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What a fantastic day for a scenic 300-mile round trip through Death Valley and into Beatty, where we’d enjoy a delicious lunch.

It’s been four years since our last adventure, but plans are already in motion for another drive, with side trips to some of the other incredible spots in Death Valley.

We began our morning at the Bass Pro Shop parking lot on Blue Diamond, where we had 27 cars and over 30 people. The weather was sunny and mild, with a starting temperature of 50 degrees. The group was divided into two groups of 13 and 14 cars, respectively. I took the lead of the first group, while Reid Smith took the lead of the second group 15 minutes later.

We set off on Blue Diamond and headed “Over the hump to Pahrump.” Then, we turned southwest on Tecopa Road. There, we picked up Andy Weiss, who was patiently waiting for us. This gave us a total of 28 cars. We then drove to the small hamlet of the same name and continued up to Shoshone for our first rest stop. We had beverages, lottery tickets, snacks, and bathroom breaks.

After our rest stop, we headed straight into Death Valley and our next destination in the Furnace Creek area at the Ranch at Death Valley. During this section of the drive, we all passed the CHP radar officer, who was looking for his final quota of January. He appeared quite disappointed when he saw a long line of Porsches zooming past at the speed limit. Stealth devices and Waze had alerted us long before he noticed us. It must have been challenging for him to see so much potential revenue being wasted and not being able to collect any money. I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed the moment! (I’ve made my fair share of donations, but not on this day!)

The Ranch, a charming resort nestled amidst golf courses, shops, lodging, and restaurants, served as an ideal second stop on our journey. We took a break to stretch our legs, explore the quaint shops, and then resumed our road trip. A brief detour led us to Rhyolite, a picturesque ghost town with the remnants of historic significance, a bottle house, and an outdoor free museum showcasing intriguing art. The highlight of Rhyolite was an interpretation of the last supper, often featured in articles highlighting the state’s captivating destinations. If you’re a fan of the Seven Sisters between Vegas and Primm, Rhyolite is a must-visit destination.

Our drive concluded in Beatty, where we indulged in the renowned Smokin J BBQ. If you haven’t had the pleasure of dining there, it’s an absolute must-visit eatery. The meats are of exceptional quality, and the prices are incredibly reasonable. The staff, anticipating our arrival, welcomed us warmly as we eagerly approached the restaurant. They provided exceptional service to our group, and we are deeply grateful for their hospitality. I opted for the Brisket Sandwich and two pounds of brisket and pulled pork to take home to Paula. We will have a BBQ feast for days! Just half a block away, we found Eddies World, famous for its extensive selection of candies and nuts, as well as a convenient gas station for travelers heading north to other areas. Everyone enjoyed the lunch, and I wasn’t the only one to take home an order.

Overall, our drive was a delightful and relaxing experience. Much thanks to Reid smith for leading the second group and Dana Smith for getting everyone checked in and properly accounted for. Always appreciate her smiling face helping out so much. 

Fear not if you missed this one. There will be more to come and do not miss out on our next great drive, the Topock Arizona Drive coming up in March. This is a perennial favorite drive and fills up fast. Until then keep the sunny side up and enjoy your wonderful Porsches any way you can.