01
Best otherworldly desert hike
Trona Pinnacles National Natural Landmark
Searles Dry Lake Basin • Otherworldly Tufa-Spire Ramble • Iconic Local Landmark
A choose-your-own-adventure network of sandy paths weaving through hundreds of towering tufa spires just southeast of Searles Valley.
There’s no single set trail here, which is part of the fun—you simply park and wander among the spires as far as time and heat allow. The walking is mostly easy over firm sand and gravel, but the landscape feels straight out of a sci‑fi movie. Go early or near sunset for cooler temps and the best light on the pinnacles and surrounding ranges.
02
Best short hike to water
Darwin Falls Trail
Near Panamint Springs On Ca-190 • Desert Oasis Canyon Walk • Best Quick Family-Friendly Outing
A short, mostly gentle canyon hike that trades dust and heat for shaded pools and a rare year-round waterfall in the desert.
From the dirt road trailhead near Panamint Springs, a sandy wash quickly narrows into a rocky canyon with cottonwoods, willows, and the sound of running water. The path crosses the stream several times and ends at a cool grotto and waterfall that feel wildly out of place in this landscape. It’s a great pick on hotter days or when you want a rewarding hike without spending all day on the trail.
03
Best moderate summit hike
Wildrose Peak Trail
Upper Wildrose Canyon, Death Valley National Park • High-Desert Peak Trail • Best For Cooler-Weather Views
A steady climb from the historic charcoal kilns up to a 9,000-foot summit with sweeping views over both Panamint and Death Valleys.
Starting near the beehive-shaped Wildrose Charcoal Kilns, the trail switchbacks through pinyon-juniper forest and open slopes with expanding views at every turn. It’s a stout but manageable hike for fit hikers, with enough elevation to offer cooler temperatures than the valley floors. On clear days, the summit panorama stretches from the high Sierra to the salt flats far below.
04
Best bucket-list summit
Telescope Peak Trail
Mahogany Flat, Death Valley Np High Country • Alpine-Style Ridge Hike • Classic All-Day Challenge
A long, rewarding route to the highest point in Death Valley National Park, with dramatic drop-offs to both Death Valley and Panamint Valley.
From the Mahogany Flat area, the trail follows a broad ridge through forests of pinyon and bristlecone before narrowing toward the summit crest. It’s a full-day affair with significant elevation gain, but the payoff is standing over 11,000 feet above sea level while looking down at some of the lowest points in North America. Locals treat this as a benchmark hike for strong legs, stable weather, and clear skies.
05
Best adventurous backcountry route
Surprise Canyon to Panamint City
Ballarat Ghost Town, Panamint Valley • Remote Historic Canyon Route • Best Adventurous Overnighter
A rugged, water-filled canyon climb from the edge of Panamint Valley to the ruins of an isolated mining camp high in the Panamint Range.
This is a demanding route for experienced hikers who don’t mind wet feet, boulder-hopping, and some route-finding as the trail follows and crisscrosses a perennial stream. The reward is a lush canyon with waterfalls and hanging gardens, culminating in the weathered buildings and mining relics of Panamint City perched high above the desert. It’s often tackled as a backpacking trip, and it delivers a strong sense of how remote this corner of the valley really is.