Left turns from County Road 34?

[Rockmaster]

I'm coming in from the Cederville, and thinking about taking County Road 34. Does anybody know if left turns permitted off of County Road 34 to get into the Gate?

[capjbadger]

I know that 34 not too far past the gate road is unpaved. You're far better off taking 447. Plus it trims off 15 miles of your trip.

-Badger

[theCryptofishist]

No, there is a secret road that no one has discovered in 20 years on the playa!

There is, there is, there is.

[capjbadger]

No, there is a secret road that no one has discovered in 20 years on the playa!

There is, there is, there is.

I could of sworn we had to wait till page 2 for the snark... ;P

-Badger

[theCryptofishist]

No, there is a secret road that no one has discovered in 20 years on the playa!

There is, there is, there is.

I could of sworn we had to wait till page 2 for the snark... ;P

-Badger

Sorry. I'm in a snitty mood.

Not a bad mood, just in the mood to be childish in a bad way.

That makes no sense.

[Kinetik V]

But there IS a secret road. At least I know one exists during Exodus.

[Playa Foot]

Hwy 34 is a favorite drive. As are most of my favorite drives it is longer, slower and not as well maintained as the mre popular roads. About fifteen miles from Black Rock City it goes to gravel from pavement. It is scenic, and goes through some of the lonliest country in America. It passes the ghost town of Leadville (prounounced Leedville, after mining leads) and a petrified forest. As you get close to the playa you descend through a beautiful canyon then across a flat that is home to the Burning Man Ranch where much of Black Rock City is stored 11 months of the year.

Highway 34 is a very lonely road, when you encounter another vehicle you are expected to wave, if you see someone stopped you will stop and ask if assistance is needed.

Left turns from 34 are permitted, be sure to enter the playa at the Eight Mile entrance the Twelve mile entrance which you will pass if only for medical, law enforement and deliveries.

[Rockmaster]

Thanks Playa Foot, and all you other smartasses. :)

[portaplaya]

I've been comparing the elevation profile (new Google Earth feature) for County Road 34 and Highway 449.

Cedarville to Burning Man

499
Elevation gain: 2658, -3364
Max Slope: 7.5%, -9.5%
Distance: abt 91 miles
Passes: 1

34
Elevation gain: 4474, -5179
Max Slope: 10.8%, -7.2%
Distance: abt 95 miles
Passes: 3

(Negative values are downslope toward BM, reverse these values for return trip. E.g. 499 has 3364, -2658 on return.)

These values suggests that you don't want to be hauling a lot, especially on a dirt road.

However, the trip from BM to Cedarville has less steep slope to climb on County Road 34, even if you do have more climbing overall. And the distance is nearly the same to the BM Gate.

[Rockmaster]

Astute analysis! Thanks.

[deathngravity]

Coming down from Bend this year & wonder if anyone has tried 34 recent? Looks like nice remote drive.

Cheers!

[some seeing eye]

We had some discussion of that earlier. There are motorcycle touring guides on Vya-Gerlach. It is not paved. 447 is a fine road and not crowded.