Digital-Desert : Mojave Desert
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Death Valley National Park:
Roads and Trails - Backpacking Hikes & Trails

Surprise Canyon

    Difficulty: strenuous

    Type of hike:
    wet canyon with remnants of old jeep road, some rock scrambling.

    Distance:
    5 miles to ghost town

    Elevation gain:
    4000 feet to ghost town

    Water: yes

    Start:
    6 miles northeast of Ballarat.

    Vehicle needed:
    high-clearance; 4x4 final 2 miles to trailhead

    Maps:
    Panamint and Ballarat 7.5 minute topos

    Comments:
    Old jeep road washed out in 1980s and offically closed to vehicles but makes a great hiking trail. Ghost town of Panamint City is a good goal but mountain scenery, abundant springs and bighorn sheep all make it a worthy hike. Another 7 miles of mostly trailless hiking over pass leads to Johnson Canyon Road.
Intro:: Nature:: Map:: Parks:: Points of Interest:: Ghosts & Gold:: Communities:: Roads & Trails:: People & History:: BLOG:: Weather:: :?:: glossary
Digital-Desert : Mojave Desert
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Disclaimer: Some portions of this project were developed with assistance from AI tools to help reconstruct historical contexts and fill informational gaps. All materials have been reviewed and fact-checked to ensure accuracy and reliability, though complete precision cannot be guaranteed. The aim is to provide dependable starting points and distinctive perspectives for further study, exploration, and research.

These materials are historical in nature and intended for educational use only; they are not designed as travel guides or planning resources.
Copyright - Walter Feller. 1995-2025. All rights reserved.