I spent the rest of the day bouncing between the general store and the restaurant in Stovepipe Wells. The store had chairs and misters to help beat the heat, and I took full advantage. After the sun finally dipped behind the mountains, the temperature dropped to something much more comfortable. I left the rainfly off my tent and spent the night stargazing. The desert sky was unreal—clear, quiet, and full of stars. I stayed up later than I expected, just soaking it in.