Message posted by Joerg (Webmaster) on April 02, 2011 at 10:41:31 PST:
Yes, the trail still exists as a dirt road today. On most topo maps it ends at the Range 61 Gate where it enters the restricted area, but at one point in continued into the valley where Area 51 is located and into what is today the NTS. In fact, the Area 51 valley is named Emigrant Valley. The section of the trail just south of Groom Lake Road is part of the road to Roadblock Canyon. There is a shortcut from Groom Lake road today, that cuts off the first two miles, but the original trail can still be seen. On GE it is labeled 51 Road. I don't have any photos handy. Maybe someone else can help out... There is the story of a gentleman named Jerry Freeman, a geologist and historian, who supposedly entered the NTTR illegally from the south to explore that trail, and in the process got a good look at Area 51. Whether or not it is a true story is subject to debate, but it makes for an interesting read. I am sure you can google the name to find the story.
In Reply to: Death Valley Emigrant Trail posted by Vince on April 02, 2011 at 1:19:50 PST:
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