West Side Road is a prominent backcountry route in Death Valley National Park, running parallel to the park’s iconic Badwater Road along the western edge of the Death Valley basin. This 40-mile, mostly graded dirt and gravel road offers a scenic alternative for exploring the park’s western margin, with access to several side trails, historic sites, and stunning views of the Panamint Mountains. It’s a relatively accessible route for high-clearance vehicles, though 4WD is recommended due to variable conditions.
Trail Details
- Starting Point: Junction with Badwater Road, approximately 6 miles south of CA-190 near Furnace Creek.
- Endpoint: Junction with Harry Wade Road near the southern boundary of the park.
- Distance: Approximately 40 miles one-way.
- Vehicle Requirements: High-clearance 2WD vehicles can manage in good conditions; 4WD recommended for soft sand, washouts, or wet weather.
- Camping: Dispersed camping is permitted along most of the road, except within 2 miles of the Badwater Road junction. Popular spots include near Warm Springs Canyon and Galena Canyon.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on weather and road maintenance.
- Estimated Time: 2–3 hours one-way, excluding stops or side trips.
Route Description
West Side Road begins at its junction with Badwater Road, just south of Furnace Creek, and heads south along the base of the Panamint Mountains. The road follows an ancient lakebed, offering views of the salt flats of Badwater Basin to the east and the towering Panamints to the west. The surface is primarily graded gravel and dirt, but sections may be washboarded, sandy, or rutted, especially after heavy rains.
Key points of interest along the route include:
- Shorty’s Well: Located 5 miles from the start, this artesian well is a historic water source once used by miners and is now a curiosity for visitors.
- Galena Canyon: A side trail at mile 14.7 leads to historic mining sites and rugged terrain (see below for details).
- Warm Springs Canyon: At mile 29, this major 4WD trail leads to Butte Valley and Mengel Pass, offering access to historic cabins and Striped Butte.
- Eagle Borax Works: Near mile 30, the ruins of the first borax operation in Death Valley (1881–1883) are visible, marked by adobe walls and old machinery.
- Trail Canyon: At mile 33.5, another 4WD trail heads west into the Panamints, leading to Aguereberry Point and historic mining sites.
The road ends at its junction with Harry Wade Road, which continues south toward the park’s boundary. The route is ideal for those seeking a less crowded alternative to Badwater Road, with opportunities for photography, hiking, and off-road exploration.
Trail Conditions (as of August 2025)
West Side Road is generally well-maintained but can become impassable after flash floods or heavy rain, particularly in winter or spring. Recent reports indicate the road is open, but soft sand and washouts are possible in sections. Check the Death Valley National Park website or the Death Valley Road Conditions Facebook page for real-time updates. Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F, making fall through spring (October–April) the best time to visit. Carry extra water, food, and emergency supplies, as services are over 30 miles away in Furnace Creek.
Tips for Travelers
- Navigation: GPS may be unreliable in remote areas; carry a detailed map or guidebook.
- Preparation: Bring ample water (1 gallon per person per day), sunscreen, and a spare tire.
- Respect History: Do not disturb historic sites like Eagle Borax Works.
- Wildlife: Watch for wild burros, coyotes, and occasional bighorn sheep.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash to preserve the park’s pristine environment.
Other 4×4 Trails Accessible from West Side Road
West Side Road serves as a gateway to several challenging 4WD trails in the Panamint Mountains. Below are the primary routes accessible from West Side Road, each offering unique scenery and history.
- Warm Springs Canyon to Butte Valley
- Access: Mile 29 from West Side Road.
high-clearance vehicle for the first 10 miles to the talc mines; 4WD required beyond. - Distance: 21 miles one-way to Butte Valley.
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, with rocky sections and potential washouts.
- Highlights: Leads to Butte Valley, home to Striped Butte, Geologist’s Cabin, Russell Camp, and Mengel’s Home. The trail continues over Mengel Pass to Goler Wash and Panamint Valley, but this section is extremely rough.
- Notes: Active talc mines maintain the first 10 miles, but the road deteriorates significantly afterward. Check conditions, as flash floods can make the route impassable.
- Access: Mile 29 from West Side Road.
- Galena Canyon
- Access: Mile 14.7 from West Side Road.
- Vehicle Requirements: High-clearance 4WD required.
- Distance: Approximately 8 miles one-way to the end of the drivable section.
- Difficulty: Moderate, with rocky terrain and narrow sections.
- Highlights: Historic mining sites, including remnants of the Gold Hill District, and scenic views of the Panamint Range.
- Notes: The trail is less traveled and can be rough, with limited turnaround points. Suitable for experienced off-roaders.
- Trail Canyon to Aguereberry Point
- Access: Mile 33.5 from West Side Road.
- Vehicle Requirements: High-clearance 4WD recommended.
- Distance: 15 miles one-way to Aguereberry Point.
- Difficulty: Moderate, with steep grades and rocky sections.
- Highlights: Leads to Aguereberry Point (6,433 feet), offering panoramic views of Death Valley. The trail passes the Cashier Mine and Aguereberry Camp, historic mining sites from the early 1900s.
- Notes: The road is narrow and exposed in places, requiring caution. Snow or ice may be present in winter at higher elevations.
Trail Map
History of the Region
Prehistoric and Native American Era
The Death Valley region, including the area along West Side Road, has been inhabited for thousands of years by the Timbisha Shoshone people. They utilized the valley’s scarce water sources, such as Shorty’s Well, for survival in the harsh desert environment. Archaeological evidence suggests seasonal camps and trade routes through the area, with the Panamint Mountains serving as a natural barrier and resource zone.
Mining Boom (1870s–1900s)
The region’s modern history is tied to the mining boom of the late 19th century. The discovery of borax in 1881 led to the establishment of the Eagle Borax Works near West Side Road, the first commercial borax operation in Death Valley. Operated by Isadore Daunet, it ran until 1883, when flooding and financial issues forced its closure. The ruins, including adobe walls and rusted machinery, remain visible today.
In the 1870s and 1880s, prospectors explored the Panamint Mountains for gold and silver, with the Gold Hill District (accessible via Galena Canyon) becoming a focal point. The Butte Valley Mining Company, formed in 1889, worked claims in nearby Goler Canyon, targeting gold, silver, and tellurium. Talc mining began in the early 1900s, with operations in Warm Springs Canyon continuing into the late 20th century. Notable figures like Pete Aguereberry, who worked the Cashier Mine near Trail Canyon, and Carl Mengel, a prospector in Butte Valley, left lasting marks on the region.
20th Century Development
The early 1900s saw continued mining activity, though transportation challenges limited large-scale operations. The construction of West Side Road in the mid-20th century improved access to the western side of Death Valley, facilitating tourism and exploration. The road was graded to connect mining sites and provide an alternative route through the park, but its remote location kept it less trafficked than Badwater Road.
Infamous Associations
In the late 1960s, the remote trails off West Side Road, particularly Goler Wash near Butte Valley, gained notoriety as the hideout of Charles Manson and his followers at Barker Ranch. They were arrested in 1969, marking a dark chapter in the region’s history. The ranch, now burned down, remains a point of interest for some visitors.
Modern Era
Today, West Side Road and its connecting trails are part of Death Valley National Park, established in 1994. The area is managed by the National Park Service, which maintains the road and regulates access to protect its natural and cultural resources. The region remains a haven for off-roaders, hikers, and history buffs, offering a glimpse into Death Valley’s rugged past and stunning landscapes.
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