Big Bear, CA
I quiet mountain community full of back country adventure.
Warm Springs Canyon Road
Warm Springs Canyon Road is a rugged, scenic backcountry route in the Panamint Range of Death Valley National Park, California, offering a challenging off-road adventure through stark desert landscapes, historic mining sites, and access to the tranquil Warm Springs Camp. This unpaved road is not a hiking trail but a 4×4-only route, winding through the heart of the Panamint Mountains from Panamint Valley to Butte Valley. Spanning approximately 17-20 miles one-way with elevations from 1,500 to over 4,000 feet, it features dramatic canyon walls, Joshua tree-dotted flats, and occasional wildlife like bighorn sheep or wild burros. As of August 14, 2025, the road is open following repairs from the August 2023 flash floods caused by Hurricane Hilary, but conditions remain rough with loose gravel, rocky sections, and potential washouts during monsoon season (July-September). Always check the National Park Service (NPS) website or visitor centers for real-time road status, as extreme heat (summer highs often exceed 110°F) and remoteness require meticulous preparation.
Route Description and Access
- Starting Point: The road begins near the ghost town of Ballarat in Panamint Valley, accessible via paved roads from Trona or Highway 178. A sign marks the turnoff from Panamint Valley Road onto the graded dirt of Warm Springs Canyon Road, entering Death Valley National Park after a few miles.
- Length and Elevation: Approximately 17-20 miles one-way to Butte Valley, with an elevation gain of about 2,500 feet. The first 10-12 miles to Warm Springs Camp are relatively manageable, while the final stretch to Butte Valley includes steeper, rockier terrain.
- Primary Route: From Ballarat, the road heads east through Warm Springs Canyon, passing abandoned talc mines and climbing through narrow, rocky washes to Warm Springs Camp (mile 10-12). It then continues to Anvil Spring and Striped Butte in Butte Valley.
- Alternative Routes: A southern spur from West Side Road (25 miles south of Furnace Creek) joins the main route near Warm Springs Camp but is rougher and less direct. For experienced drivers, the road can extend over Mengel Pass (extremely rugged, with boulder fields) to Goler Wash and Barker Ranch, though this requires advanced 4WD skills.
- Travel Time: 2-4 hours one-way, depending on vehicle speed, road conditions, and stops for photography or exploration.
Difficulty and Vehicle Requirements
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult for off-roading. The initial 8-10 miles to Warm Springs Camp require high-clearance vehicles due to loose gravel, washouts, and occasional boulders. Beyond the camp, 4WD with low-range gearing is mandatory for steep grades and rocky sections, especially toward Butte Valley or Mengel Pass.
- Vehicle Requirements: High-clearance 4×4 vehicles with all-terrain tires are essential. Standard cars or low-clearance SUVs are unsuitable and risk damage or stranding. Carry a full-size spare tire, recovery gear (shovel, traction mats), and air-down tires for better traction. Novice drivers should avoid solo trips due to the remote setting and lack of cell service.
- Safety Note: Recovery services are expensive and may take hours to reach you. Carry extra fuel (nearest gas is 50+ miles away in Furnace Creek or Trona), water (1 gallon per person per day), and a satellite phone or communicator, as cell coverage is nonexistent.
Current Conditions (August 2025)
- Road Status: Reopened in December 2023 after significant flood damage from Hurricane Hilary in August 2023. Recent reports confirm passability for properly equipped 4×4 vehicles, though sections remain washboarded, rocky, and prone to erosion. Monsoon season (July-September) increases flash flood risks, potentially causing temporary closures. No snow concerns in summer, but extreme heat poses a danger—travel early morning or late afternoon.
- Weather Considerations: Daytime temperatures often exceed 110°F in summer, dropping to 80-90°F at night. Spring and fall offer milder conditions (60-80°F), with occasional wildflower blooms. Winter may bring light snow at higher elevations.
- NPS Alerts: Check www.nps.gov/deva for real-time updates, as flash floods or heavy rains can alter road conditions rapidly.
Trail Map
Points of Interest
- Warm Springs Camp: Located 10-12 miles from the start, this oasis features natural hot springs feeding concrete pools (around 100°F), shaded by palm trees. It’s a primitive campsite with pit toilets but no potable water—bring your own or treat spring water. A perfect spot for a break or overnight camping.
- Talc Mines: Abandoned mining sites, including the Pfizer and Western Talc operations, dot the canyon with rusted equipment and structures. Explore on foot but avoid entering unstable shafts or removing artifacts.
- Geological Features: The canyon showcases colorful rock layers, from volcanic tuff to metamorphic formations, with sparse vegetation like Joshua trees and creosote bushes.
- Butte Valley Access: The road’s endpoint in Butte Valley offers access to Striped Butte (a colorful, 4,744-foot peak), the Geologist’s Cabin (a historic stone structure), and Stella’s Cabin at Greater View Spring.
- Wildlife: Look for wild burros near the springs, bighorn sheep on rocky slopes, or desert tortoises in spring. Avoid disturbing wildlife and maintain distance.
Tips for Visitors
- Permits: Free backcountry camping permits are required for overnight stays, available at Furnace Creek Visitor Center or online at www.nps.gov/deva. Day use requires no permit but a park entrance pass.
- Safety Essentials: Bring ample water, food, first-aid kit, maps, and emergency supplies. Inform someone of your itinerary and expected return. Carry a satellite communicator for emergencies, as the nearest help is in Furnace Creek (50+ miles).
- Best Time to Visit: October through April for cooler temperatures (60-85°F). Avoid summer unless highly experienced, as heatstroke is a serious risk. Group travel with 4WD clubs is recommended for safety.
- Environmental Protection: Stay on designated roads to avoid damaging cryptobiotic soil crusts. Off-road driving is strictly prohibited. Pack out all trash and respect historical sites by leaving artifacts untouched.
- Navigation: GPS can be unreliable; carry a detailed topographic map (e.g., National Geographic Death Valley map) and a compass. Road signs are minimal, and junctions can be confusing.
History of Warm Springs Canyon and the Panamint Range
The Panamint Range, including Warm Springs Canyon, has a rich history tied to Native American habitation, mining booms, and modern preservation efforts. The Timbisha Shoshone, indigenous to Death Valley, used the region for seasonal hunting and gathering as early as 1000 CE, navigating the canyons for resources like mesquite and water sources like Warm Springs. Their presence persisted despite later Euro-American encroachment.
Mining activity surged in the 1870s during the California Gold Rush’s tail end. The Panamint Range became a hotspot after silver and gold discoveries in nearby Panamint City (1873-1876), though Warm Springs Canyon itself saw more activity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By the 1880s, prospectors explored the canyon for gold, silver, and later talc, a soft mineral used in industrial applications. The Butte Valley Mining Company, incorporated in 1889, worked claims in nearby Goler Canyon and Warm Springs, targeting gold and silver veins yielding up to $20 per sack. Talc mining dominated by the 1930s, with operations like the Western Talc Company and Pfizer’s mines employing workers through World War II. Notable figures included Asa “Panamint Russ” Russell, who built the Geologist’s Cabin in Butte Valley in 1930 while prospecting gold, and Louise Grantham, who operated talc claims in the 1930s-1940s.
The early 20th century saw transient mining camps, with Warm Springs serving as a water source and rest stop for prospectors. The road itself evolved from wagon trails used by miners to access claims, later graded for vehicle use in the mid-20th century. By the 1960s, mining declined, and the area’s inclusion in Death Valley National Monument (established 1933, expanded to a national park in 1994) shifted focus to conservation. The Warm Springs Camp pools were constructed in the mid-20th century, possibly by miners or early park stewards, enhancing the site’s appeal for backcountry travelers.
Today, Warm Springs Canyon Road remains a testament to the region’s mining heritage, with relics like rusted machinery and stone cabins preserved under NPS oversight. Its remote beauty and historical significance make it a must-visit for those equipped to handle its challenges, offering a window into Death Valley’s rugged past and pristine present.
Alamo Crossing Mohave County Ghost Town
Alamo Crossing is a submerged ghost town hidden beneath the waters of Alamo Lake, Mohave County, Arizona.
The town is founded by Tom Rogers about 1899. The little hamlet served as a small mining community to transient prospectors with most of the population camping out. During its heyday, the town only consisted of a five-stamp mill, a few stores and a post office. The town’s population is never known to be significant.
In 1968, an earth filled damn is constructed along the Bill Williams River by the Army Corp of Engineers for flood control. The 283 foot tall damn caused the formation of Lake Alamo, which is about 80 feet deep. The remains of Alamo Crossing still lie in the waters of the lake. Scuba gear is required to explore the remains. The town site was believed to be one of the best preserved ghost towns in the county, prior to flooding.
In 2020, the area surrounding Alamo is revived for mining again, this time for placer gold prospecting.
Trail Map
Town Summary
| Name | Alamo Crossing |
| Also Known As | Alimo, |
| Location | About 60 miles northwest of Wickenberg on Bill Williams River, Mohave County, Arizona |
| Latitude, Longitude | 34.2605, -113.5827 |
| Elevation | 1,237 ft (377 m) |
| GNIS | 25299 |
| Post office | November 13, 1889 – December 15, 1900 March 30, 1911 – 1918 Alamo |
References
Warren Baxter Earp
Warren Baxter Earp ( March 9, 1855 – July 6, 1900 ), the youngest of the Earp brothers, was born into a family that would become synonymous with the Wild West and the lawlessness of frontier America. Though not as famous as his older brothers Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan, Warren’s life was marked by the same tumultuous spirit and sense of loyalty that defined the Earp family.
Early Life
Warren Baxter Earp was born on March 9, 1855, in Pella, Iowa, to Nicholas Porter Earp and Virginia Ann Cooksey. As the youngest of the Earp brothers, Warren grew up in a household that was constantly on the move, eventually settling in Colton, California. Unlike his older brothers, Warren did not participate in the Civil War, as he was too young. He was, however, deeply influenced by his older siblings, particularly Wyatt and Virgil, who served as lawmen in the rough-and-tumble towns of the American West.
Tombstone and the Earp Vendetta Ride
Warren Earp first made his way to Tombstone, Arizona, in the early 1880s, joining his brothers in the bustling mining town. Although he was not directly involved in the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881, Warren’s presence in Tombstone placed him at the heart of the events that followed.
After the assassination of his brother Morgan in March 1882, Warren became an active participant in the Earp Vendetta Ride, a series of revenge killings led by Wyatt Earp. The Vendetta Ride was a direct response to the murder of Morgan and the perceived lack of justice from local authorities. During this period, Warren showed his loyalty to his family, joining his brothers in hunting down those they believed were responsible for Morgan’s death.
Later Life
After the events in Tombstone, Warren Earp led a relatively unsettled life, drifting across the West and working various jobs, including as a cowboy, stagecoach driver, and occasional lawman. Unlike his brothers, who eventually found some measure of stability, Warren never fully escaped the shadow of his family’s tumultuous past. His fiery temper and propensity for getting into conflicts often put him in dangerous situations.
By the late 1890s, Warren Earp had made his way to Willcox, Arizona, a small but lively cattle town that served as a hub for ranchers and cowboys in the region. Willcox, like many frontier towns, was a place where disputes were often settled with fists or firearms rather than words, and Warren, with his reputation and temperament, fit right into this rough environment.
The Fatal Encounter
On the evening of July 6, 1900, Warren Earp found himself at the Headquarter Saloon in Willcox. He had been drinking and, according to various accounts, was in a combative mood. Warren had a longstanding grudge against a local ranch hand named John Boyett, and that night, the simmering tensions between the two men came to a head.
Details of what transpired in the saloon are somewhat unclear, as different witnesses provided varying accounts of the events. However, it is generally agreed that Warren, who was known for his temper, began provoking Boyett, possibly over some perceived slight or lingering resentment. The confrontation escalated quickly, and Warren, who was unarmed at the time, reportedly taunted Boyett, daring him to draw his weapon.
Feeling threatened and perhaps fearing for his own life, John Boyett drew his revolver and shot Warren Earp, striking him in the chest. Warren collapsed to the floor and died shortly thereafter, his life ending in a manner not unlike the violent encounters that had defined much of his family’s history.
Legacy
Warren Baxter Earp was buried in the Willcox Cemetery, and while his grave is not as visited as those of his more famous brothers, it remains a part of the larger Earp legend. Warren’s life, though cut short, exemplifies the rough and often violent existence of men living on the frontier. His story is a reminder that the Earp family legend is not just one of heroism and law enforcement but also of the complexities and contradictions that defined the American West.
Earp Family Members
 James Cooksey EarpJames Cooksey Earp ( June 28, 1841 - January 25, 1926 ) James Cooksey Earp ( June 28, 1841 - January 25, 1926 ) was… |
 Morgan Seth EarpMorgan Seth Earp, born on April 24, 1851, in Pella, Iowa, was a notable figure of the American Old West, primarily recognized for his association… |
 Virgil Walter EarpVirgil Walter Earp ( July 18, 1843 – October 19, 1905) was born in Lincoln County, Kentucky, was a prominent lawman and frontier figure known for his… |
 Warren Baxter EarpWarren Baxter Earp ( March 9, 1855 - July 6, 1900 ), the youngest of the Earp brothers, was born into a family that would… |
 Wyatt Berry Stapp EarpWyatt Berry Stapp Earp (March 19, 1848 – January 13, 1929) was an American lawman and gambler who became a legendary figure of the Old… |
Wilbur’s Grave
Charles Wilbur’s Grave is a point of interest located in Holcomb Valley near the Holcomb Valley Campground, San Bernardino, California.
In 1859, prospecting in Holcomb valley lead to the discovery of gold and one of the largest deposits in southern California. Charles Wilbur was a placer gold miner in Holcomb Valley in the who moved into the area in the 1880’s. Trusted and liked by his fellow miners, he was elected to establish boundaries so that the gold claims could be accurately established in the valley. Later, Wilbur was elected to the first tax assessor in San Bernardino County.
Prior to his death, he let it be known that he wanted to be buried next to his favorite location in the San Bernardino Mountains. Located across the road from Wilbur’s pond is the marker for Wilbur’s grave. Wilburs pond is a settling pond for gold miners and may have been the site of several placer claims. It should be noted that he is buried in the area and not at the specific location of the marker. The location is a well marked popular destination and local landmark to back-road explorers, hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners and geocachers alike.
Wilbur’s Grave Summary
| Name | Wilbur’s Grave |
| Location | Holcomb Valley, San Bernardino, California |
| Latitude, Longitude | 34.3062, -116.9003 |
Point of Interest Map
Wilbur’s grave is located along the 3N07 just off the Holcomb Valley Road, 3N16. The Grave is located near Wilburs pond, which is seasonal.
References
Celia Ann Blaylock
Early Life
Celia Ann Blaylock, known as “Mattie,” was born in January 1850 in Monroe Township, Johnson County, Iowa, to Henry Blaylock and Elizabeth “Betsy” Vance. The third of six children and second daughter, she grew up on a small farm near Fairfax, Iowa, where her strict, fundamentalist parents instilled a religious upbringing. Family accounts describe a disciplined household with little tolerance for frivolity, card playing, or alcohol. Mattie, likely skilled in sewing and domestic tasks, stood about five feet tall with a slight frame. Her childhood was marked by church attendance and community events like picnics and barn dances, but she yearned for adventure beyond the confines of farm life.
At around 16, between March and October 1868, Mattie and her younger sister Sarah ran away from home, rejecting the prospect of arranged marriages and a predictable life as housewives. Seeking freedom, they headed west, likely drawn by the allure of the frontier. By 1871, Mattie appeared in a photograph in Fort Scott, Kansas, marking her presence in the West. Court records indicate she began working as a prostitute in 1872 in Fort Scott, later moving to Dodge City, Kansas, where she adopted the alias “Mattie” to maintain anonymity, though she often used her childhood nickname “Celie” or “Sally” in legal documents.
Relationship with Wyatt Earp
Mattie likely met Wyatt Earp around 1873 in Dodge City, Kansas, where he was working as an assistant marshal under Marshal Lawrence Deger starting in May 1876. Earp, a widower after the death of his first wife, Urilla Sutherland, in 1870, was known for his roles as a lawman, gambler, and occasional participant in less reputable activities, including brothel management. Their relationship began after Earp’s time in Wichita, Kansas, and the end of his association with Sally Heckell, who had called herself Sally Earp. Mattie, working as a prostitute, became Earp’s romantic companion and common-law wife, a status recognized by their cohabitation without a formal marriage.
The couple’s early years together were transient. In 1876, Earp and Mattie, along with his brother Morgan, traveled to Deadwood, Dakota Territory, where Earp worked hauling firewood but found no mining opportunities. They returned to Dodge City in 1877, and by September 1879, Earp resigned from the police force. He and Mattie, joined by his brother Jim and Jim’s wife Bessie, traveled to Las Vegas, New Mexico Territory, where they reunited with Doc Holliday and Big Nose Kate. The group moved to Prescott, Arizona, and then to Pinal City, Arizona Territory, for two months in 1879, chasing the silver boom. On December 1, 1879, Wyatt, Mattie, and his brothers Virgil and James, along with their wives, arrived in Tombstone, Arizona, a burgeoning silver mining town.
In Tombstone, the 1880 U.S. Census listed Mattie as Wyatt’s wife, though no legal marriage record exists. They co-signed a mortgage as husband and wife, indicating a committed relationship. Mattie continued working as a prostitute, while Wyatt took on roles as a Wells Fargo shotgun guard and faro dealer at the Oriental Saloon. During this time, Mattie suffered from severe headaches and began using laudanum, a common opiate-based painkiller, which led to her addiction. Her health deteriorated, and tensions in their relationship grew as Wyatt’s attention shifted to Josephine “Sadie” Marcus, an aspiring actress who had recently ended a relationship with Sheriff Johnny Behan. By mid-1881, Wyatt was openly involved with Josephine, and public altercations between Mattie and Josephine became a scandal in Tombstone.
End of Relationship and Life After Wyatt
The exact end of Mattie and Wyatt’s relationship is unclear, but it unraveled after the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881, and the assassination of Morgan Earp on March 18, 1882. Following Morgan’s death, Wyatt sent Mattie, along with other Earp family members, to Colton, California, to escort Morgan’s body to the Earp family home. Mattie expected a telegram from Wyatt instructing her to rejoin him, but it never arrived. Instead, Wyatt left Arizona for New Mexico and Colorado in April 1882, pursuing a vendetta against the Cochise County Cowboys he believed responsible for his brother’s death. In late 1882, Wyatt arrived in San Francisco, where he began a lifelong relationship with Josephine Marcus.
Abandoned by Wyatt, Mattie left Colton and returned to Arizona, settling in Globe and later Pinal City, where the silver boom had collapsed. With few prospects, she resumed prostitution to support herself. Her laudanum addiction worsened, compounded by alcohol abuse. Family accounts suggest she may have suffered from abscessed teeth or possibly cancer by the late 1880s, further exacerbating her physical and emotional decline. On July 3, 1888, Mattie died in Pinal City, Arizona, at age 38. The coroner’s report, signed by Dr. Thomas H. Kennaird, listed her cause of death as “supposed suicide by opium poisoning,” likely from a lethal combination of laudanum and alcohol. Some historians speculate it may have been an accidental overdose due to her addiction, but a deathbed statement attributed to Mattie, where she reportedly said, “Wyatt Earp had ruined my life,” supports the suicide narrative.
Legacy and Historical Suppression
Mattie’s story was largely obscured until the 1950s, when researchers John Gilchriese and Frank Waters uncovered a coroner’s report for “Mattie Earp” and her deathbed statement. Josephine Marcus, Wyatt’s final common-law wife, worked diligently to suppress information about Mattie to protect their reputations. Josephine successfully pressured biographer Stuart Lake to omit Mattie from his 1931 book, Wyatt Earp: Frontier Marshal. Mattie’s grave in the Pinal Burial Ground near Superior, Arizona, remained unmarked until 2009, when preservation efforts by the Tonto National Forest and local groups added a marker to honor her.
Mattie Blaylock’s life reflects the harsh realities of the American frontier, where women like her often faced limited choices and societal stigma. Her relationship with Wyatt Earp, marked by companionship and eventual betrayal, ended in tragedy, overshadowed by his later fame and Josephine’s efforts to control his legacy. Today, her story is recognized as a poignant chapter in the history of the Old West.
Sources:
- Mattie: Wyatt Earp’s Secret Second Wife by Edward C. Meyers
- Legends of America
- Wikipedia: Mattie Blaylock
- The Short, Tragic Life of Mattie Blaylock by OldWest.org
- Find a Grave: Celia Ann “Mattie” Blaylock Earp