I'll be coming to Orange County in December and I'll be driving my wife's KJ (2WD) at the time. Do you think I make it all the way to the dunes in 2WD only, or would that be suicidal ...

Specifically I was thinking about the Eureka sand dunes, taking the Stovepipe Wells dirt road to Ubehebe and from there is where I don't remember if it was rugged enough to require 4WD or not.

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DIRTY KJ :: flickr photostream
"Primitive life is very common and intelligent life is fairly rare ... some would say it has yet to occur on Earth" --- Stephen Hawking

Texas?? Did you move again? Didn't you just recently move to one of the Carolinas or something??

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99 TJ
71 C101
04 KJ
03 SFA KJ Sport
LOST JEEPS So-Cal

Yep We're now in Austin and loving it ... gonna have to get me a longhorn sticker or two. We moved to NC about two years ago.

So, no idea about Eureka dunes?

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DIRTY KJ :: flickr photostream
"Primitive life is very common and intelligent life is fairly rare ... some would say it has yet to occur on Earth" --- Stephen Hawking

Leave your wife's 2WD KJ and take your 4WD KJ. Problem solved.

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Take the road less traveled.

According to the park map it looks like its 2wd to the Eureka dunes if you take Big Pine road from Ubehebeeee. From the dunes south it says ""experianced 4x4 only"". Your best bet would take the Scotty's castle "paved" road to Ubeeheebee. Other wise Ed has a good point.
Most all the trails off of the main graded dirt roads in the park require 4wd to complete.
BTW there are a huge set of dunes right off the highway 191 @ stovepipe wells.

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2003 KJ - 2002 TJ - 2007 JK
Tread Lightly, Tread Safely, Tread Responsibly

I did the drive to Eureka Dunes in a stock 4wd KJ back in December 2001. The road was pretty well graded, with a few washouts that weren't bad at all, but lots of washboarding. Ground clearance and physical stamina are more important than traction on that road. 2wd should do you fine. You probably know this, but the Eureka dunes and the Stovepipe Wells dunes are two different places, miles apart. The Stovepipe Wells dunes are right off paved Highway 190, the main road through the park. The Eureka dunes are awesome, well worth the long drive.

Here are the Eureka Dunes:









These are the Stovepipe Wells dunes (I think they're actually called the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes on the park map):

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2002 KJ (un)Limited 4x4: OME HD lift, ARB bullbar, Warn 4X flood lights, Skid Row tranny skid, Mopar engine, transfer case and fuel tank skids, Boulder Bars, 245/75/16 Goodyear Duratracs on Moab wheels.

Thanks for the replies, guys I really appreciate it.

I want to make our way back to Eureka dunes because the last time we were there my son and I had a really good time (he was around 4 at the time) and we'd like to go back and see it again after a few years.

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DIRTY KJ :: flickr photostream
"Primitive life is very common and intelligent life is fairly rare ... some would say it has yet to occur on Earth" --- Stephen Hawking

Looks awesome. Never been there though.

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My Rig:
2008 Jeep Wrangler JKU
OME HD lift
35" tires (thus far)
plus a ton of other things. J.E.E.P.

Death Valley is a great place to tour in the winter. There are a few nice 4x4 trails throughout the park. Check the DVNP web site fo more details and a map of all the trails throughout the park.

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2003 KJ - 2002 TJ - 2007 JK
Tread Lightly, Tread Safely, Tread Responsibly

Hey, why don't we do it together? I've been there twice and I kinda have an idea where to go

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DIRTY KJ :: flickr photostream
"Primitive life is very common and intelligent life is fairly rare ... some would say it has yet to occur on Earth" --- Stephen Hawking

Depending on when you do it, I may be able to make it.
We'll strap you through the tough spots.

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Take the road less traveled.

When?
Vegas run coming up on the 6-7th,
End of month shot (for me anyway, be in AZ)
and I'll probably be in JV again on the 13-14th.

Leaves 20th-21st open for me at least. hmmmm.....a month worth of wheeling.... Wheeee!!

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99 TJ
71 C101
04 KJ
03 SFA KJ Sport
LOST JEEPS So-Cal

20-21 is way too early for me and we'll be on the road from Austin to Irvine (I leave on the 19th). 23/24/27 are doable dates. Rest of the time I have to please the wife and go everywhere she wants to go

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DIRTY KJ :: flickr photostream
"Primitive life is very common and intelligent life is fairly rare ... some would say it has yet to occur on Earth" --- Stephen Hawking

bummer. thats when I'll be in AZ.

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99 TJ
71 C101
04 KJ
03 SFA KJ Sport
LOST JEEPS So-Cal