Monte Cristo Campground

Monte Cristo Campground is a serene camping destination located in the Angeles National Forest, just outside of Los Angeles, in the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California. The campground is situated in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by towering pine trees and offering a peaceful escape from the city. The campground is situated at an elevation of 6,300 feet (1,920 meters) above sea level and is surrounded by towering pine trees.

The campground offers 19 campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 22 feet in length. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill, making it easy for campers to cook and enjoy meals outdoors. The campground also has vault toilets, drinking water, and trash collection facilities.

One of the main draws of Monte Cristo Campground is its proximity to outdoor recreation activities. The campground is located near several hiking trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The nearby Monte Cristo Creek is also stocked with trout for fishing, making it a popular spot for anglers.

Overall, Monte Cristo Campground offers a peaceful and enjoyable camping experience for anyone looking to escape the city and enjoy the outdoors. The campground’s proximity to Los Angeles makes it a convenient destination for city dwellers looking for a quick getaway, while its natural setting provides a serene and beautiful backdrop for camping and outdoor recreation activities.

Campground Summary

NameMonte Cristo Campground
LocationSan Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles County, California
Latitude, Longitude34.3422, -118.1081
Elevation6,300 feet (1,920 meters)
Number of sites19
Amenities picnic tables, fire rings & grill, vault toilets, drinking water, and trash collection facilities.

Campground Map

500 m
 

Myers Ranch

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

500 m
 

Myers Ranch Summary

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

References

Barker Ranch

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

500 m
 

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

Asa Merton Russell “Panamint Russ” 

Asa Russell, also known as “Panamint Russ”, was a prospector and mine owner is the Butte Valley Area of Death Valley National Park, California.

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

Russell started his mining career in the 1930 working in the Butte Valley area of the Panamint Mountains. The miner found gold high up the side of old Manly and began mining operation. Asa Merton Russell first established a camp, known as “Russell’s Camp” for his mining operations and registered several claims in the area from 1933 to 1947. Russell developed the springs nearby into a water source to supply the camp with drinking water, irrigation for trees and even vines of Concord Grapes. A five hundred gallon water tank is added to the system in the late 1950’s or 1960’s

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

Asa Merton Russell retired from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in May of 1960. This event probably coincided with the previously mentioned 500-gallon water tank and water system expansion. Upon his retirement, Russ moved full time to his “Russell’s Camp” located on the site of the Ten Spot Mill. The miner operated his “Lucky Strike” mine from 1930 to 1974.

References

Table Mountain Campground

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

1000 m
 

References