Cell Phone Coverage in the Park

[dkerr24]

I do wish cell phone manufacturers offered more phone models with external antennas or at least jacks to add antennas.  That would greatly increase the range of coverage when in remote areas. 

I remember my first 'mobile phone'... had a full 5watt transmitter and was about as big as a laptop with the bag.  Great range, though.

[Homer67]

We can normally find good cell service on the Ross Maxwell, on the end opposite of Costolon.  However, one day on our trip, it was cloudy and we could get no service there.  The next morning, the signal was back at full bars; the cloud cover was gone.  I don't know if this was the reason we could get no service the evening before, but it seems plausible.  Man, I can't wait to get back, and we've only been back 8 days!

[jim2]

this past october i got reception on the north end of the old ore road, and at roy's peak vista campsite. we use att.

[Undertaker]

Last wild place left, said it before and I will say it again, I go to BB to get away from the phone, I live on it most of the time, at least it has an off switch.

[dkerr24]

I agree with you guys about getting away from cell phones.  However, it is nice to know what spots in the park one could obtain a signal if they really needed to make a call.

[red]

As a rule of thumb: i leave my watch & cell phobe at home. 

But, seriously, I like that easy Rider/petr fonda moment when he chunks his time peice initiating his odyssey thru America. 

regardless, I want 2 share my blog: http://thedesertprimeval.blogspot.com/
 

[Undertaker]

DKerr24, most of the western end of the park has some coverage (hill-topping) (height). On way up to Basin to about Bear sign, this may have changed since last time out. Cell towers are going up all the time none in park and I hope never. Been a while since I was out that way (Labor Day Weekend) and I never turned the phone on. As I am a Ham radio operator, with HF and 2 meter in truck, talking to someone is not an issue. PS: I keep them turned off also unless traveling with a second ham buddy. Hope this helps.

[Jimbow]

When we see a really random spot where lots of cars have pulled over, we know there is probably cell coverage. Almost never been disappointed.

[Flash]

There was great reception in the Park last week. 
All it took was a hike to the top of Emory Peak! 

[Sotol Vista]

on my last trip out in the park this past Memorial day weekend, I was told that there is a tower on the Rosillo's Ranch land, in the North eastern side of the park.

I was pretty impressed by making a call up on Emory Peak as well.... and found out that you can get a call out up on the NE Rim in a few spots (NE4 camp site mainly)

James

[jim2]

next month i plan on spending two nights at the  fresno roadside campsite and two nights at  the roadside elephant tusk campsite. i have an att phone, any chance of coverage? before the beatings begin, the reason i take my cell phone is so i can call my wife and check in. she sleeps better that way. i don't carry it around and it's off until i call her and then back off.

[Al]

Not good unless something has changed recently.  The Chisos are between those sites and the cell towers I'm aware of.  Fresno is more likely than the Elephant Tusk site to have service.  Some one may have more up-to-date info.

Al

[jim2]

thanks al.

[championbaum]

I had service on several spots along the Mule Ears trail, as well as on the ME saddle. It was quite surprising.

[paisano]

It would be great if folks would remember to state their service provider when posting coverage information. This info doesn't do much good otherwise.