Panamint Valley Archives - Page 4 of 4

Tag: Panamint Valley

Panamint Valley, nestled in the Mojave Desert of California, is a strikingly rugged and desolate landscape, stretching approximately 65 miles in length. Encircled by towering mountain ranges like the Panamint Range to the west and the Cottonwood Mountains to the east, this valley forms a dramatic basin with a floor that lies well below sea level. Its arid, stark beauty is accentuated by salt flats and occasional dry lake beds, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the azure skies above. The area is not only a geological marvel but also holds historical significance, having been traversed by Native American tribes and later by explorers during the California Gold Rush era.

Thorndike campground is located at 7,400 feet in the Panamint Mountains in Death Valley National Park. The campground is accessible to high clearance vehicles only and no longer than 25 feet in length.. Depending on road conditions, 4-wheel drive may be necessary the reach the campground. The road becomes much steeper and rough once you pass the Wildrose Campground.

Thorndike Campground in Death Valley National Park — Death Valley National Park

The campground is located within a Pinyon Pine and Juniper Forest. The campground is 1000 feet lower in elevation that Mahogany Flat campground and 4000 feet higher than Wildrose Campground. Due to its high elevation, this campground does close in the winter months.

This is the closest campground to the Death Valley Charcoal kilns. Thorndike has 6 sites, tables, fireplaces, and pit toilets. Thorndike is free of change campground, however, it does operate on a first come first serve basis.

Fires are allowed at NPS fire pits only. No firewood collecting is permitted; bring your own wood. Fires are prohibited June 15-September 15 and periods of high fire danger.

Campground Summary

Name	Thorndike Campground
Location	Panamint Mountains, Death Valley National Park, California
Latitude, Longitude	36.236893, -117.071446
Elevation	7400 feet
Site	6
Amenities	Tables, Fireplaces, and vault toilets.

Thorndike Campground Map

References

NPS.gov

Goler Wash and Mengel Pass over a route into Butte Valley from Panamint Valley. Although not technically in Death Valley, this trail is consider part of the area. Trail conditions vary from easy to difficult depending upon recent rainfall, with one section near Mengel pass being difficult.

The route twists and turns through a narrow valley, until it opens a bit into Goler wash itself. There is a short side trip to Baker Ranch and Meyer Ranch which was the one time, although short lived home of Charles Manson and his family prior to their arrest by Inyo County Sheriffs Department in October of 1969. Manson and others were responsible for the famous Tate – La Bianca murders in Los Angeles, California. Mason and his family drove a school bus up to Barker Ranch. The ranch was used as a mining and recreational property before Manson.

Barker Ranch

Barker Ranch is originally built in the 1930s by Bluth and Helen Thomason who were attempting mining operations at the site. They built a small stone building in the 1940’s and a windmill generated electricity. In 1955 the property was purchased by Jim and Arlene Barker. The Barkers expanded the original stone build for Barker family gatherings. In 1969, over the period of two days Charles Manson and his “family” are pursed and arrested. The arresting officer was CHP Officer Jim Jim Pursell.

In 2009, Barker Ranch is destroyed by a fire which tore though the dry wood of the buildings.

Asa 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

Follow the trail up to Megel pass, which offers the explorer access to Butte Valley, Megel’s Cabin, the Geologists Cabin and Russell’s camp.

Futher Reading

Wikipedia