This Death Valley adventure is for those who either: 1) Tow their 4WD behind a motorhome or truck, 2) Like to basecamp (meaning camp in the same location each night), and/or 3) Like the challenge of a more difficult off-road trail.
Unlike Off-Road Safety Academy's overlanding-style adventure tours, the trails traveled on this tour are a bit more challenging. There will be some rock crawling on this tour.
The tour route includes visiting several remote backcountry miner's cabins, including a visit to Barker Ranch where Charles Manson was apprehended by law enforcement. History at its best!
Cost: $650.00 per vehicle. Bring as many passengers as you have legal seat belts.
Tour Terms and Conditions – READ CAREFULLY Prior to Sign-Up
Cancellation Policy
FULL refunds (TicketLeap credit card fees and tour fee) for ALL tours are only possible up to 60-days AFTER TOUR PURCHASE. Partial refunds (tour fee minus TicketLeap credit card fees) are possible 60-days prior to the first day of the tour. No refunds are possible after this 60-day cutoff date unless there is a person on the waitlist to take your spot.
Vehicle Requirements
All vehicles must have 4-Lo gearing capability, reasonable ground clearance, seat belts for all passengers, plus front and rear frame-mounted recovery points. A trailer hitch in the rear can serve as a frame-mounted recovery point. Spare tires must match the size of tires mounted on the vehicle. On this tour, you must NOT use a hitch-mounted tow ball, cargo "basket," spare tire mount, or bicycle rack on the rear of your truck. There will be some rock crawling on this tour so short wheelbase vehicles are preferred, although appropriately modified trucks will do fine. Front and rear frame-mounted recovery points, a small suspension lift, larger than stock tires, a rear axle locker (or Electronic Traction Control), and rock rails are required.
Vehicle Self-Assessment
It is the sole responsibility of each participant to make sure his or her vehicle is in TOP mechanical condition. “Top condition” means mechanically sound to the manufacturer’s specification, plus, no fluid leaks, dangling wires/cables, bad tires, or repetitive squeaks while moving. Be courteous to others on the tour – do not come with a vehicle that is not in TOP condition. If you are in doubt that your vehicle is not in top condition, then it probably isn’t. You will NOT be allowed on the tour with a vehicle that shows signs of poor maintenance.
Remote Backcountry Vehicle Breakdowns
With appropriate considerations for the entire group, Off-Road Safety Academy may assist with the repair and/or towing of a broken-down vehicle. In some cases however, a professional towing of a disabled vehicle may be needed. Most towing insurance is not applicable when off-road (AAA, roadside assistance, etc.). If you breakdown in the backcountry, it may be necessary to organize special off-road towing of your vehicle. Often times professional off-road specific towing is very expensive and requires the use of a credit card to begin extraction. These expenses will be the sole responsibility of the tour participant whose vehicle is disabled. Off-Road Safety Academy will be able to communicate with these services in the backcountry. If your vehicle becomes disabled in the backcountry, be prepared to be left behind as you wait for an off-road tow truck to arrive. The tour must go on, but no tour participant will be left behind in an unsafe manner.
Extra Fuel
Participants will need at least 3-5 gallons of extra fuel (unless you have a 400+ mile fuel cell/tank). This fuel must be stored in compliant and legal containers and stored outside the vehicle. There is no exception to this requirement. If you have questions regarding safely storing extra fuel outside your vehicle, call for more information.
Environmental Sensitivity
Please use biodegradable dish/hand cleaning liquids while in the backcountry (Dr. Bonners or Ms. Meyers). At most camping sites you must not discharge wastewater on the ground – shower, kitchen, cooking, or washing water. All drivers must adhere to TreadLight principles.
Changes in the Trip’s Itinerary
Off-Road Safety Academy’s tours are conducted in the natural environment. As such, tours are subject to bad weather; trail washouts, and other unforeseen conditions. To the best of the tour leader’s ability, all tours will be conducted as advertised. However, unforeseen conditions may cause the tour to be modified based on trip safety. Each tour participant must come with a flexible and self-reliant attitude and ability. Group safety will always come before the objective of reaching the advertised destinations.
Medical Self-Assessment and SAR Expenses
Off-roading and overlanding have inherent risks. Included are the risks of an illness or injury in a remote location. All tours will be conducted within a location that is remote by both distance and time to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and local hospitals. Off-Road Safety Academy does not require pre-tour medical screening to join the organized outing. By enrolling in the tour, you are certifying that you are medically capable of participating. Should you experience an unfortunate medical condition during the tour, requiring emergency extraction from the backcountry, participants will be responsible for any/all Search And Rescue (SAR) or helicopter expenses. NOTE: The tour leader is a Wilderness First Aid Instructor with an AED and well-supplied wilderness first aid kit. Most illnesses and injuries can be handled on site.
Pet Policy
Pets are welcome on the tours (EXCEPT the Baja Tour), but owners must adhere to National Park and BLM regulations. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. Pets may never be left unattended. Pet excrement must be collected and disposed of in garbage receptacles. Pets may not enter government buildings or backcountry dwellings.
Children Passengers
Well behaved, school-age children are always welcome on the Tours.
Driver Requirements
Each driver must be a licensed driver with proper vehicle insurance. All state and local driving laws apply while off-road on this tour. Drivers must adhere to these regulations.
Car-To-Car Communications
The tour leader will provide you with a handheld Rugged Radio for use in your vehicle during the tour. Via radio, the leader will provide historical, biological, geological and 4WD information and tips while we drive.