Category: Trails

Racetrack Valley

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TeaKettle Junction lets you know you are starting to get close to the Racetrack.
TeaKettle Junction lets you know you are starting to get close to the Racetrack.

Racetrack valley is a rough graded road which departs the Ubehebe Crater site and heads south into the desert. The road is rough, but easily passable in a regular car. However, when entering back country areas such as this it is always a good idea to have the insurance of a reliable vehicle, high clearance, four wheel drive, etc…  Do yourself a huge favor and air down your tires if you are properly equipped to air up when the trip is over.

Looking north from the Lippincott Mine towards the Racetrack off in the distance.
Looking north from the Lippincott Mine towards the Racetrack off in the distance.

The racetrack valley road is a 25 miles one way trip to the playa. The road is grated, but can be heavily wash-boarded depending on the time of year, rain fall, etc…

Along the way, there are many side trips and alternate trails to help expand your visit.

As you leave Ubehebe Crater, you will be driving south and gradually gaining elevation. Take your time and enjoy the drive, if you are lucky you may see a big horn sheep herd. The road gradually gains in elevation and climbs through a Joshua Tree Forest.

Once you reach the pass, the road continues to drop in elevation all the way down to the playa. Continue straight through tea kettle junction, and bear left down the valley past the side road to the Lippincott mine, which is a great side trail.

The Racetrack Playa of Death Valley.
The Racetrack Playa of Death Valley.

As you continue past the road to the Lippincott mine the road drops down to the Racetrack Playa itself. The first stop is ‘The Grandstand’ which is an outcropping of rock located in the north west corner of the racetrack. The second stop is the parking area to hike towards the stones. Don’t try to hike to the stones from the first Grandstand parking lot, or you will be hiking significantly further.

The highlight of the trip, is a short hike to the sailing or racing stones. The start of the hike is the parking area at the southern end of the racetrack playa.

Jeeps and Labradors are not allowed on the playa!

To reach the stones hike east from the parking lot across the playa towards the dark stone hillside. It is short FLAT, meaning really FLAT hike towards the stones. Be sure the check the temperatures before you leave, and bring lots of water. This is true with anything you might want to do in Death Valley. Don’t walk on the playa if it is wet or muddy.

The Racing stones.
The Racing stones.

At the end of the 30 miles road there is a small primitive campground for overnight visits. Be sure to check with the National Park Service for regulations of back country camping within the park.

Every racetrack needs a grandstand.
Every racetrack needs a grandstand.

Notoriety

On September 19th, 1969 a Michigan front end loading is found burning along the road near the playa. Apparently, Manson order the machine burned. Park Rangers were deployed to the Racetrack. The rangers followed a set of tire tracked which belonged to a Toyota Land Cruiser which was stolen by Manson. The follow up investigate lead to the arrest of Charles Manson at Barker Ranch on October 12th, 1969.

Racetrack Valley Trail Map

References

Johnson Canyon Road

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Johnson Canyon Road, located in the southern Panamint Range of Death Valley National Park, is a remote backcountry route that functions as both a challenging 4×4 road and a hiking trail. This rugged path leads through a dramatic canyon with steep walls, alluvial fans, and lush oases, offering opportunities to explore historic mining sites, Native American heritage, and wildlife such as bighorn sheep or desert tortoises. Less crowded than frontcountry trails like Golden Canyon, it provides solitude and stunning views of the valley floor. The road starts from West Side Road and ascends into the canyon, with options for day hikes to Willow Spring or Hungry Bill’s Ranch, or longer backpacking trips. High-clearance 4×4 vehicles are required for driving, but hiking is often preferred to avoid damage from rough terrain. Note that while called a “road,” it becomes increasingly trail-like beyond the initial miles.

Key Trail Statistics

AspectDetails
LengthFull out-and-back: ~20 miles (10 miles one-way to road’s end); shorter options: 6-8 miles round-trip to Willow Spring; add 2-4 miles for hike to Hungry Bill’s Ranch from road end. AllTrails lists it as 23.1 miles out-and-back for the full route.
Elevation Gain~3,000-4,000 feet overall (starting ~200 feet below sea level, reaching ~5,000 feet at Hungry Bill’s Ranch); steady climb up the alluvial fan.
DifficultyModerately challenging to strenuous; rocky, eroded sections with loose gravel, steep inclines, and potential washouts. 4×4 high-clearance required for driving; hiking involves boulder-hopping and brushy areas.
Time Required6-10 hours for full road out-and-back hike; 3-5 hours for shorter day hikes; multi-day for backpacking with explorations.
Best Time to VisitOctober to April to avoid extreme heat (over 120°F in summer); year-round access, but flash floods possible July-September.
AccessJunction 7.7 miles from northern end of West Side Road (via Badwater Road). Unmarked—use GPS or park maps. No day-use permit; free backcountry permits for overnight (from visitor centers or online). Dispersed camping allowed 1 mile off West Side Road.
Water and AmenitiesWillow Spring and upper canyon springs (treat water); carry 1+ gallon per person per day. No facilities; nearest at Furnace Creek (~30 miles away).

Trail Map

What to Expect on the Hike

The route begins on a gravelly road from West Side Road, climbing tediously up the alluvial fan with loose rocks and ruts—drivable with caution in 4×4 for the first 5-7 miles, but often hiked to preserve vehicles. The canyon narrows, revealing colorful geologic layers, narrow washes, and views of the Panamint Mountains. Around 3-4 miles in, Willow Spring offers a shaded oasis with cottonwoods and year-round water. Continuing, the road ends at a parking area (~10 miles), where a foot trail leads 1-2 miles to Hungry Bill’s Ranch—featuring historic stone walls, remnant orchards (apples, figs), and Shoshone village sites. Side explorations include old mining tunnels and talc prospects. The terrain includes brushy sections (watch for rattlesnakes) and steep scrambles, with profound desert silence and starry skies for campers. Flash floods can alter the path, creating sand traps or debris.

This low-use trail suits adventurers seeking history and isolation, but demands preparation—no cell service, and self-rescue may be necessary.

Current Conditions (as of August, 2025)

Johnson Canyon Road is open and accessible for hiking and 4×4 travel, following repairs to West Side Road after 2023-2024 floods. Recent reports from late 2024 indicate good conditions, with some rutted alluvial fan sections and brushy areas harboring rattlesnakes, but no major closures. West Side Road is fully open, though high-elevation roads elsewhere in the park reopened in April 2025 after historic flooding. Summer heat remains extreme (temperatures often exceed 110°F), and flash flood risks persist during monsoons—avoid during storms. Check the NPS website or Furnace Creek Visitor Center for updates, as conditions can change rapidly. Tire punctures are common on gravel approaches; carry spares and emergency gear.

History of the Region

History of Johnson Canyon

Johnson Canyon’s history intertwines Indigenous heritage, ranching, and mining, emblematic of Death Valley’s resource-rich but harsh landscape. The area was an ancestral village site for the Timbisha Shoshone (also known as Panamint Shoshone), who utilized its reliable springs and canyons for seasonal habitation, hunting, and gathering for centuries. In the late 1800s, Euro-American settlers arrived; rancher William Johnson established a homestead in the canyon around the 1870s, giving it his name, though he clashed with Native residents over land use.

A key figure was Hungry Bill (real name Bah-Vanda-Sada), a Timbisha Shoshone leader who filed a homestead claim in 1907 on 160 acres in upper Johnson Canyon, planting orchards with apples, figs, and grapes using traditional irrigation. He never received the patent due to bureaucratic hurdles, but his family maintained the ranch into the 1920s, producing crops amid the desert. Mining activity surged in the early 1900s, with gold, silver, and talc claims; prospectors and Natives alike filed claims, extracting minerals from tunnels and open pits. Operations were small-scale due to isolation, peaking during World War eras for strategic minerals like talc, but declined by mid-century as deposits dwindled.

Today, remnants include Hungry Bill’s stone walls, fruit trees, and mining ruins, preserved as cultural sites. The Timbisha gained federal recognition and land rights in the 1980s-2000s, including areas near Furnace Creek, marking a reclamation of ancestral lands.

Broader History of Death Valley National Park

Death Valley’s human history dates back over 10,000 years, with Native American groups like the Timbisha Shoshone inhabiting the region since at least 1000 CE, adapting to its extremes through migratory patterns and using resources like mesquite pods and pinyon nuts. European-American exploration began infamously in 1849, when the “Lost ’49ers”—a group of gold rush pioneers—became trapped en route to California, enduring hardships that inspired the name “Death Valley” despite most surviving.

Mining booms defined the late 19th and early 20th centuries: borax extraction in the 1880s (famous for 20-mule teams), gold and silver rushes around 1900 (birthing ghost towns like Rhyolite and Skidoo), and later talc, lead, and tungsten mining. Tourism emerged in the 1920s with resorts like Furnace Creek Inn. In 1933, President Herbert Hoover designated it a national monument to protect against unchecked exploitation, with the Civilian Conservation Corps building roads and facilities in the 1930s. Expanded dramatically under the 1994 California Desert Protection Act, it became the largest national park in the contiguous U.S., spanning 3.4 million acres.

The park now draws over a million visitors annually for its geologic wonders—like Badwater Basin (-282 feet, North America’s lowest point) and record heat (134°F in 1913)—while addressing modern challenges such as climate change, flash floods, and cultural preservation.

Pleasant Canyon

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The hottest place on earth, Death Valley National Park is on the order with California and Nevada
The hottest place on earth, Death Valley National Park is on the order with California and Nevada

The Panamint Mountains, forming the western boundary of Death Valley National Park in California, offer some of the most rugged and scenic off-road and hiking adventures in the region. Among the standout routes is the Pleasant Canyon to South Park Canyon loop, a challenging trail that combines steep ascents, narrow shelf roads, and stunning views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. This trail is primarily an OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) route but can also be hiked in sections, though it’s demanding due to its length and terrain. It’s managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and borders Death Valley National Park, requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles for full traversal. Always check for permits, road closures, and weather conditions before heading out, as the area is prone to flash floods and rockslides.

Trail Overview

  • Route Description: The loop typically starts near the ghost town of Ballarat in Panamint Valley (accessible via Wingate Road off Trona-Wildrose Road). From there, Pleasant Canyon ascends eastward through a narrow, rocky canyon with waterfalls (often dry), old mining ruins, and dense vegetation in lower sections. The trail climbs steeply to Rogers Pass at the crest of the Panamints, offering panoramic views of Butte Valley to the east. From the pass, the route descends via South Park Canyon, which features more open terrain, wildflower meadows in spring, and challenging “stair-step” rock ledges before looping back toward Ballarat or connecting to other backcountry roads. The full loop is counterclockwise for easier navigation, but it can be done out-and-back via either canyon for shorter trips.
  • Length: Approximately 28 miles for the full loop; allow at least 6-8 hours by vehicle or multiple days for hiking/backpacking.
  • Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (rated 3 out of 5 on many OHV scales). Most sections are easy to moderate with high-clearance 4WD, but steep, narrow shelf roads and rocky obstacles require low-range gears and experienced drivers. Hiking portions are strenuous due to loose rock, water crossings, and exposure. Not recommended for stock vehicles without modifications or beginners.
  • Elevation Gain: Starts around 1,600 feet in Panamint Valley and peaks at Rogers Pass (6,430 feet), for a net gain of about 4,800 feet. Expect dramatic drops on the descent.
  • Best Time to Visit: Fall through spring (October to May) to avoid extreme heat; summers can exceed 100°F (38°C) with no shade. Wildflowers bloom in wet springs, enhancing the scenery. Winter may bring snow at higher elevations, making the trail impassable.
  • Highlights and Features: Abundant mining history with remnants of cabins, mills, and shafts from the 19th century. Wildlife includes bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and birds of prey. Scenic overlooks provide views of Telescope Peak (11,049 feet, the highest in the Panamints) and distant Sierra Nevada mountains. Camping is available at dispersed sites like Chicken Rock or Clair Camp, but pack out all waste and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Current Conditions (as of August 2025)

Based on available reports, the trail remains open but is susceptible to damage from storms, with potential washouts in steep sections of both canyons. Rockslides and erosion are common, especially after heavy rains—repairs are typically made promptly by BLM, but always verify status via the Ridgecrest BLM Field Office or apps like onX Offroad. No major closures were noted in early 2025 searches, but users report the “stair-step” obstacle in South Park Canyon as particularly tricky, requiring spotters for vehicles. Water may flow in Pleasant Canyon’s lower waterfalls during wet seasons, adding to the challenge. For hikers, the trail is dry with no reliable water sources—carry at least 1 gallon per person per day. Recent user feedback emphasizes the need for high-clearance vehicles and airing down tires for better traction.

If planning a trip, cross-reference with Death Valley National Park updates, as portions border the park, and consider guided tours for first-timers.

Trail Map

History of the Panamint Mountains Region

The Panamint Mountains have a rich and rugged history spanning millennia, shaped by Native American inhabitants, mining booms, and environmental extremes. Indigenous peoples, including the Timbisha Shoshone and Southern Paiute, have occupied the area for thousands of years, using the canyons as trade routes and seasonal hunting grounds. They adapted to the harsh desert with knowledge of water sources and edible plants, leaving behind petroglyphs and artifacts that hint at their deep connection to the land.

European exploration intensified in the mid-19th century during the California Gold Rush, but the Panamints’ remote location delayed major activity. Mining began slowly in the late 1850s or early 1860s, focusing on silver and lead, though the arid conditions and difficult access made operations challenging. The big break came in 1872-1873 when prospectors Richard C. Jacobs, William L. Kennedy, and Robert B. Stewart discovered rich silver veins in Surprise Canyon (near Pleasant Canyon), leading to the founding of Panamint City—a boomtown that swelled to over 2,000 residents by 1874. Infamously, some early miners were outlaws fleeing justice, earning the town a reputation as a “hard-boiled hellhole” with saloons, brothels, and vigilante justice. The Panamint Mining District formed in 1873, and by the mid-1870s, mills processed ore hauled by mule teams. However, flash floods in 1876 destroyed much of the infrastructure, and declining silver prices led to the town’s abandonment by the 1880s, leaving it a ghost town accessible via nearby Surprise Canyon Trail.

Sporadic mining revived in the early 20th century, including operations in the 1920s, but never matched the initial frenzy. The region also served as outlaw hideouts and later military testing grounds during World War II. Today, the Panamints are protected within Death Valley National Park (established 1994), preserving ruins like those in Pleasant and South Park Canyons as windows into this boom-and-bust era. The trails themselves follow old mining roads, a testament to the area’s enduring allure for adventurers.

Tips and Safety

  • Preparation: Download offline maps (e.g., from AllTrails or onX), carry extra fuel/water, and inform someone of your itinerary. Cell service is spotty.
  • Warnings: Flash floods are a real risk—avoid during rain. Watch for mining hazards like open shafts.
  • Access: Free entry, but OHV stickers required for vehicles in California.
  • Sustainability: Stick to established trails to protect fragile desert ecosystems.

This trail offers a perfect blend of adventure and history, but respect its challenges for a rewarding experience in one of California’s most dramatic landscapes.

Queen of Sheba Mine Road

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Queen of Sheba Mine Road, located in the southern part of Death Valley National Park near the Ibex Hills, is a rugged backcountry route that serves as both a 4×4 off-road trail and a hiking path. This remote trail leads to the historic Queen of Sheba Mine, offering explorers a chance to view mining ruins, ore bins, cabins, and artifacts from early 20th-century operations. It’s less visited than popular hikes like Zabriskie Point, providing solitude amid dramatic desert landscapes with views of the valley floor and surrounding mountains. The route follows an old haul road from West Side Road, ascending an alluvial fan into the hills. Suitable for day hikes, off-roading, or short backpacking, but high-clearance 4×4 vehicles are recommended for driving—hiking is often safer to avoid vehicle damage from rocks and washouts. Nearby, a short side hike leads to the related Carbonate Mine site.

Key Trail Statistics

AspectDetails
LengthApproximately 3.8 miles one-way (7.6 miles round-trip); add 1-2 miles for side explorations to Carbonate Mine or mine spurs.
Elevation GainAbout 1,000-1,500 feet, starting near sea level and climbing to the mine site at around 1,000 feet.
DifficultyEasy to moderate for 4×4 vehicles; moderate for hiking due to rocky terrain, loose gravel, and steep sections. High-clearance 4×4 required for driving; stock vehicles may struggle in washes.
Time Required2-4 hours round-trip for hiking; 1-2 hours for driving with stops; allow extra for mine exploration.
Best Time to VisitOctober to April to avoid extreme heat (over 120°F in summer); flash flood risks during monsoons (July-September).
AccessJunction off West Side Road (via Badwater Road, about 10 miles south of the Trail Canyon turnoff). Unmarked—use GPS or park maps. No day-use permit needed; free backcountry permits for overnight stays (from visitor centers or online). Dispersed camping allowed 1 mile from West Side Road.
Water and AmenitiesNo water sources; carry 1+ gallon per person per day. No facilities; nearest at Furnace Creek (~40 miles away).

Trail Map

What to Expect on the Hike

The trail starts as a gravelly road from West Side Road, crossing multiple washes and climbing steadily up an alluvial fan with rocky and rutted sections—passable for most stock 4×4 vehicles but challenging in spots. Hikers will encounter loose rocks, boulder fields, and occasional steep inclines, with scenery featuring barren hills, geologic formations, and distant valley views. About 3.8 miles in, the road ends at the Queen of Sheba Mine site, where remnants include ore bins, a water tank, cabins, tunnels, and a clarifier structure—do not enter mines for safety reasons (unstable shafts, toxic gases). From here, short spurs (0.5-1 mile) lead to additional ruins or the nearby Carbonite Mine, with old roads for further wandering. Wildlife may include bighorn sheep or coyotes, but sightings are rare. The area’s isolation means no cell service—bring navigation tools and watch for rattlesnakes in brushy spots.

This low-traffic route is ideal for history buffs and off-roaders, but flash floods can reshape washes, creating obstacles.

Current Conditions (as of August, 2025)

Queen of Sheba Mine Road is open and accessible for hiking and 4×4 travel, with West Side Road fully reopened after past flood repairs. Recent reports from late 2024 describe the road as rocky and bumpy in lower sections from washboard and gravel, but passable without major blockages—4WD low gear and lockers may be needed in steep, loose areas. No specific closures noted for 2025, though summer heat remains extreme (temperatures often over 110°F), and monsoon storms could cause flash floods or washouts. Check the NPS website or Furnace Creek Visitor Center for real-time updates, as conditions change quickly. Tire damage from sharp rocks is common; carry spares and emergency supplies.

History of the Region

History of Queen of Sheba Mine

The Queen of Sheba Mine’s history reflects Death Valley’s mining booms, focusing on lead, silver, gold, and copper extraction in a harsh environment. Discovered around 1907-1908 by Clarence E. Eddy as the Carbonate Mine, it quickly drew prospectors, leading to the short-lived town of Carbonite nearby. Jack Salsberry developed the site, building roads and using mule teams, then motor trucks and gasoline tractors, to transport ore to railheads despite logistical challenges. By 1915, mining began in earnest, with the Queen of Sheba extension organized in 1923-1924. Operations peaked in the 1930s-1940s, yielding an estimated 5 million pounds of lead, 100,000 ounces of silver, 1,500 ounces of gold, and 146,000 pounds of copper, shipped to smelters in Salt Lake City. A mill was built in 1947, but activity waned by the 1970s due to depleted ores and high costs.

Today, the site preserves cabins, ore chutes, tunnels, and machinery as cultural resources, highlighting adaptations to extreme conditions—no town ruins remain visible at Carbonite. It was one of the park’s most productive lead mines, outpacing others like Ubehebe.

Broader History of Death Valley National Park

Death Valley’s history spans thousands of years, starting with Indigenous peoples like the Timbisha Shoshone, who have inhabited the area for over 1,000 years, using its resources for survival through hunting, gathering, and seasonal movements. European-American involvement began in 1849 with the “Lost ’49ers,” gold rush pioneers trapped while seeking a shortcut to California; their ordeal named the valley, though most escaped.

Mining dominated the late 1800s-early 1900s: borax in the 1880s (famous 20-mule teams), gold and silver booms around 1900 (ghost towns like Rhyolite), and later lead, talc, and tungsten. Tourism grew in the 1920s with resorts like Furnace Creek Inn. Designated a national monument in 1933 by President Hoover to limit destructive mining, it saw Civilian Conservation Corps infrastructure development in the 1930s. Expanded to a national park in 1994 under the California Desert Protection Act, it now covers 3.4 million acres—the largest in the contiguous U.S.

The park attracts over a million visitors yearly for extremes like Badwater Basin (-282 feet) and record heat (134°F in 1913), while facing climate change and flood recovery.

Butte Valley Road

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The hottest place on earth, Death Valley National Park is on the order with California and Nevada
The hottest place on earth, Death Valley National Park is on the order with California and Nevada

Butte Valley is a remote and captivating backcountry destination in the southwestern corner of Death Valley National Park, offering a blend of stunning geology, historical mining relics, and rugged off-road adventure. Situated at elevations ranging from about 3,800 to 4,500 feet, the valley is framed by the Panamint Mountains and features dramatic landscapes, including the iconic Striped Butte—a colorful, layered peak rising to 4,744 feet with bands of brown, yellow, orange, blue, and gray metamorphic rock. This area is not accessible by standard vehicles; it’s primarily reached via high-clearance 4×4 roads, making it ideal for experienced off-road enthusiasts rather than casual hikers. While there are no formal maintained trails within the valley itself, visitors often explore on foot once arrived, hiking short distances to viewpoints, cabins, or the butte. As of August 2025, road conditions can vary due to flash floods, erosion, and seasonal weather—always check the latest NPS updates before venturing out, as the park’s extreme heat (summer highs often exceed 120°F) and isolation demand thorough preparation.

Route Description and Access

The most common access to Butte Valley is via the Warm Springs Canyon Road, a challenging backcountry route starting from the Panamint Valley side (near Ballarat or Trona). This unpaved road stretches approximately 15-20 miles from the canyon entrance to the heart of Butte Valley, following a historic mining path past several abandoned talc mines. The drive typically takes 2-4 hours one-way, depending on vehicle speed and stops.

  • Difficulty: Moderate to difficult for off-roading. The road includes steep grades, rocky sections, loose gravel, and potential washouts. High-clearance 4WD is required; aired-down tires and a spare are essential. Novices should avoid it, as recovery in this remote area can be costly and time-consuming.
  • Length and Elevation: About 15 miles from Warm Springs Canyon entrance to Anvil Spring (the valley’s southern hub), with an elevation gain of around 2,000 feet. The road climbs through narrow canyons before opening into the brush-covered valley floor.
  • Alternative Routes: For a more adventurous approach, enter via Mengel Pass from the west (extremely rough, with boulder fields and steep descents) or from the east through Death Valley proper, though these are less direct and often gated or restricted seasonally. Another option is the Striped Butte Valley 4×4 drive, starting from Badwater Road about 25.5 miles south of Badwater Basin, covering similar terrain.
  • Current Conditions (as of Recent Reports): Roads are generally passable for properly equipped vehicles, but monsoon seasons (July-September) can cause flash flooding, leading to temporary closures. Winter may bring snow at higher elevations, while spring wildflowers can enhance the scenery. No recent major incidents reported, but always carry extra water, fuel, and communication devices like a satellite phone, as cell service is nonexistent.

Once in the valley, exploration is flexible. Park at Anvil Spring (a small oasis with limited water—treat before drinking) and hike short, unmaintained paths. A popular informal hike is ascending Striped Butte (1-2 miles round-trip, 500-700 feet elevation gain, Class 2 scrambling), offering panoramic views of the valley and surrounding ranges. Other foot explorations include visiting mining ruins or wandering the valley floor, but stick to established paths to minimize impact on fragile desert ecosystems.

Points of Interest

  • Striped Butte: The valley’s namesake, a striking geological formation created by ancient metamorphic processes. It’s a photographer’s dream and a moderate hike from the valley floor.
  • Geologist’s Cabin: A historic stone structure near Anvil Spring, open for day use (overnight stays require permits). It features a simple interior with a fireplace, tables, and shelves—respect the site and leave no trace.
  • Other Historic Sites: Ruins of talc mines, a three-stamp gold mill northwest of Anvil Spring, and Stella’s Cabin (also known as Greater View Spring Cabin), associated with early prospectors.
  • Natural Features: Sparse vegetation, wildlife like bighorn sheep or desert tortoises, and nearby canyons like Anvil Canyon for side explorations.

Tips for Visitors

  • Permits and Regulations: Free backcountry permits are required for overnight camping; obtain them at visitor centers or online via NPS.gov. No fires allowed; pack out all trash.
  • Safety: Bring at least 1 gallon of water per person per day, sun protection, and emergency supplies. The area is extremely remote—nearest services are over 50 miles away in Furnace Creek.
  • Best Time to Visit: Late fall through early spring to avoid deadly heat. Four-wheel-drive clubs often run group trips for added safety.
  • Environmental Note: Stay on roads to protect cryptobiotic soil; off-road driving is prohibited.

Trail Map

History of Butte Valley

Butte Valley’s human history spans millennia, beginning with Native American groups like the Timbisha Shoshone, who inhabited the broader Death Valley region as early as 1000 CE, using seasonal camps for hunting and gathering. European exploration intensified in the mid-19th century, with the 1849 “Forty-Niners” passing through during the California Gold Rush, though the valley itself saw limited activity until the 1870s.

Mining boomed in the late 1800s, driven by gold and silver discoveries. The Gold Hill mines north of the valley were among the first, recorded in the Cleaveland (later Panamint) Mining District. By 1889, the Butte Valley Mining Company was incorporated with a $300,000 capital stock, focusing on claims in Goler Canyon and nearby areas, including the Queen of Sheba and Belmont mines. Prospectors like J.A. Mack and D.R. Kimball worked rich veins of gold, silver, and tellurium in the 1890s, with placer gold yields reaching $20 per sack. The Anvil Spring area, initially called Anvil Springs and later Striped Butte, hosted up to 30 miners by 1899, with plans for stamp mills that were slow to materialize due to transportation challenges.

The early 1900s saw sporadic activity, with camps supporting companies and individual claims. Key figures emerged in the 1920s-1930s: Carl Mengel, a German prospector, filed claims like Topah and Mah Jongg in 1924 and is buried at Mengel Pass after his 1944 death. Asa “Panamint Russ” Russell built the Geologist’s Cabin in 1930 at Anvil Spring while mining gold near Manly Peak; he also discovered a rich vein with partner Ernie Huhn in 1925, though it was lost. Louise Grantham established a talc mining camp in the 1930s, operating eleven claims with Huhn’s help during World War II. The Western Talc Company employed workers here into the 1930s.

By the mid-20th century, mining waned, with only assessment work by owners like Clinton and Stella Anderson (who acquired Russell’s claims in 1962 and lived at Greater View Spring until the 1970s). The area’s inclusion in Death Valley National Monument (established 1933) shifted focus to preservation, though historical sites remain as testaments to the boom-and-bust era. Today, Butte Valley preserves this legacy amid its geologic wonders, reminding visitors of the hardy souls who sought fortune in one of Earth’s harshest environments.