Tag: California

California, located on the west coast of the United States, is renowned for its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and significant economic influence. From the sun-kissed beaches of Southern California to the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, the state offers a range of natural beauty. The state is home to iconic cities like Los Angeles, known for Hollywood and the entertainment industry, and San Francisco, famous for its tech innovation and the Golden Gate Bridge. The state’s economy is one of the largest in the world, driven by sectors such as technology, agriculture, entertainment, and tourism. With its rich cultural diversity and pioneering spirit, California continues to be a land of opportunity and innovation.

Myers Ranch

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Myers Ranch is a privately owned ranch located in Goler Wash in the Panamint Mountains of Death Valley National Park, California. The forty acre ranch is privately owned ranch and located about .5 miles from Barker Ranch.

Myers Ranch, Panamint Mountain
Myers Ranch, Panamint Mountain

A Family Affair

Bill and Barbara Myers settled in Goler Wash in 1932, building themselves a comfortable house complete with such amenities as flush toilets, a swimming pool, an orchard, and of course, a garden. They raised three children there: Charles, Pat and Corky. The Myers family reluctantly moved to Fresno in 1960, so that their children could have a better education.

The ranch is built from wood ties used by the Searles Lake epsom salt monorail, it burned in 1999. The Myers ran a gas and food stop called Wildrose Station, which was demolished by the National Park Service.

Manson Family

Myers Ranch was the original destination for Charles Mason and his “family”. In 1968 he started to look for a desert location to move his “brood”. He choose the desert because “Out there, things aren’t so crazy”. One of his followers is Cathy (Cappy) Gilles is a grand daughter of Bill and Barbara Myers. “Cappy” obtained permission from the family matriarch for her and some girls to come up and stay at the ranch. He later received permission and based his activities at Barker Ranch.

From October 1968 to January 1969, Manson lived / camped in the area. In October 1969, CHP Officer Jim Pursell and a task force raided Goler Wash. Over the course of two days, they arrested seventeen people in the area. Charles Manson was arrested while hiding in a cabinet in the bathroom of Barker Ranch.

Myers Ranch Map

Myers Ranch Summary

NameMyers Ranch
LocationGoler Wash, Panamint Mountains, Death Valley, California
Elevation3700 Feet
Latitude, Longitude35.86162,-117.08227

References

Barker Ranch

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Thomason/Barker Ranch is a five-acre property within Death Valley National Park. This historic site is located off of Goler Wash in the southern Panamint Range in the southwestern portion of the park. Barker Ranch is commonly referenced as being the location that mass murderer Charles Manson was arrested after the Tate – La Bianca killings in 1969.

This image, taken circa 1940, shows the main residence, workshop, retaining walls, and ornamental vegetation. Note the windmill located behind the workshop. View north (DEVA collection) - NPS
This image, taken circa 1940, shows the main residence, workshop, retaining walls, and ornamental vegetation. Note the windmill located behind the workshop. View north (DEVA collection) – NPS

Thomason Era (1937 – 1956)

In 1937, Blouch Thomason, a retired Los Angeles County detective, recorded three quartz lode mining claims named
“Tommy Group,” “Tommy Group No. 2,” and “Tommy Group No. 3” and a mill site located. The original structures consisting of three tent shelters is built in 1939.

In 1940, major improvements are made to the land. Thomason built the main ranch house, windmill, workshop, chicken coop, corral, fences, entry road, fences, water conveyance system, and planted ornamental and fruit-bearing vegetation. He also built a single rock building for “shop and storage” at the ranch. Later, a guestroom and garage are added to the shop. The Thomas ranch is inhabited full time by Blouch and Helen Thomason. They ceased mining operations due to poor yield

In 1950, Blouch passes away while visiting relatives in the Trinity Alps. Following his death, Helen moves away from the ranch, but still maintained the property as a vacation retreat.

Barker Era ( 1956 – 1971 )

James and Arlene Barker, from Oklahoma, purchased the Thomason Ranch, in 1955. In 1956, the Barkers recorded the “Chespa Mill Site” with the Inyo County Recorder’s Office. The Barkers built a 5,000 gallon water reservoir ( swimming pool ) and a 14 foot by 20 foot bunkhouse, sometime during 1957.

In 1968, Arlene Barker gave Charles Manson permission to occupy the Ranch in exchange for a Beach Boys Gold Album. After Manson’s arrest, the Barkers continued to maintain the property. In 1971, the Barkers ceased filing mining reports with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on the family’s mining activity. The land (and improvements) then reverted to government control. In 1976, the ranch became part of the California Desert Conservation Area.

In 1994, Barker Ranch is incorporated into Death Valley National Park.

Manson Era ( 1968 – 1969 )

Barker Ranch - The building complex was heavily vegetated with trees, with a sparsely planted understory. Note the Manson bus in the left hand side of the image. View northwest, 1969 (DEVA collection). - NPS
Barker Ranch – The building complex was heavily vegetated with trees, with a sparsely planted understory. Note the Manson bus in the left hand side of the image. View northwest, 1969 (DEVA collection). – NPS

The Thomason / Barker Ranch history was stained forever, in October 1968, when Charles Manson obtained permission from Arlene Barker to occupy the ranch. Paul Watkins, a Manson Family Member, stated the Mason agreed to watch over the place in exchange for maintenance and work on the Ranch. Manson and his band of opted to stay and Barker Ranch over the Myers Ranch which is located about .5 miles away. A total of 19 Manson followers performed a phased relocation to the property over time. Manson family members are known to drive to Los Angeles or Las Vegas to bring in supplies.

On October 10 and 12, 1969, CHP officer Jim Pursell and the INYO Sheriffs Department along with California Highway Patrol and NPS Rangers raided Barker Ranch. Actually, they raided the area around Barker Ranch. A raid is executed in search of vandals of earth moving equipment which repaired damage to the playa in Racetrack Valley. Over the coarse to several days, the task forced hunted down Family members who were scattered about the area. The diminutive Manson is arrested when found hiding under the sink in the bathroom at Barker Ranch.

To this day, Barker Ranch is the subject of investigation into the crimes of Charles Manson.

Barker Ranch Map

NPS

Barker Ranch was built by “recreational ranchers” who moved to the desert to enjoy the solitude and simplicity of living far from civilization. Bluch and Helen Thomason moved into the area the the late 1930s to try their hand at gold mining. Around 1940, the constructed a small stone cabin and outbuilding, with electricity. provided by a wind mill and generator, and drinking water from a nearby spring

In 1955, the ranch was sold to Jim and Arlene Barker, who moved to the desert from Oklahoma. To accommodate their family gatherings, the Barkers enlarged the house and constructed more building.

The ranch became infamous when Charles Manson and members of the “Manson Family” were captured at the site. Family members attracted the attention of local law enforcement when they were suspected to burning a piece of road maintenance equipment. Detectives later discovered that the vandalism suspects were responsible for a series of murders in the Los Angeles Area.

Barker Ranch became part of Death Valley National Park in 1994. Tragically, the main house and workshop were destroyed by an accidental fire in May 2009.

National Park Service – Barker Ranch

Sources

North Pines Campground

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Yosemite National Park is one of the crown jewels of the National Parks system.
Yosemite National Park is one of the crown jewels of the National Parks system.

North Pines Campground, nestled in the heart of Yosemite Valley at 4,000 feet elevation, is one of three reservation-based campgrounds in Yosemite National Park, offering 81 single-family campsites. Open from April through October, it provides a slightly quieter alternative to the larger Upper Pines while maintaining close proximity to iconic landmarks like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. Situated along the Merced River and surrounded by towering pines, North Pines offers a balance of scenic beauty and accessibility, making it a favorite for campers seeking a central base in Yosemite Valley. However, its compact layout and high demand present challenges. This review details its setting, amenities, accessibility, and overall experience, complemented by a vivid description of the Yosemite Valley floor.

Description of Yosemite Valley Floor

Yosemite Valley, the stunning setting for North Pines Campground, is a glacial-carved masterpiece stretching approximately 7 miles long and 1 mile wide at 4,000 feet elevation. Encircled by dramatic granite cliffs, the valley floor is a breathtaking blend of natural wonders. The Merced River meanders through its center, its gentle flow reflecting the surrounding peaks and providing a serene backdrop to the campground. Iconic landmarks dominate the landscape: Half Dome’s sheer granite face rises prominently to the east, El Capitan’s massive monolith towers to the west, and Yosemite Falls, one of North America’s tallest waterfalls, cascades with peak flow in spring, visible from various vantage points.

The valley floor features a mix of lush Ponderosa pine, California black oak, and white fir forests alongside open meadows like Cooks Meadow, which burst with wildflowers in spring and early summer. These meadows attract wildlife such as mule deer, squirrels, and occasionally black bears, adding to the valley’s allure. Approximately 12 miles of paved bike paths and hiking trails crisscross the flat terrain, ideal for exploring by foot or bike. Landmarks like Glacier Point, reachable by a short drive, offer sweeping views of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and the Sierra Nevada. The valley’s beauty shifts with the light—golden hues bathe the cliffs at sunset, while morning mists create a mystical ambiance. Summer crowds, however, can congest trails and shuttle stops, particularly near Yosemite Village.

Campground Details

Location and Accessibility

North Pines Campground is located on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near Curry Village (also known as Half Dome Village) and the Happy Isles trailhead, just across the Merced River from Upper and Lower Pines. Its prime location offers easy access to major trails like the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls and the Mirror Lake trail. The campground is reachable via Highway 41 from Fresno, Highway 140 from Merced, or Highway 120 from Manteca, with clear signage guiding visitors to Yosemite Valley. A free shuttle bus stops near the campground entrance, connecting campers to key attractions like Yosemite Village, the visitor center, and trailheads, minimizing the need to drive.

The campground features paved roads and parking spurs, with five wheelchair-accessible sites (101, 104, 105, 108, and 109) equipped with extended-top picnic tables and nearby accessible restrooms. Check-in is required at the campground kiosk, with after-hours arrivals needing to complete registration the next morning to avoid cancellation.

Amenities

Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and a bear-proof food storage locker (33”D x 45”W x 18”H). Flush toilets and drinking water are available throughout the campground, but there are no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups at individual sites. A free dump station is located near Upper Pines, a short walk or drive away. Showers and laundry facilities are accessible at Curry Village or Housekeeping Camp, approximately a 10–15-minute walk or short shuttle ride. Curry Village also offers a general store, restaurants, and an activities desk for groceries, dining, or booking guided tours.

Campsite Layout and Privacy

North Pines is organized into a single loop with sites nestled among Ponderosa pines and along the Merced River, creating a scenic but compact layout. The forested setting provides ample shade, but the close proximity of sites limits privacy. Riverfront sites (e.g., 101–110) are particularly sought after for their views and the calming sound of the river, though these book quickly. Some perimeter sites, like 123 or 144, offer slightly more seclusion. Campers often note the campground’s “cozy” feel, with one describing it as “intimate but crowded” (The Dyrt, 2021). Noise from neighboring sites or nearby Curry Village can disrupt the experience, especially during peak season.

RV and Tent Camping

North Pines accommodates tents, RVs up to 40 feet, and trailers up to 35 feet, though not all sites can handle maximum lengths, so checking site details on Recreation.gov is essential. Each site allows two vehicles (trailers excluded), with all wheels required to stay on paved surfaces. Generator use is restricted to 7–9 AM, 12–2 PM, and 5–7 PM to minimize noise. Overflow parking is available near Curry Village for additional vehicles.

Reservation and Cost

Reservations are required from April through October and are available up to five months in advance via Recreation.gov, opening on the 15th of each month at 7:00 AM PST. Sites cost $26–$36 per night, with double sites (7–12 people) at $36. Demand is fierce, especially in summer, with sites often booked within minutes. “You need to be online at exactly 7 AM or you’re out of luck,” warned a camper (Yelp, 2025). A waitlist is available in person at the campground office near Curry Village, with a few spots typically released daily due to cancellations. The campground closes from November to March, when Upper Pines becomes the primary valley campground.

Activities and Attractions

North Pines’ central location makes it a hub for outdoor adventures. Nearby trails include the easy 2-mile roundtrip to Mirror Lake, the strenuous 7-mile Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls, and the challenging 14–16-mile Half Dome hike (permit required). The valley’s 12 miles of paved bike paths are perfect for car-free exploration, with bike rentals available at Curry Village. Rafting on the Merced River is popular in summer when water levels allow. Ranger-led programs, such as stargazing, campfire talks, and naturalist walks, are offered nearby, and Yosemite Village, a short shuttle ride away, houses a museum, art center, and visitor center. Curry Village provides a climbing school for those interested in Yosemite’s renowned rock climbing, and guided bus tours offer insights into the valley’s geology and history.

Wildlife and Safety

Yosemite Valley teems with wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and raccoons, requiring strict food storage protocols. All food, toiletries, and scented items must be stored in bear-proof lockers, not vehicles, to prevent bear encounters. “Bears visited our site twice in one night—lockers are a must!” reported a camper (Campendium, 2023). Rangers enforce compliance with citations for violations. Trash must be disposed of in bear-proof dumpsters, and recycling stations support the park’s zero-landfill initiative. The 4,000-foot elevation may affect those sensitive to altitude, and weather varies from warm summers (70–90°F) to chilly spring and fall nights (30–50°F). Check forecasts, as rain or early snow can occur in shoulder seasons.

Campground Map

Camper Feedback

Positives

  • Location: Campers praise North Pines’ proximity to trails and attractions. “You’re a short walk from Mirror Lake and the Mist Trail—perfect!” (Hipcamp, May 2025).
  • Scenery: The Merced River and views of Half Dome and El Capitan are standout features. “Riverfront sites are pure magic at sunrise,” noted a reviewer (The Dyrt, 2021).
  • Amenities: Flush toilets and drinking water are generally well-maintained. “Bathrooms were clean, and the water stations were reliable,” said a camper (Yelp, 2025). Access to showers and stores at Curry Village is a plus.
  • Staff: Rangers and camp hosts are attentive, quickly addressing issues like noise or wildlife concerns. “The staff was super helpful when we had a bear locker issue,” shared a camper (PerfectCamp, April 2025).

Negatives

  • Crowding and Noise: The compact layout means limited privacy. “Sites are so close you can hear your neighbor’s conversations,” complained a camper (The Dyrt, 2020). Noise from Curry Village or groups can disrupt quiet hours (10 PM–6 AM).
  • Bathroom Maintenance: While generally clean, peak-season crowds can strain facilities. “Restrooms got dirty by midweek,” noted a reviewer (Campendium, 2023).
  • Reservations: Booking is highly competitive. “It took three months of checking daily to get a site,” said a camper (Tripadvisor, 2024). Cancellations on Recreation.gov are a camper’s best bet.
  • Bear Activity: Frequent bear sightings require constant vigilance. “A bear was sniffing around at midnight—scary but manageable with lockers,” reported a camper (The Dyrt, 2021).

Tips for Campers

  • Book Early: Reserve exactly five months in advance at 7:00 AM PST on Recreation.gov. Check daily for cancellations if you miss the initial window.
  • Choose River Sites: Sites 101–110 along the Merced River offer scenic views and slightly more space. Verify site dimensions for RV or trailer compatibility.
  • Bring Bikes: Bikes are ideal for navigating the valley’s paved paths. “Biking made exploring so easy and fun,” said a reviewer (Tripadvisor, 2025).
  • Bear Safety: Store all scented items in bear lockers and consider a padlock for added security. Never leave food unattended.
  • Plan for Crowds: Visit in April or October for fewer crowds and vibrant scenery (spring waterfalls or fall colors). Early mornings offer quieter trails.
  • Weather Prep: Pack for variable weather, including rain gear and warm layers for cool nights, especially in spring or fall.

Overall Experience

North Pines Campground is a gem for campers prioritizing location and scenery over solitude. Its setting along the Merced River, with views of Half Dome and El Capitan, immerses visitors in Yosemite Valley’s iconic beauty. The campground’s proximity to trails, bike paths, and shuttle stops makes it a convenient base for exploring the park’s wonders. However, its small size and dense layout result in limited privacy and a communal atmosphere, with noise and crowds as common drawbacks. With careful planning—early reservations, riverfront site selection, and strict adherence to bear safety protocols—North Pines offers an unforgettable Yosemite experience. “The valley’s grandeur makes every inconvenience fade away,” summed up a camper (The Dyrt, 2021).

Sources: Recreation.gov, Yosemite.com, NPS.gov, The Dyrt, Yelp, Tripadvisor, Hipcamp, Campendium, PerfectCamp, CampsitePhotos.com

Asa Merton Russell “Panamint Russ” 

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Asa Merton Russell “Panamint Russ” (1895–1970) was a California prospector, small-scale miner, desert homesteader, and occasional writer whose four-decade presence in the Butte Valley district of the Panamint Mountains made him one of the last classic solitary operators in Death Valley country. Universally known by his nickname “Panamint Russ,” he built the stone cabin now called the Geologist’s Cabin (or Russell Camp), developed a reliable spring, planted the only locust trees and Concord grapevines for scores of miles around, and doggedly drove a horizontal tunnel into the granite of Manly Peak—all while holding down a day job in Los Angeles until his 1960 retirement. Though his claims yielded little recorded production, Russell’s wry, faith-filled 1955 Desert Magazine article “Life on the Desert” remains one of the most vivid firsthand accounts of mid-20th-century desert mining life.

Asa Merton Russell "Panamint Russ" in front of the Geologist cabin - Courtesy of Desert Magazine April 1955
Asa Russell “Panamint Russ” in front of the Geologist cabin – Courtesy of Desert Magazine April 1955

Early Life and Military Service

Born in 1895, Russell served as a sergeant (SGT) in the U.S. military, though specific details of his enlistment, branch, or conflict are not recorded in surviving sources. By the 1920s he had settled in southern California and found steady employment with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. He married and had at least one son. His wife occasionally tried to break what she called his “desert habit,” complaining that he stayed too long each year in the remote Panamints.

A 1925 prospecting trip into the Redlands Canyon area of the Panamints reportedly yielded a brief but tantalizing discovery of a rich gold vein that he later “lost”—a story that foreshadowed the persistence and frustration that would define his later career.

Arrival in Butte Valley and the 1930 Strike

Russell’s serious mining career began in 1930. While exploring high on the western slope of 7,200-foot Manly Peak, he located gold-bearing quartz and immediately filed the Lucky Strike Quartz Mining Claim (March 1931) along with several others between 1933 and 1947. The claims sat in the South Park Mining District on the east side of the Panamint Range, in what is today Death Valley National Park.

That same year he began construction of a modest stone cabin at the base of Manly Peak, on the site of the old Ten Spot Mill / Last Chance Claim. The one-room structure—later known as the Geologist’s Cabin or Russell Camp—became his seasonal headquarters. Roughly a quarter-mile south of the historic Mengel/Stella cabin and at an elevation of about 4,500 feet, the camp offered commanding views across Butte Valley.

In 1929–1930 he also improved a nearby spring, creating a gravity-fed water system that supported drinking water, a small orchard, and vines. He planted locust trees (the only ones known within 125 miles) and Concord grapevines, which he proudly tended for decades. By the late 1950s or early 1960s the system included a 500-gallon storage tank.

Mining Operations and Daily Life

Russell’s principal working was a long horizontal tunnel driven into the granite of Manly Peak, reached by a steep, winding burro trail about one mile above camp. For most of the 1930s and 1940s he performed the required annual assessment work during two-week vacations from his Los Angeles job, often laboring entirely alone. Helpers were scarce and unreliable; scorpions, rattlesnakes, cloudbursts, twisters, flat tires, and pack rats nesting in dynamite all conspired against him.

In his April 1955 Desert Magazine article “Life on the Desert,” written at age 60, Russell described these hardships with humor and quiet determination. He recounted a twister that nearly tore the roof off his shack, a cloudburst that stranded him for days, a double hernia suffered while prying boulders, the theft or shooting of his beloved burro “Jubilee,” and the endless search for trustworthy labor. Through it all he returned to the theme of “Good Faith”—the inner resolve required to keep returning to the desert year after year. He closed the piece with an unshakeable optimism:

“But out here, there’s always a blue sky, good pure water filtered by Nature through lime and granite rocks, smogless air, no 50-cent parking lots, fresh sage and pinyon pine… I have Faith, and it will pay off!”

Retirement and Final Years

Russell retired from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in May 1960. That fall he moved permanently to Russell Camp, living full-time amid the Panamints. In 1962 he transferred ownership of the nearby Carl Mengel cabin and associated claims to Clinton and Stella Anderson, further establishing himself as a quiet steward of the local mining landscape. He continued sporadic work on the Lucky Strike and other claims into the early 1970s.

Death and Legacy

Asa Merton Russell died in 1970 at age 75. He is buried in a marked grave (Find A Grave Memorial #3748983).

Though his mines produced no major bonanza and left no great fortune, Russell’s legacy is written in stone and living green. The Geologist’s Cabin, the spring-fed water system, the locust trees, and the grapevines he planted still stand as testaments to one man’s determination. His camp remains a landmark for backcountry travelers in Butte Valley within Death Valley National Park. More than half a century after its publication, “Life on the Desert” continues to be read and quoted, offering later generations an intimate portrait of the isolation, frustration, beauty, and quiet faith that defined the final chapter of small-scale Panamint mining.

In the tradition of contemporaries like Pete Aguereberry, Carl Mengel, and Seldom Seen Slim, Panamint Russ proved that a man could build a meaningful life in one of America’s harshest environments—not through spectacular wealth, but through stubborn persistence, self-reliance, and an unshakable belief that the next fifty feet of tunnel might finally pay off.

The concord grapes are doing well, too. Twenty-five years ago coming through Riverside, California, I stopped at a nursery and bought a half dozen bare-root size, wrapped them in a newspaper, laid them on the running board with a wet gunny sack and today they are 20 feet of beauty.

Life on the Desert – by Panamint Russ – Desert Magazine, April, 1955

References

Table Mountain Campground

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Table Mountain Campground is situated in the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California. The campground is surrounded by a beautiful and serene forest environment, with stunning views of the mountain range. It is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a peaceful camping experience.

The campground offers a variety of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. The tent sites are situated on a grassy area, with fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water nearby. The RV sites offer full hookups, including water, electricity, and sewage. The cabins are well-equipped with modern amenities, including kitchen facilities, bathrooms, and heating.

One of the best things about the campground is its location. It is situated near several hiking trails, offering visitors the chance to explore the mountain range and the surrounding forests. The trails range in difficulty, from easy strolls to challenging hikes. Some of the most popular trails include the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs through the campground, and the Table Mountain Trail, which offers stunning views of the valley below.

In addition to hiking, the campground offers plenty of other activities for visitors to enjoy. There is a playground for children, a volleyball court, and a horseshoe pit. There is also a campfire area, where visitors can gather around the fire and enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest.

The campground is well-maintained, with clean and modern facilities. There are restrooms and showers available, as well as a laundry facility. The staff are friendly and helpful, and are always on hand to answer any questions or provide assistance.

Table Mountain Campground is a great place to visit for anyone looking for a peaceful and relaxing camping experience. Its beautiful surroundings, modern amenities, and variety of activities make it the perfect destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Whether you are looking to hike, explore, or simply relax in nature, this campground has something for everyone.

Campground Summary

NameTable Mountain Campground
LocationSan Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles County, California
Latitude, Longitude34.3863, -117.6894
OpenSpring – Fall
Elevation7,261 Feet
Number of Sites111 single site(s), 2 double site(s)
AmmenitiesVault Toilets, Potable Water

Campground Map

References