01
Classic backcountry adventure
Surprise Canyon to Panamint City
Near Ballarat On The West Side Of Panamint Valley • Rugged, Water-Fed Desert Canyon Hike • Best For Strong Hikers
A demanding climb through a surprisingly green slot-like canyon to the ruins of Panamint City high above the valley floor.
From the old mining townsite of Ballarat, the route follows a tumbling creek up Surprise Canyon, with boulder scrambles, small waterfalls, and tangles of willows that don’t feel like typical desert. The old road has long since washed out, so expect wet feet, hand-over-hand moves, and a full-day effort to reach the rusting equipment and cabins of Panamint City. Check current access rules and water conditions before you go, and only attempt this one if you’re comfortable with off-trail feel and backcountry navigation.
02
Remote dune escape
Panamint Dunes
North End Of Panamint Valley • Cross-Country Desert And Dune Walk • Best For Solitude And Big Skies
A long, mostly level trek across open desert to a secluded dune field with sweeping views of both the Panamint and Cottonwood ranges.
Reaching Panamint Dunes starts with a rough dirt drive, then a straightforward but exposed walk across the valley on use paths and sandy washes. The hike is all about the quiet: you’ll likely hear only wind, sand, and the occasional jet far overhead as you approach the pale dunes backed by dark mountains. Plan this for cooler months or a chilly morning, pack more water than you think you’ll need, and linger on the ridgeline to watch light and shadow crawl across the valley.
03
Most surprising oasis
Darwin Falls Trail
Near Panamint Springs Off Ca-190 • Short Oasis And Waterfall Stroll • Best Quick Leg-Stretcher
A short, mostly easy walk from a dry wash into a narrow, shaded canyon ending at a year-round waterfall and pool.
The hike to Darwin Falls starts in a dusty wash that feels like any other desert gully, then slowly tightens into a cool, green corridor lined with reeds, cottonwoods, and running water. The final approach to the falls involves a few rock hops and small stream crossings, but most reasonably fit hikers will be comfortable with it. It’s a perfect stop when driving between Homewood Canyon and the main part of Death Valley—just go early or late in the day for softer light and fewer people.
04
High-country summit day
Wildrose Peak Trail
Panamint Range High Country Above Wildrose • Steady Mountain Trail To A Panoramic Summit • Best Big-View Summit
A sustained climb from the historic Wildrose Charcoal Kilns to a nearly 10,000-foot peak with sweeping views over Death Valley and Panamint Valley.
Starting near the beehive-shaped Wildrose Charcoal Kilns, this well-defined trail winds through pinyon and juniper forest before breaking out onto open slopes. The final ridge offers constant scenery, with the salt flats of Death Valley on one side and the broad spread of Panamint Valley on the other. Temperatures are cooler up here than on the valley floor, but the altitude makes the climb feel stiff, so allow plenty of time and be prepared for wind and rapidly changing weather.
05
Quiet canyon ramble
Johnson Canyon
East Side Of The Argus Range, North Of Homewood Canyon • Exploratory Wash And Spring Route • Off-The-Beaten-Path Pick
A mellow wander up a broad wash into a narrowing canyon with scattered springs, low cliffs, and classic desert stillness.
Johnson Canyon is less dramatic than Surprise Canyon but makes up for it with a feeling of space and solitude that’s hard to beat. The route follows sandy washes and old tracks into a broad canyon, where you can poke around side gullies, look for burro and bighorn sign, and enjoy big views back over Panamint Valley. There’s little shade and no formal trail markings, so bring sun protection, pay attention to your line on the way in, and treat it as a choose-your-own-distance outing.