Mazourka Canyon (Papoose Flats)

Friday, August 1st @ 9am to Sunday, August 3rd @ 12pm

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Related Information
- Trail: Mazourka Canyon (Papoose Flats)

Description

I just cloned this trip from a generic trip, and will update, but wanted to get the date on the calendar.

Some of us want to return to the Papoose/Squw Flat areas, and explore more of the trails. Unlike last year, we will not combine this with the Swansea to Cerro Gordo trail. We might arrange a tour of the Cerro Gordo mine on Friday. If we do, we will take the easy way in and out.

This trip is usually combined with another, such as Cerro Gordo. A dry camp is made in the pines overlooking Papoose Flats in the Waucoba Mountains east of and between the towns of Independance and Big Pine. Last gas is Independence on Highway 395. Be prepared for 100+ degree heat in the valley on Highway 395 and 70 degree days at camp.

From Death Valley/Big Pine Road trail immediately splits into 9S15 to Papoose Flats and 9S14 to The Narrows. Take 9S15 up and over west side of Andrews Mountain. Low range is required up the long, steep ascent, and street tires are not recommended. Descend south into Papoose Flats marked by several granite outcroppings scattered across the large flat plateau.

At southern end of Papoose Flats is a fork. Take northeast fork 10S07 to neighboring Squaw Flat and The Narrows of upper Marble Canyon. Route becomes 9S15 north up and over east side of Andrews Mountain via more very steep and winding roads back to starting point at Death Valley/Big Pine Road.

Or at southern tip of Papoose Flats, take fork to south to Badger Flats and then descend Mazourka Canyon via 13S05 to mouth, then west to Independence.

This area is outside of Death Valley National Park on lands administrated by the Inyo National Forest.

Run Checklist

Always Required

HAM Radio on 146.550 MHz
Full-Sized Spare Tire
Seat Belts
First Aid Kit
Fire Extinguisher
Battery Tiedown
Working Brakes
Tow Straps
Tow Points

Run Requirements

33+ Sized Tire
2+ Suspension Lift
4LO Transfer Case

Run Recommendations

Rear Axle Locker
Roll Cage
Gas Cans
Camping Supplies

Trail Rating

Difficulty Level: 3

	Graded road; Any 4x4 vehicle or higher clearance 2x4 vehicle with no other modifications
	Road rarely maintained; 4x4 with no low bumpers. Anti-sway bar disconnects recommended. Minimum 30" tires and some off-road experience is helpful
	Difficult terrain and road rarely maintained; 33" tires, Suspension lift, Off-road driving experience, body armor and Rear locker recommended. Stock vehicles will likely take damage
	Very difficult terrain, road never maintained; 33" tires, sway-bar disconnects, Rear locker, and Rock sliders required. 35" tires, front locker, Full cage, and 4:1 transfer-case recommended. Chance of mechanical failure and body damage
	Extremely difficult terrain with large obstacles and roll over potential; Full cage required, 37" tires strongly recommended. Good chance of mechanical failure and strong chance of body damage