full size thru suprise canyon?(newbie)

[natev83]

has anyone take a full size truck or suv up surprise cayon? I want to take my 74 jimmy on the trails near gohler wash and I'm not sure how much body damage I'll come back with or if I'll even fit. I went out the to check it out and the only rigs I saw were jeeps and a few yotas. I have a 4inch super lift with 35's, I'm installing a ord shackle flip soon, no lockers or limited slip. what do you think?:smokin:

[GRMhick]

Hate to break this to you, but suprise canyon has been closed to OHV's for a few years now.

[Wilson]

I'm thinking there's a place in Washington state called "Suprise Canyon?"

[Jeepskickass]

With a Goler Wash?

Check out www.fopv.org

[Krusty]

I'm sure you MUST be refering to Last Chance Canyon---- (south of Ridgecrest)
that can be done with a full sized and depending what off-shoots you want to try, will determine the possibility of body/ and other breakage.
Last Chance CAN be done in bout 1 hour----as a drive thru------- or all day if you look around (Burro Schmidts Tunnel-- the 'V' notch-- etc) .

Surprize has been closed for 5 + years and the legal battle is on-going to get it reopened.
WHEN it gets reopened======== NO_NO_ full sized will not be able to make it !!!!
the canyon has washed out several times over the yaers, and as of now, no one knows just what to expect !

IF anyone tried Surprize in a 'full sized' they would completely destroy it !!!!!!

maybe you are thinking of Isham (outside of Trona) ovef the top/cross Panamint Valley/ up Golher and into Death Valley----------- (not recommended this time of year == 115/117* temps !!)(in the shade)

[natev83]

I'm not sure What the name of the trail is. I took a right from ballarat at the "T" intersection that is in ballarat. There was a canyon opening where this road ended.

[rockr]

i took a fullsize 65 ford 2WD up surprise all the way to panamint city.........






back in 1969:flipoff2:





goler is doable with fullsize and no lockers right now unless it was hit by a flood. you can even go into barker ranch. going over mengle pass into butte valley will be a little challenge but you should be ok. i was up there two years ago and it was cake. you should have seen it in the 60's......it was the tough one and surprise was the cake walk......go figure :)

now back to surprise.......yeah guess it's closed for good:shaking:
i never ran it when it was open and all fawked up(being a GOOD thing). i have sen pics of the falls.....WOW......what a change from the 60's when i lived in DV.

[Krusty]

Rockr-- your right !!-- i talked to a guy that drove a semi up to Panamint City hauling freight and mineing equipment !!!
But in 'modern' history, the only things that MADE the Panamint City run were built up 4X's with lockers AND WINCH. AND there was body damage as well as breakage !

Goler is doable and a good trip over into Death Valley. You can take the short offtrail/road south at the top, and see where Charlie Manson was arrested-- the family still lived there til a few years ago----- if you find Charles 'shorty' Shay, say hello---- his body has never been found !


They might also be talking about the 'loop'-------- up Plesant Canyon, down the ridge, and down South Park---- that might be doable !


the entrance to Surprize in north of Ballarat--(left turn)

[rockr]

well i guess we are hijackin the thread but WTF......it's history time:flipoff2:

i shot all, well a LOT of the tires and windows out of manson's bus the following weekend after they busted him for burning up some park service equiptment over by the racetrack in 69. they didn't know at the time he was the mastermind behind the tate-labianca murders.

i knew jim and kirk barker very well(owners of the barker ranch)> jim owned a plating company in so cal and leased the land from shoshone indians at the indian ranch in panamint valley north of ballarat. he built a house and his wife kirk spent most of the time there.

i would ride my little yamaha 80 down to indian ranch to hagn-out, drink a beer and talk with kirk. she showed me a beach boy gold album on the wall in the living room one day. she said brian wilson gave it to her. he asked if he could stay at the barker ranch in goler and right music. she said sure why not............well brian knew manson and ther ya go............

jim purcell, highway patrol, told me all about the bust at goler.....how the chicks were just squatting down in front of them and pissing etc. it is true what you read about manson was caught hiding in a small cabinet.......they had almost given up on finding him.

my dad and i went up there and checked the place out a couple days after the bust. we had been up there many times in the past 5 years. the bus was full of clothes all over the floor. we checked out the dug-put they had in the side of the hill with the camo tarp draped over the entrance.

yep........them were the days. we had a lot of hells angles come through there and that wasn't a pretty site.........

[rotozuk]

Last I heard the wash out on South Park was getting pretty bad. (I think that is on South Park?) Seems some Jeeps decided to skip it or have friends drive the wash out.

Panamint Valley is great. I'm also ready looking forward to PVD in November. Be nice to have a few more buggy drivers out there. I was the only buggy there last year. Not really any hardcore trails that are still open, but beauty and history that is beyond compare in So. Cal.

-Wayne

[rotozuk]

Barker Ranch has taken a real beating in the last few years. Goler in general has taken a real beating at the hands of looters.

2 years ago we pulled off the trail to let a couple of trucks pass in the other direction. At the time we thought they were part of the adaopt a cabin program as this was a work weekend for them. But later we discovered that the trucks were filled with items they were stealing from one of the more recent mine sites. 2 full sized trucks and a trailer filled!

That shit stinks!

-Wayne

[natev83]

awsome stories. I'm a young buck(23), but I like hearing storeies about how it was in the good old days, when there were not very many restrictions on where to wheel. Well it sounds like gohler in the trial I was looking at becasuse that is the one that will go th bakers ranch. any I dea how many miles it is to bakers ranch form the entrance to the cayon?

[Aggro]

humvees have been up surprise...

[TheBandit]

Thanks for the stories rockr :)

[Krusty]

YEP !!! they drug two Hummers up Surprize for a warn winch commercial-- in the process they destroyed the hummers and were glad to get out !!!! they never used the footage of the trip in media !




1/2 way up goler where the road passes under the overhead cables--- the mine on the north rim - my kids (Bender Rob) climed up to the mine and looked it over---- he brought down a mine car wheel----iron --

every time over, when Stripped Butte shows up, it looks so out of place !!!!!!!!!!!!
then continue into Death Valley, and head north on the west side 'highway'----

[lttlbddy]

West Coast 4 Wheel Drive Club took a members Hummer to Panamint City. He had a bit or rocker damage . . . didn't see much of him after that. Hmmm.

[Ghetto Fab.]

I did the pleasant valley/ south park loop in march. Trail was fine. The rock fill spot near the bridge was a little sketchy, but ok. When the TJ in front of me was crossing you could hear rocks falling out of the pile further down.:D

Kevo

[rockr]

yeah, panamint valley is a cool place to visit. lots of wheeling potential. cept inside the national park could be a problem. course back in the 60's there wasn't much problem going any-fawkin place you wanted, and we did :)

i've been up and down all the canyons between ballarat and indian ranch including jail cyn, surprise, happy, south park, middle park......you name it. these are all on the panamint mtn range. then on the other side of the valley (argus range), same thing....uip and down all of those cyns. darwin falls, china garden, snow, wood and water cyns.

even knew old seldom-seen-slim in his last days in ballarat. (charles ferge was his real name). smokes an old corncob pipe held in with the few teeth he had left. that was a trip!

wish tucson wasn't so damn far from there cause i'd be there all the time:flipoff2:

[Krusty]

BLM burned down the cabin at the top of Jail Canyon !---
but you could take the hand made road south over into Hall Canyon (above the falls) where there was another 'survival' cabin-- the local club cleaned up the cabin and put in a air-tite stove, JUST BEFORE THEY CLOSED Jail and Hall Canyon !!!!!- a lot of the Argus Range has been closed also.

Friends of the Panamint and the Tin Benders have been tryin to get Surprize Canyon re-opened---
after all, there are several people that have bought the houses/cabins in Panamint City, and mineral rights to the mine----(me included)--

i hope to get back up there before i am planted in the ground !!!!

[rotozuk]

wish tucson wasn't so damn far from there cause i'd be there all the time:flipoff2:


Let me know when you do come for a vsit! Sounds like the stories would be well worth the drive!

-Wayne

[rockr]

BLM burned down the cabin at the top of Jail Canyon !---
but you could take the hand made road south over into Hall Canyon (above the falls) where there was another 'survival' cabin-- the local club cleaned up the cabin and put in a air-tite stove, JUST BEFORE THEY CLOSED Jail and Hall Canyon !!!!!- a lot of the Argus Range has been closed also.

Friends of the Panamint and the Tin Benders have been tryin to get Surprize Canyon re-opened---
after all, there are several people that have bought the houses/cabins in Panamint City, and mineral rights to the mine----(me included)--

i hope to get back up there before i am planted in the ground !!!!


hmmmmmm....interesting. yeah, i was up jail 2 years ago......cabin was gone alright. gus and inez troster actually lived there in the 60's. inez worked for my parents occationally at wildrose station. they were an old couple back then so i would imagine they have passed. it was sad to see the house gone but i was not surprised. the park service burt down historic stage stop wildrose station too.........fawkers:mad3:

so you guys bought the structures in panamint. and it is in death valley right? so you don't own the land but a mineral/mining claim? i am a licensed land surveyor, hence the curiosity. guess you didn't own it back in the 60's so............i can tell you that i trucked out enough of the old red fireclay brick(that was already fallen) to build two cone fireplace stands at mine and my dad's house's in ridgecrest after we left wildrose....that would have been in 1971. wish i had some of that brick here in tucson:flipoff2:


this is fun......keep the info comin krusty:smokin:

[rockr]

Let me know when you do come for a vsit! Sounds like the stories would be well worth the drive!

-Wayne


hey......i often thought of doing one of those PVD runs.........maybe this year:smokin:

[Mustard Dog]

Awesome history rockr, keep it coming.

I think you'd be really interested in what the Friends of Panamint Valley are up to:)

[OTR]

...so you guys bought the structures in panamint. and it is in death valley right? so you don't own the land but a mineral/mining claim? i am a licensed land surveyor, hence the curiosity. guess you didn't own it back in the 60's so............
this is fun......keep the info comin krusty:smokin:

ok, a clarification here...

Although many of the structures in Panamint City are on privately owned land, the two groups that most recently purchased property to regain access to the city did not purchase land with structures or mines on them.

The two parcels purchased were the Independence Millsite, and the LittleChief Millsite. Both are patented claims in Sourdough Canyon, and within Death Valley National Park. The parcels were purchased with all water and mineral rights...

I think you'd be really interested in what the Friends of Panamint Valley are up to:)
Wadda ya wanna to know ? ;)

kris.

[Krusty]

the origional buy was the land, houses, mineral and water rights, plus a share of the mine.

it is the BLM that put up the gate and closed access to Panamint City.
and that goes now to ONE individual that is being a _____ about access, in the Ridgecrest office !!!

the actual ROAD to the city is NOT on BLM land as the cherry stem laws do apply-- but-----
BLM land both sides of the road and NPS land at the top of the ridge above the city. But the 'city' townsite and mines are/have been private owned land !!

In the early days there was access to Panamint City from the top/north from Pleasant Canyon and i have heard there was a foot trail down into Death Valley-



the road into Hall Canyon that climbs out of Jail--- if you remember the switchbacks with all the hand laid rock road bed-- laid by the early Chinease.

If you have ever looked down the mines at Skidoo-- up on top of the north end of the Panamint range-- WHERE IN THE HE__ DID THEY GET ALL THE TREE LIMBS TO DO THE SHOREING ????


I guess it used to be the great Mojave Forrest--- now the Mojave Desert !!!

[natev83]

awsome storeies keep em coming

[rockr]

the origional buy was the land, houses, mineral and water rights, plus a share of the mine.

it is the BLM that put up the gate and closed access to Panamint City.
and that goes now to ONE individual that is being a _____ about access, in the Ridgecrest office !!!

the actual ROAD to the city is NOT on BLM land as the cherry stem laws do apply-- but-----
BLM land both sides of the road and NPS land at the top of the ridge above the city. But the 'city' townsite and mines are/have been private owned land !!

In the early days there was access to Panamint City from the top/north from Pleasant Canyon and i have heard there was a foot trail down into Death Valley-



the road into Hall Canyon that climbs out of Jail--- if you remember the switchbacks with all the hand laid rock road bed-- laid by the early Chinease.

If you have ever looked down the mines at Skidoo-- up on top of the north end of the Panamint range-- WHERE IN THE HE__ DID THEY GET ALL THE TREE LIMBS TO DO THE SHOREING ????


I guess it used to be the great Mojave Forrest--- now the Mojave Desert !!!


so the road to panamint city:

1. blm doesn't own the road
2. blm owns land adjacent to both sides of the road

so WHO owns the road? is there no legal access for ingress/egress to panamint city for the legal owners?

yes, i am interested in this issue...maybe i can get more involved :)

[OTR]

the origional buy was the land, houses, mineral and water rights, plus a share of the mine.

No.
The purchases of the Independence and the LittleChief were the patented millsite claims, not the minesites. There are no mines or structures on either of the recently purchased patented millsite claims.


it is the BLM that put up the gate and closed access to Panamint City.
and that goes now to ONE individual that is being a _____ about access, in the Ridgecrest office !!!

Hector is doing what he believes to be his job and I dont care to argue with him. He claims that he is following the regulations that he is bound by as the local manager.
We are also dealing with Death Valley National Park.


the actual ROAD to the city is NOT on BLM land as the cherry stem laws do apply-- but-----
BLM land both sides of the road and NPS land at the top of the ridge above the city. But the 'city' townsite and mines are/have been private owned land !!

Brian and I asked Hector who owns the road several years ago, the County or BLM.
His response was that they are not sure, but had no choice but to follow through with the guidelines of the stipulation agreement. The agreement says that owners shall not be subject to the restrictions outlined in the agreement. Hector now claims that BLM regulations conflict with the agreement and cannot allow vehicles in the canyon.



so the road to panamint city:

1. blm doesn't own the road
2. blm owns land adjacent to both sides of the road

so WHO owns the road? is there no legal access for ingress/egress to panamint city for the legal owners?

yes, i am interested in this issue...maybe i can get more involved :)


The BLM is acting as if they have jurisdiction over the road.
Time will tell if they in fact do, or if the county does.

That is the real question, and its that simple. And it will be answered soon.


Thanks for your interest.

kris.

[rotozuk]

I've both read stories and been told that the old road that came in from the backside of the city and dropped into Death Valley has long ago disappeared. The Death Valley side was maintained by scouts as a hiking trail for a few miles, but is sounded like even that got pretty sketchy. I was able to find it on some old maps a couple of years ago.

I'm told the remains of a old fruit tree orchard (forget what kind..) is still up there. Used to sell the fruit to the miners.

As for the road, I understand it is so overgrown now that you will need to cut your way in and that is if you are on foot. Brush, trees and slimy rocks will make progress slow. Might have to check it out this winter.

-Wayne

[Chris Johnson]

Scouts West had it's Bi-annual tour of Death Valley this last March. We ran a number of trails including Goler Wash and Pleasant Canyon/South Park. Goler and South Park were both doable with stock four wheel drive rigs then. On our last day we headed over to Surpise Canyon to check it out. We parked at the gate and hiked up maybe a 1 1/2 - 2 miles. Today there is no idication that a road ever exisited. The trail is very over-grown too. I've got some buds who ran it just before it closed. I've seen the video and now seens it in person. You will thrash your junk if you ever get a chance to run this trail. Put me in line!

[Krusty]

it's amazing to see the peoples lineing up to run up to Panamint City--- just to get your picture took below the smokestack to prove you were there !!!
KNOWING you are going to break what ever you bring, and the WORK it will take to do it !!
it will be a full day up/ overnite there and then down the next day !!!!
(just going by what was done in the past !)


But it was always the measure of what you could do to do it-- unique to all other trails--- more difficult than the Hammers, with the element of doing it in a flowing river of COLD water---- when a 'falls' is spoken-- that is FACT !!!

a few of the winch points that were used in the ole days are not there !==
the mine engine is now in the lower mouth of the canyon rather than at the top of fall 7 !

some of the blasting holes are too high to reach for the axle shafts to be used !
NOTHING is as it used to be !!!!





BUT that being said-------------------------------- it can/will be done just as soon as the gate comes down !!!!!!

[rockr]

it's amazing to see the peoples lineing up to run up to Panamint City--- just to get your picture took below the smokestack to prove you were there !!!
KNOWING you are going to break what ever you bring, and the WORK it will take to do it !!
it will be a full day up/ overnite there and then down the next day !!!!
(just going by what was done in the past !)


But it was always the measure of what you could do to do it-- unique to all other trails--- more difficult than the Hammers, with the element of doing it in a flowing river of COLD water---- when a 'falls' is spoken-- that is FACT !!!

a few of the winch points that were used in the ole days are not there !==
the mine engine is now in the lower mouth of the canyon rather than at the top of fall 7 !

some of the blasting holes are too high to reach for the axle shafts to be used !
NOTHING is as it used to be !!!!







BUT that being said-------------------------------- it can/will be done just as soon as the gate comes down !!!!!!



that's right krusty......and then add :

1. DEATH VALLEY...has that eerie ring to it
2. so secluded an area with nobody to be seen after the little town of trona.
3. the ghosts of past looking down and laughing at us busting our balls trying to make it:flipoff2:

seldom seen slim
silent george greist
ballarat bob
chris wich
pete augueberry
gus troster
buck johnston
panamint annie
tex brothers
harry briggs
george pipkin
jim barker
ed teagle

yep........it just aint the same up there anymore.........i need a panamint valley trip:(

[rockr]

it's amazing to see the peoples lineing up to run up to Panamint City--- just to get your picture took below the smokestack to prove you were there !!!
KNOWING you are going to break what ever you bring, and the WORK it will take to do it !!
it will be a full day up/ overnite there and then down the next day !!!!
(just going by what was done in the past !)


But it was always the measure of what you could do to do it-- unique to all other trails--- more difficult than the Hammers, with the element of doing it in a flowing river of COLD water---- when a 'falls' is spoken-- that is FACT !!!

a few of the winch points that were used in the ole days are not there !==
the mine engine is now in the lower mouth of the canyon rather than at the top of fall 7 !

some of the blasting holes are too high to reach for the axle shafts to be used !
NOTHING is as it used to be !!!!







BUT that being said-------------------------------- it can/will be done just as soon as the gate comes down !!!!!!



that's right krusty......and then add :

1. DEATH VALLEY...has that eerie ring to it
2. so secluded an area with nobody to be seen after the little town of trona.
3. the ghosts of past looking down and laughing at us busting our balls trying to make it:flipoff2:

seldom seen slim
silent george greist
ballarat bob
chris wich
pete augueberry
gus troster
buck johnston
panamint annie
tex brothers
harry briggs
george pipkin
jim barker
ed teagle

yep........it just aint the same up there anymore.........i need a panamint valley trip:(

[LuckyPabst]

I walked up to Panamint City 6 times last year.

Yes the route has changed drastically in the last couple of years and I can't see anything with wheels navigating a few of the most narrow sections of the falls. There are many drill holes in critical spots but would need some serious help clearing them of rocks and sand before you could even think about sinking a winch anchor.

After the top waterfall, it's mostly easy going, probably 70% of the road remains. You'll need some serious trimming devices to get through the lower 2/3 of the canyon now.

Chris

[luvrox]

I walked up to Panamint City 6 times last year.

Yes the route has changed drastically in the last couple of years and I can't see anything with wheels navigating a few of the most narrow sections of the falls.
Chris

So, are you throwing out a challange here? If the four wheeling comunity gets behind this battle we can all have a shot at this trail. Beyond that there is an oppertunity to influence a precedent setting legal decision. To contribute go to http://www.fopv.org/donate.html cus this is our trail.
Garry

[LuckyPabst]

Nope no challenge, just stating a few facts as I see them from being in the canyon. Have you hiked the route at least to the top of the last falls lately? Nothing remotely resembling a reasonably stock, somewhat street legal 4x4 would get up there until the road has been well re-established through the narrows. At least Rocky seems more friendly toward the wheelers these days.

Personally I have mixed feelings about the road but feelings are just that and hold no legal value. I'm aware of the facts, however and it's a road that predates all the enviro BS and therefore should never have been closed.

I'm not sure I support the idea of purchasing the property after the closure however. I think the proper method would have been to help the previous property owners assert their rights and then go ahead with the group buy. Seems to me the courts would consider that it was a well known fact that there was no access at the time of purchase, especially if the court has certain political leanings.

But I've bandied about the idea of building my Kaiser for the sole purpose of bashing a full size up Surprise canyon in hopes of the road opening up again - which I do think will happen. Heck man, the cabins really need the maintenance only available from some serious cargo capacity.

Chris

[Krusty]

It is a given that no 'stock' 4X can/could do the trip !

MOST of those that would line up have built/modified 4X's--

I recent memory there has been only 1 'stock' jeep to get a picture at the bottom of the smokestack !! (it ment so much to him that he chartered a helicopter to fly the jeep up for a pic and then down again !!!!!)

The drill holes are used as winch anchors by useing a axle shaft stuck in the hole !!
of course the lead rigs will have to 'clear trail', but that is just part of the " FUN " and that is what the passengers are for !!!!!

[Clemsonkrawler]

Ive seen the pics and video of how this trail used to be...... If/when this trail re-opens, Ill be there with the first group to run it. I wonder if a sizable donation would get the trail opened for at least parts of the year, even a week would be kickass.

Hey Rockr, the history lesson has been great. Thanks.

[LuckyPabst]

Krusty,

By "reasonably stock", I meant something along the lines of what had been going up there before that still has a mostly stock body and common mods like the Toyotas and Jeeps making the climb before the closure. Now it's gonna take some serious purpose built rigs, probably with minimal sheet metal and incredibly specific suspensions.

I fully support a seasonal or limited opening but that's my emotions talking. It really should be returned to it's original status.

Someone on another board claimed the Jeepers put those holes in with a cordless drill and said they were like 1/2" diameter or something silly like that. Another case of blindly following the propagande from the safety of their armchair. I guess they think the Jeepers also left all the blast marks and opened up the canyon for the stagecoaches in the first place?

Chris

[Krusty]

"back like it used to be " That has been giving us a problem !!
like it used to be WHEN ?????
the county doesn't want and can't afford to make it like it used to be===== semi truck accessable !

ALL we have been asking is for the gate to come down and allow legal access !!!! WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN ROAD !!!!!!!!

we can make it 'accessable to vehicles' and not the tourist traffic they are somewhat concerned with !! (tourists don't 'Tread Lightly' or keep their messes picked up !!)



going back thru and cleaning up my puter desk, i ran accross a few pics of one Bender run up the canyon, YEARS ago !!!

[4x49er]

Ran Gohler wash from DV to Panamint in the spring of 1949 in a 1 1/2 ton truck. There was 12 of us boy scouts from the Bay Area. We camped at a Lead Mine owned by a retired Professer from UC Berkley. He had a swimming pool for us to cool off in, and put some Burro steaks on the Barby for our dinner. We passed many mine sites on the road and the flood plain on the Panamint side was still full of house remains, old cars, and stuff that had been washed out.

We wanted to go back the next year, but the Moms stopped the trip due to rumors that we all got our first piece of a** the year before.

[Krusty]

it is a bit surprizeing -- that no matter how things change with time, they tend to stay the same !!

I will probably not see Panamint City again---- but i have my memories (and a few tattered/ torn pictures).

[Krusty]

back THEN, sometimes BEFORE BLM 'cleared' an old site, they would let folks know--- it was great diggin thru the old garbage dumps !!!! Blasting powder cans, worn out tools, old cans, woodpecker fence post---- well---- my front yard !-----------

[Krusty]

you think--- not !!

[rockrknockr]

that is cool KRUSTY......the front yard artifacts:smokin:

and 4X49er....................you ran gholer in 1949.WOW that musta been a blast. i did it as early as 1965 and it was a rough trail back then for sure. WOW, tell us more about the trip.........what, tyou guys "scored" some pussy at vicky's star ranch in BEATTY?:flipoff2:

[rockrknockr]

hey krusty, what street do you live on? i used to live on ....................ummmmmmmmmmmmmmm.............. .........oh shit i ferget........over off of mahan near a elementary school.........just north of coronado street.......................i'll ask the wife:flipoff2:

[Krusty]

1 block in off of Inyokern Road-
north end of town--- 1 1/2 block from the base fence

[benttoy]

My job takes me to Trona once in a while, when I take a 4x4 I like to check out the area. A trip up any of the canyons in the area would be sweet, if you guys ever plan a trip let me know my son and I would be up for that. Growing up our family would check old townsites in the Barstow area and I,ve done the same for my kids it sucks how much stuff has been burnt down or just plain f----d up by mindless assholes you can PM me or D-TOy,JRT or Fatkid knows how to get ahold of us

[OTR]

Benttoy...
Im up in the valley once or twice in the summer.
Lemme know what your weekends look like for the next few months and Ill see what comes together.

Just to let you know though, Its too hot to do much until late September. It has already broken 100 in PV and DV has hit the 110's. Anything I do during the summer is going to be over 5-6000ft to get out of the heat. Starting in October I should make it every month until March.

kris.

[rockrknockr]

1 block in off of Inyokern Road-
north end of town--- 1 1/2 block from the base fence

oh ok ..........i remember the area. i worked at sears in the auto dept putting on tire, shocks and alignments in 1974. it was up near downs/ward?

we were on mariposa (re-named from essex) just west of mahan and north of bowman rds.

my parents owned an indian gift shop right at the SE corner of china lake and ridgecrest blvds.

i also worked for the city as a surveyor 1974-78 and then went private sector with a couple local surveyors.


i appologize for getting off-subject.

SUPRISE CANYON:beer:

[benttoy]

Benttoy...
Im up in the valley once or twice in the summer.
Lemme know what your weekends look like for the next few months and Ill see what comes together.

Just to let you know though, Its too hot to do much until late September. It has already broken 100 in PV and DV has hit the 110's. Anything I do during the summer is going to be over 5-6000ft to get out of the heat. Starting in October I should make it every month until March.

kris.

We will be gone from June 28 thru July 8th other than that we,re open just let us know

[Krusty]

folks--- a view of the Panamint Valley--- (from the Trona pass side)
the hiway to Death Vally crosses at about the far left if the pic----


another Kool (hot really) jaunt and run, would be up to the 'defence mine', i think it is called. (for those that like to explore old mine shafts !)(north/west side of the valley)

Jail and Hall Canyons are closed i think--- but
Pleasant and South Park as well as Goler, i think are still open.


and for those that go over to Panamint Valley--- as dry as it looks-(and is)--- DO NOT TRY TO DRIVE ON THE DRY LAKE AREA !!!!!!!!!!
some spots illegal, but more than that---you stand a GOOD chance that you will loose your rig !!
That 'dry' lake bed is just a thin/sunburned crust over a lake of mud, hundreds of feet deep !!!!!!! the AKA; panamint lake is fed by MANY streams-----Surprize is only one !-----

so far --I-- have done three rescues on the shores of the lake bed, just south of Ballarat, out from the Salt Cedar trees---


stay on the roads !!!

[rockrknockr]

taken from the top of SLATE RANGE right KRUSTY:smokin:

[Krusty]

yep--- the first look (or last) of the Panamint valley from the Trona end of things----

[larryboy]

This thread is enough to get me to log in and post. :D I fell in love with the area a coupla years ago and travel around the valley by motorcycle.

Here are a coupla DV threads you guys might like.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105253

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=184463

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a32/plunger-ears/uly-trips/07krawl/IM003472.jpg

[rotozuk]

I was up there for Memorial weekend with some friends. We checked out the Salt Trams (they are being repaired now, nice to see!), headed over to Cerro Gordo and then Jackpot and walked up the good parts of Surprise. The guy living at the bottom of Surprise is out of there after a fire. Temps were hot, and the air was kind of hazy. We tried to keep our trips to the upper elevations. I usually visit the valley in Sept and November. November is very nice!

Here are some pics:
http://aaaprodisplays.com/rotozuk/Panamint%20Valley%20'07_files/IMG_1696.jpg

http://aaaprodisplays.com/rotozuk/Panamint%20Valley%20'07_files/IMG_1709.jpg

http://aaaprodisplays.com/rotozuk/Panamint%20Valley%20'07_files/IMG_1751.jpg

http://aaaprodisplays.com/rotozuk/Panamint%20Valley%20'07_files/IMG_1762.jpg

http://aaaprodisplays.com/rotozuk/Panamint%20Valley%20'07_files/IMG_1778.jpg

http://aaaprodisplays.com/rotozuk/Panamint%20Valley%20'07_files/IMG_1787.jpg

Bit of a hike to get this picture.. See the little Jeeps at the bottom?
http://aaaprodisplays.com/rotozuk/Panamint%20Valley%20'07_files/IMG_1789.jpg

Mine is still in good shape, even has lights.
http://aaaprodisplays.com/rotozuk/Panamint%20Valley%20'07_files/IMG_1793.jpg

more..

[rotozuk]

Heading up Surprise:
http://aaaprodisplays.com/rotozuk/Panamint%20Valley%20'07_files/IMG_1797.jpg

The dog was happy to see the cool water!
http://aaaprodisplays.com/rotozuk/Panamint%20Valley%20'07_files/IMG_1799.jpg

http://aaaprodisplays.com/rotozuk/Panamint%20Valley%20'07_files/IMG_1803.jpg

http://aaaprodisplays.com/rotozuk/Panamint%20Valley%20'07_files/IMG_1807.jpg

http://aaaprodisplays.com/rotozuk/Panamint%20Valley%20'07_files/IMG_1812.jpg

The burned out site at the entrance. Rumor has it the crazy old man is living in the trailer at Ballarat. Would not surprise we as we stopped near the trailer and had to do a quick vehicle repair and there was an old guy staring us down for a while. Greetings went unanswered.
http://aaaprodisplays.com/rotozuk/Panamint%20Valley%20'07_files/IMG_1818.jpg

http://aaaprodisplays.com/rotozuk/Panamint%20Valley%20'07_files/IMG_1819.jpg

More pictures here if you are interested:
http://aaaprodisplays.com/rotozuk/Panamint%20Valley%20%2707.html

-Wayne

[drnut]

Went up to Briggs this past weekend. What a awsome place! The first time i have ever been there. We went up gohler wash into Death Valley and then to Redlands. We stopped at all the cabins to check them out. It was a bit warm, high 90's and i went up to Briggs in my 1/2 ton Dodge 4x4 on 285's easy. The rest was done in a stock Jeep Wrangler.

[rockrknockr]

Went up to Briggs this past weekend. What a awsome place! The first time i have ever been there. We went up gohler wash into Death Valley and then to Redlands. We stopped at all the cabins to check them out. It was a bit warm, high 90's and i went up to Briggs in my 1/2 ton Dodge 4x4 on 285's easy. The rest was done in a stock Jeep Wrangler.

DAMN............i wish i could make it there soon..........i'm TOTALLY jones'n for a DV run man:smokin:

it's like my old home turf...................i miss the first view of striped butte when coming over mengle pass:beer:

[rockrknockr]

thanks for the pics ROTOZUK!

AWESOME:smokin:

[benttoy]

I,ve been wanting to do that trip for a while now. this post has just sparked my interest all over again. Awesome pics and stories keep em comming

[Krusty]

the first time i came over the pass and saw Striped Butte------- WTF !!!!
it's so out of place and where did that come from ??!!!!!!!!!

we did the west side 'road' north thru DV--- that was fun !!!


is the horse watering trough still at the top of the pass ?????

[yjsquareyes]

Oh geesh!! Those photos bought me old memories of my annual dune buggy club Memorial weekend trip to Panamint Valley back in the 1970's. We used to camp at Indian Ranch and other spot with a cool spring pool next to Surprinse Canyon entrance. We went on dune buggies and motorcycles run up the Surprise Canyon all the way to Panamint City without any problem. Also to other old mining town in the canyon (I don't recall name of this place) past Ballast. I remember getting stuck in my Yamaha MX 250 motorycycle in freakin stinkin' mud hole (powerful suflur odor!!!) in the middle of dry lake and it took me a while to get it out.

IT is sad to see those trails being closed off to the 4x4 as well as surprised to see them all washed out.

I would like to return and try a run up the Susprise Canyon if it gets open once again.

Thanks for the stories and photos.

[Irish Style]

another Kool (hot really) jaunt and run, would be up to the 'defence mine', i think it is called. (for those that like to explore old mine shafts !)(north/west side of the valley)

There are some cool "optionals" on that trail that are fairly challanging. Waterfall 0 is where my Toyota recieved its first body damage. There is also a canyon that cuts off to the right about halfway up that has a few good lines, then re-enters at about 3/4 of the way up.

for those that go over to Panamint Valley--- as dry as it looks-(and is)--- DO NOT TRY TO DRIVE ON THE DRY LAKE AREA !!!!!!!!!!stay on the roads !!!

My buddy was going across the lakebed on his XR650R and said his rear tire was digging in about 8"s. He stayed on the throttle and made it through, but a truck or buggy would be done.

[LouBell]

We held our annual event in Panamint Valley this year, March 23,24, and 25.
Link: http://www.4x4him.org/4x4him/index.php?topic=520.0

Here are a few pics of the Defence Mine trail that someone mentioned earlier.
http://www.4x4him.org/4x4him/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1184.0;attach=2585 ;image

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/9537/duelingbuggiesxw6.th.jpg (http://img262.imageshack.us/my.php?image=duelingbuggiesxw6.jpg)

And more pics here: http://www.4x4him.org/4x4him/index.php?topic=1184.0

This was my first trip to the Panamints and it was awesome. The desert is amazing and the 4wheeling was challenging. 4 different people have told me that Surprise Canyon is their favorite run of any they have done. So maybe someday..........

[rotozuk]

There are some cool "optionals" on that trail that are fairly challanging. Waterfall 0 is where my Toyota recieved its first body damage. There is also a canyon that cuts off to the right about halfway up that has a few good lines, then re-enters at about 3/4 of the way up.

The V-notch waterfall is nice.

The other option is called Cummins Cut and it has options to its options. Again a fun optional-optional v-notch in there. :D

-Wayne

[Jeff Knoll]

BLM burned down the cabin at the top of Jail Canyon !---
but you could take the hand made road south over into Hall Canyon (above the falls) where there was another 'survival' cabin-- the local club cleaned up the cabin and put in a air-tite stove, JUST BEFORE THEY CLOSED Jail and Hall Canyon !!!!!- a lot of the Argus Range has been closed also.

Friends of the Panamint and the Tin Benders have been tryin to get Surprize Canyon re-opened---
after all, there are several people that have bought the houses/cabins in Panamint City, and mineral rights to the mine----(me included)--

i hope to get back up there before i am planted in the ground !!!!


I remember taking my 2 year old daughter (now 14) on the Jail and hall canyon trails and visiting that cabin with David Frieburger and Rick Russell. The first owner of Off Road General store Mark somethingorother and another guy who was a comadity(sp) trader who has sinced passed away was with us. If I remeber correctly it was right before they closed the canyons and we where doing an article on it. I have the Mag here somewhere. I took a stock 1985 blazer up there with the wife and a toddler, we slept in the back. It was mid June because I remember making plans for the trip at Hi desert round up. We met at the " Cocky Bull" Near Adalanto. That stock 85 blazer was a far cry from wheeling now.:D

One of the guys in the group was really into old mining equiptment and felt that all the Mill at the top of Jail canyon needed was a set of bearings and it would run. Some where I have pictures of all that equiptment. It was amazing and you would never know it was there unless you went searching for it. We found it following some rail cart track up the canyon behind some big trees and over growth. The place was like paradise with water, shade tree's and even birds. I can't belive its been over ten years since I have been up there.

[Krusty]

Jeff, and others--
this is exactly why this 'thread' was started !!
For those that have done the Panamints and have their memories, and those that have never been -- to show them what they are missing- !

When you get as far down the trail as I have, and especally when it comes to Surprize Canyon--- memories are just about all that we have left !!!

[Panamint Charlie]

Here's a few vids I put together a few years ago of running Surprise Canyon in my 85 Toy. My last trip was the Sunday before the gate went up. I hike it a few times a year now.

http://www.panamintcharlie.com/ascenthi.html

http://www.panamintcharlie.com/panamintvideohi.html

http://www.panamintcharlie.com/descenthi.html

http://www.panamintcharlie.com/index.html

[Panamint Charlie]

oh yeah, Jail is still open. The cut-over to Hall is closed.

Happy Canyon had a trail that you could use to reach/overlook Surprise Canyon near Marvel Canyon. Happy is also closed to vehicles now

Panamint Pass to Hungry Bill's Ranch on down Johnson Canyon is the way out of Surprise into Death Valley. The trail through Panamint Pass is pretty much wherever you make it. Otherwise, there is no trail through there anymore.

I went up South Park last weekend in my FJ Cruiser. Stayed at Briggs for the night. 85-90 in the shade. Cut a tire near chicken rock somehow.:shaking:

Surprise Canyon
http://www.panamintcharlie.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_5.jpg

panamintcharlie.com (http://panamintcharlie.com)

more Surprise Canyon 4x4 (http://www.panamintcharlie.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=5)

Some of my crappy old Panamint City pics (http://www.panamintcharlie.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=4)

Happy Trails

Charles

[OTR]

Nice of you to make it over here Charles, and thanks for linking the pics and vids.:D

kris.



And, dont loose hope Krusty...

[rockrknockr]

I remember taking my 2 year old daughter (now 14) on the Jail and hall canyon trails and visiting that cabin with David Frieburger and Rick Russell. The first owner of Off Road General store Mark somethingorother and another guy who was a comadity(sp) trader who has sinced passed away was with us. If I remeber correctly it was right before they closed the canyons and we where doing an article on it. I have the Mag here somewhere. I took a stock 1985 blazer up there with the wife and a toddler, we slept in the back. It was mid June because I remember making plans for the trip at Hi desert round up. We met at the " Cocky Bull" Near Adalanto. That stock 85 blazer was a far cry from wheeling now.:D

One of the guys in the group was really into old mining equiptment and felt that all the Mill at the top of Jail canyon needed was a set of bearings and it would run. Some where I have pictures of all that equiptment. It was amazing and you would never know it was there unless you went searching for it. We found it following some rail cart track up the canyon behind some big trees and over growth. The place was like paradise with water, shade tree's and even birds. I can't belive its been over ten years since I have been up there.


talk about a time warp man. i was up in jail cyn in the 60's when gus and inez troster actually lived there in a frickin house! i was up there 3 years ago only to see everything burned down:shaking:

[Panamint Charlie]

Mill at the top of Jail canyon

http://www.panamintcharlie.net/tripreports/panamints022204/6-800.jpg

I never got a chance to see the house that used to be up in Jail, just that sad excuse of a shack the is there today. It could be a nice place if someone put some work into it though.

A few pics of the Corona Mine in Jail Canyon (http://www.panamintcharlie.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=3)

[Panamint Charlie]

Nice of you to make it over here Charles, and thanks for linking the pics and vids.:D

kris.

Sorry Kris...Been hiding in the shadows for a few years now. I think It's a go for that trip. Let you know soon.

[rockrknockr]

great pics CHARLIE:smokin:

i'd say you earned the prefix on your name:D

[benttoy]

I should be getting the F-TOY ready for the upcoming comp and rubicon trip. But this thread is way cooler than that, keep the stories and pics coming I cant get enough of this. What the hell I,ll work on the car tomorrow

[Panamint Charlie]

great pics CHARLIE:smokin:

i'd say you earned the prefix on your name:D



Thanks!

I first found Panamint City in a 4x4 mag sometime in the early 90's and finally make it up there on a hike in 98. I hiked that canyon about every 6 weeks for well over a year. I though you'd have to be stupid to try to drive up the falls,Then I started running into guys like Jon Bundrant and the X Toys while they were working their way through the canyon. I met some dude named Marlin:cool: and He showed me most of the good lines. A few trips to All-Pro and one melted credit card later, I was able to get in two runs up the canyon in my 85 Toy.

Those guys were always cool and did a lot of work in the vicinity of the city and even shlept my gear up for me a few times. I think a lot of my appreciation for history and preservation was instilled in me by listening to guys like Marlin. I know that gate going up really broke His heart.

The only guys I was a little disappointed in were the guys who would run the falls only to turn around and go back down. They never got to see the rest of what Surprise had to offer.


http://www.panamintcharlie.net/tripreports/panamintmarch04/3-21-04-1-800.jpg

[Krusty]

sittin on the porch of the 'hilton'--- probably about 8-9 in the morn---- third cup of coffee-

[RockJeep92504]

How much is the fine for driving on our trails that were stolen from us. Kind of getting tired of loosing our trails. And everytime they ask us to help out with mapping they find new trails that they didn't know about and take them. I am very involved in cal4wheel and some other assoiations and see no real chance of getting them back. I'm now getting to the point that I'm ready to just start running our trails again and pay the fines. I'm not saying that I'm starting tomorrow, but weighing my options.
Kepp the pictures coming and I will dig mine out. I also have a copie of Jason Bunch going up when it was way over grown and almost impassable. One of Rick's first films.

[Krusty]

R-J---
I have also wondered about that myself---

I used to know the BLM Ranger that had the 'policeing' of the Panamints as his 'beat'--- that was a few years ago - and i don't think he is still around--- BUT- shortly after Surprize was closed, (which HE did not agree with), he said---'just let me know when you MIGHT be in the Panamints, and i'll go down and check on DuMont or something--'

he used to 'scout' "possible" canyons and trails-- let us know and then disappear----- we've tried a couple canyons--- but no go --

i don't want to break laws--, but i kinda think the gate is kinda illegal in it's self.

[RockJeep92504]

Are the rangers armed. If not how would they really stop you.

[Krusty]

yes, they have guns-----
BUT--
the thing has been in 'contest' because the 'streambed/road' is not in BLM or NPS jurisdiction. it falls within the 'cherry stem' desigination.

But i wouldn't want to challenge them on it even tho you might be 'in the right'.

[benttoy]

Most of the BLM rangers I,ve delt with thru my job are pretty cool as long as your not being a jerk to them. the thing with the fines is that it may be a small amount for being in a closed area but if they cite you it will be for as many different things as they can and that will add up fast and its federal

[Krusty]

As much as we all would like to 'just go', we haven't .

we have 'played the game' thru the county offices, various courts, and most every venue that could be thought of--- the PV group has been fighting the good fight and have been playing by the rules. The thought being that , we don't want to give anyone any 'fuel' to add to the fire.

[lttlbddy]

People are always asking "Why is it called Jail Canyon?"

While I've made up a few stories, I have never heard the real reason. Any help?

[Panamint Charlie]

The name pre-dates 1900, that's as far back back as I've had a chance to research for now. I did come across a old map a few years back that had the Corona Mine labled as the lost Burro Mine.

[Jeff Knoll]

its federal




I Had a few hair brain ideas about crashing the gates at Coyote Canyon years ago and did a little research.

Federal Bench warrents get expensive, better be pretty commited if you are going to cut a chain.


Keep the stories coming I learned to wheel in that valley. The Wife and I have been threatning for years to hike the trail up to the city but have yet to make the time.

I would sure be pleased to see a few restrictions lifted but that seems a pipe dream. Is Fish Canyon still open? I ran that one year with Ca 4 wheel and it seemed to have some potential as part of the escape trail.

[rockrknockr]

I Had a few hair brain ideas about crashing the gates at Coyote Canyon years ago and did a little research.

Federal Bench warrents get expensive, better be pretty commited if you are going to cut a chain.


Keep the stories coming I learned to wheel in that valley. The Wife and I have been threatning for years to hike the trail up to the city but have yet to make the time.

I would sure be pleased to see a few restrictions lifted but that seems a pipe dream. Is Fish Canyon still open? I ran that one year with Ca 4 wheel and it seemed to have some potential as part of the escape trail.

hey Jeff, where is fish cyn? can't place that one. i remember fish rocks? on the road btwn ridgecrest and trona right? any wheelin up homewood cyn?

[Jeff Knoll]

hey Jeff, where is fish cyn? can't place that one. i remember fish rocks? on the road btwn ridgecrest and trona right? any wheelin up homewood cyn?



Its been a long time since I have been out there, But if memory serves me, it was on the western range. The time I ran it was with Ca4w and it was a new trail. I asked about it because I remember an idea about opening a new trail based on the historic value of the so called escape trail, in which the two gentlemen scouted the route out of death valley and then lead the rest of the pioneers out. This story was told to me during the trip in Fish Canyon and also in discussions at CA4W SD EA meetings. I remember also doing some study on the topic and I am sure I have a book around here somewhere.


I copied this from the Death valley web site and it conflicts with the stories I remember but I will add it as a means to peak ones interest. I believe some one with more knowledge of the area could better answer your question based on the information I have added.


The lost pioneers had now been traveling across the desert for about two months since leaving the Old Spanish Trail. Their oxen were weak from lack of forage and their wagons were battered and in poor shape. They too were weary and discouraged but their worst problem was not the valley that lay before them. It was the towering mountains that stood like an impenetrable wall as far as could be seen in both directions. They decided to head toward what appeared to be a pass to the north near present day Stovepipe Wells, but after discovering this was also impassible, decided they were going to have to leave their wagons and belongings behind and walk to civilization. They slaughtered several oxen and used the wood of their wagons to cook the meat and make jerky. The place where they did this is today referred to as "Burned Wagons Camp" and is located near the sand dunes of Death Valley. From here, they began climbing toward Towne Pass and then turned south over Emigrant Pass to Wildrose Canyon. As they left Death Valley, one of the women in the group turned and said "Goodbye Death Valley" and hence the valley got its name. After crossing the mountains and dropping down into Panamint Valley, they turned south and climbed a small pass into Searles Lake Valley before making their way into Indian Wells Valley near the present day city of Ridgecrest. It was here that they finally got their first look at the Sierra Mountains. They turned south, probably following a trail and traveled close to the same route followed by Highway 14. Ironically, they walked right by Walker Pass (Highway 178 to Isabella Lake), the place they had set out to look for almost three months earlier.

From Walkers Pass, they entered into what was to become the worst part of their journey, the Mojave Desert Plateau. This is a flat, featureless land with very few water sources to be found. The only things that saved them from dying of thirst were a few puddles of water and ice from a recent storm. Eventually they found their way over a pass near Palmdale, California and, following the Santa Clarita River drainage, were finally discovered and rescued by Spanish cowboys from Rancho San Fernando, located near present day Newhall, California.

[Jeff Knoll]

Found what I was looking for,

Rogers Pass

El. 7,141



Wm Manley & Jn Rogers crossed this pass on the way to

Get supplies for 49ers trapped in Death Valley. Later,

As they led the Bennet & Arcane families to safety, they

Came here to view the land ahead, looking back, one

Said, “Goodbye Death Valley!” The date was Feb. 14,

1850. It is believed they crossed the Panamints via

Butte Valley & Redlands Cy. They crossed the Slate via

Fish & Isham Cy’s, then to Providence Spring at Great

Falls in the Argus Range. Up Wilson Cy & across the

Valley to Indian Wells Spring on the way to a Spanish

Ranch near Newhall. All this party survived. Erected

Jan ’92 ET Conf. Trona Chapter.

[rotozuk]

As I recall Fish is a simple trail that dead ends right now. We have taken stock SUVs up the current trail. Also recall some nice meat eating flies where we stopped for lunch. :eek:

You drive past Isham to get to Fish if you come from the Trona side. I have not done it, but the road will continue down towards Goler Wash Rd..

While playing around on Google Maps I noticed that Goler Wash rd turns onto Coyote Canyon rd and if you follow this road it just about connects back over to Panamint Valley above the mining operation near Ballarat. Is this open? Anyone been back there? Worth checking out?

Here is a map:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=ballarat,+ca&ie=UTF8&ll=35.933888,-117.179232&spn=0.021683,0.041842&t=h&z=15&om=1

-Wayne

[rockrknockr]

Very interesting, thanks Jeff and Wayne. i am always eager to learn more DV and PV history. i am looking at my map library and can't find Fish cyn yet. i have some old maps but they don't cover the slate range too well. i suspect it is south of the limestone quarry which is on the east side of the trona-wildrose road near the base of the pass "slate range". there are some canyons between the quarry and valley wells on my 1970 AAA map but un-named. then it shows 4 more canyons south of valley wells named :

1. copper queen cyn
2. tank cyn
3. new york cyn
4. layton cyn

great stuff. i can't wait to get back there and do some more exploring. i need to buy a close to stock jeep for that. my crawler is not street legal anymore:shaking:

[rotozuk]

Please post up if any of you are planning a trip to the valleys. I'd be very interested in joining. Any excuse is a good one to get out there. Just not this time of year. :) I have both a street legal wheeler and a buggy.

-Wayne

[lttlbddy]

Very interesting, thanks Jeff and Wayne. i am always eager to learn more DV and PV history. i am looking at my map library and can't find Fish cyn yet. i have some old maps but they don't cover the slate range too well. i suspect it is south of the limestone quarry which is on the east side of the trona-wildrose road near the base of the pass "slate range". there are some canyons between the quarry and valley wells on my 1970 AAA map but un-named. then it shows 4 more canyons south of valley wells named :

1. copper queen cyn
2. tank cyn
3. new york cyn
4. layton cyn

great stuff. i can't wait to get back there and do some more exploring. i need to buy a close to stock jeep for that. my crawler is not street legal anymore:shaking:

I'll have to check a map but how to find the Fish Canyon Trail:

Going North out of Trona, pass the airport, pass the Valley Wells Road. The next right turn has a dark sign that I think advertises the gravel pit. Take that right; follow it into the foothills; about a quarter mile before the gravel pit, there is a well traveled road on the left; take that. This road wanders a bit, watch for rock carins, then ends up on a ridge that leads up and over the small range. You get good views of the south Panamint Valley from here. As the ridge winds down, there will be a Historical marker on the left; just about that time, you will be dropping into a wash. Turn left up into the wash. This is Fish Canyon. It will dead end in 1/2 mile (?) with another Historical Marker.

Follow the wash downhill (past where you turned into it) and it will follow a trail down an alluvial fan and dump you at the entrance to Golar Wash.

edit> The road to Fish Canyon is not a real canyon but more of a pass road. And it is North of Valley Wells.

[lttlbddy]

I found if via the topozone.com maps:

From Valley Wells, look north/east, you will see the Ophir Mine and Bundy Canyon. Keep going north, you will next see Goff Canyon. The next canyon north and on the east side of the range is Fish Canyon.

[rockrknockr]

I'll have to check a map but how to find the Fish Canyon Trail:

Going North out of Trona, pass the airport, pass the Valley Wells Road. The next right turn has a dark sign that I think advertises the gravel pit. Take that right; follow it into the foothills; about a quarter mile before the gravel pit, there is a well traveled road on the left; take that. This road wanders a bit, watch for rock carins, then ends up on a ridge that leads up and over the small range. You get good views of the south Panamint Valley from here. As the ridge winds down, there will be a Historical marker on the left; just about that time, you will be dropping into a wash. Turn left up into the wash. This is Fish Canyon. It will dead end in 1/2 mile (?) with another Historical Marker.

Follow the wash downhill (past where you turned into it) and it will follow a trail down an alluvial fan and dump you at the entrance to Golar Wash.

edit> The road to Fish Canyon is not a real canyon but more of a pass road. And it is North of Valley Wells.


awesome, thanks! that makes sence. i have never been in that area yet but i have heard of this route that can take you over slate range and into panamint valley and basically near goler. a shortcut to goler rather than going through ballarat. hard to believe i never explored that in the 60's:shaking:

[benttoy]

Whenever anyone wants to go my son and I would love to tag along

[larryboy]

Found what I was looking for,

Rogers Pass

El. 7,141





My maps show it as Manly Pass. My first time up the alluvial fan a coupla years ago the trail was really faint and mainly single track for a motorcycle. Last fall there were jeep width tracks.

This is looking back up to the pass:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a32/plunger-ears/klr%20abuse/06DVturkeyrun/IM003251.jpg

This is looking down into fish canyon:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a32/plunger-ears/klr%20abuse/06DVturkeyrun/IM003254.jpg

Here is the marker down in the canyon:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a32/plunger-ears/klr%20abuse/06DVturkeyrun/IM003255_edited.jpg

All in all it's an easy route for a stock jeep. There are a few tough climbs for a loaded down bike.

[PISSCAT]

Any of you guys ever go out to defense mine still? I went on a trip a few years ago with krusty and a few other people and was super stoked(I was the kid in the stock white samurai). Needless to say I have another sammi now and want to start going on wheelin trips more. Sorry about hijacking the thread, just trying to get in the mix.
Brian

[Krusty]

Brian, a couple weekends back, we (3 rigs) made a trip thru the Panamints and on over into Death Valley--- two days and a camp-over---

most of the 'classic trails' and many stops to just poke around !!!!

We'll have to hook up again !! That trip was fun !!!!

[RockJeep92504]

We are running defense mine on Nov 10th for panamint valley days. You are more than welcome to join us.
Kory

[PISSCAT]

I would love to go, but I am a full time student and in turn a slave to school until December 1st. After that I get a month break from the work I pay to much to do.
Brian:smokin:

[thefreqofnature]

The only way to Panamint City

http://www.panamintcharlie.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10017/suprizecanyonfalls.jpg
photo credit: kris FOPV

[Krusty]

open the daymn gate and let me in---------- and i'll drive it.

(carrying repair/maintenance supplies)(and trash out)

[OTR]

Currently the only way to Panamint City

Fixed it for ya Freq.

k.

[benttoy]

How far is it from the gate to the city?

[thefreqofnature]

How far is it from the gate to the city?

Short answer: It's about 7-8 miles with about 3000-3500 foot elevation gain.

Long answer: This last weekend I stopped by in Ballerat on my way to Panamint Springs. I was talking to a bunch of campers who all had their Rinos and Banchies parked out in front of the general store. Rocky and George were holding court as usual. One of the campers was talking about hiking up to Panamint City with her friends. I asked her how many nites they were going to stay. She looked at me kinda funny and said they were going up and back the same day. I turned to Rocky and asked if someone could make it to Panamint City and back in a day and in his Billy Bob Thorton from Sling Blade voice he answered, "Hum um, you might be able to...but you wouldn't want to"
Classic!

[Krusty]

about 7 miles above the falls--- which take about 3/8 mile----
and a total of @5,000 feet elevation change from the gate to the smokestack.

it has been driven in and out in a day--- but that was the past---
when we get the gate open---- 1 to 1 1/2 days in----- hour and a half out !


usta figure a day in, maintenance/repairs-sleep over, and a easy day out and home.


of course now, i guess i'll have to drill more holes in the canyon walls----- yeah, right !

[RockJeep92504]

open the daymn gate and let me in---------- and i'll drive it.

(carrying repair/maintenance supplies)(and trash out)
And i'll be right there with you to help you carrie all those supplies and trash.

[benttoy]

And i'll be right there with you to help you carrie all those supplies and trash.

x2 I want to see this place