Distance – 5.5 miles one way
Elevation gain – 3,675 feet
Terrain – The trail was actually a road at one point but it’s hard to believe it when you’re hiking it. It’s not too bad as a trail now but it’s not maintained. It may have taken more damage in the recent flooding.
Difficulty – Moderate
Map: https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=12.8/-117.1606/36.1153&pubLink=n3YJLb4D9RY61dPTCjfT3LMX&trackId=076d5d72-f5b2-4518-adae-c6fd1538f648
Check out the pictures from when we did this trip a few years ago:
https://www.meetup.com/sandiegobackpackers/photos/29458575/
There is water.
Day 0 (Friday)
Drive up in the evening and camp at Chris Wicht Camp (trailhead)
Day 1 (Saturday)
Meet at 8am at Chris Wicht Camp at the end of Surprise Canyon Rd.
Hike 5.5 miles and up 3,675 feet to Panamint city.
Many possibilities once we reach camp:
Explore the city.
Hike to Panamint Pass to see Death Valley.
Explore nearby canyons and mines (without going into them!)
Day 2 (Sunday)
(optional) Summit Telescope Peak.Route or another possible Route
OR explore Panamint City
Or you can make it a one night trip and hike out.
Day 3 (Monday)
Explore Panamint City and hike out.
Last time I drove up there (October 2022) the dirt road was freshly graded and any vehicle could drive to the trailhead.
Death Valley Map: https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/upload/Death-Valley-Backcountry-Roads.pdf
Weather: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-117.10086822509764&lat=36.11707689794403#.W9vJT6eZPmE
DISCLAIMER: Hike at your own risk. Be responsible for yourself and your safety. Make good decisions. With any trip, things can change, reservations can get lost, the unexpected can happen. A go-with-the-flow attitude is always a good thing, and most importantly, let’s all have fun! This is an intermediate hike. Make sure you are in good enough physical shape for the distance, elevation changes, and terrain. The hike leaders in this group aren’t professional hike leaders. By signing up for these events, you agree not to hold the Meetup organizers responsible for whatever happens to you on these events. The hiking group does not certify the expertise of the organizers, the event or assistant organizers (hike leaders) and…We are NOT responsible for any possible losses or injuries.
