Panamint City 2013
R&R did a 4-day, 3-night backpack up Surprise Canyon to Panamint City in the western part of Grand Canyon NP in Oct 2013. This is near the 'town' of Ballarat near Trona. Any vehicle can drive to the Surprise Canyon Trailhead at the old Chris Wicht Camp at an elevation of 2600 feet. It is only a 5.5 mile hike from here but the climb is considerable - 3700 feet to a final elevation of 6300 feet. The first 2 miles go through a narrow canyon with a year round stream. Although there is some bushwhacking, frequent visitors to this canyon have cut back the brush. It is necessary to get your feet wet. The stream then disappears and the remainder of the route follows an old road that is easy to follow but quite steep. Finally you reach Panamint City.
In the 1870's, this was a booming gold mining town with more than 2000 inhabitants. In the 1970's the area was mined again. Most of the relics that are in Panamint City are from the later era, but there are some interesting things from the earlier days. There are several open cabins that visitors have fixed up. There are lots of canyons, mines, and old buildings to explore in the area. It is also the route to climb Sentinel Peak. The web has considerable information about Panamint City. The best I found was Steve Hall's website which describes a number of visits he has made plus other trips in Death Valley. http://www.panamintcity.com/backpacking/panamintbackpacking.html
The following images are all annotated and are a mini trip report.
Read MoreIn the 1870's, this was a booming gold mining town with more than 2000 inhabitants. In the 1970's the area was mined again. Most of the relics that are in Panamint City are from the later era, but there are some interesting things from the earlier days. There are several open cabins that visitors have fixed up. There are lots of canyons, mines, and old buildings to explore in the area. It is also the route to climb Sentinel Peak. The web has considerable information about Panamint City. The best I found was Steve Hall's website which describes a number of visits he has made plus other trips in Death Valley. http://www.panamintcity.com/backpacking/panamintbackpacking.html
The following images are all annotated and are a mini trip report.
