Panamint Valley

The hike across Panamint Valley is a 20.2 mile point to point route in Death Valley National Park that begins at the Wildrose Campground and ends at Panamint Springs Resort. The route is rated as very difficult due to the length, lack of water and shade, and a short cross country section without a trail. Fall and Spring are the best times of year to complete this trek, but weather can be unpredictable in the desert and it is always important to plan ahead. Walking through the valley you will be treated to a beautiful, vast desert landscape surrounded by various canyons and jagged mountain peaks. Most notably the Panamint Mountain Range which includes Telescope Peak, the tallest point in Death Valley! 

Start from the Wildrose Campground and take the Wildrose Canyon dirt road for four miles until you reach an intersection with an unnamed dirt road. Turn right on the dirt road and continue across the valley. In six miles you will reach a junction with Minietta Road, another scenic dirt road with opportunities to extend the hike. If you are sticking to the route described here, continue straight for another four miles. At this point you will leave the dirt road/trail and head west hiking cross country in the direction of Panamint Valley Road. The surrounding roads and end destination is always in sight, making it difficult to get lost on this route. Whether you are on trail, a dirt road, or hiking cross country in the desert it is important to try and protect the delicate land beneath you by trying to hike in areas where your footsteps/prints will have the least impact. Be especially cautious when hiking off trail and avoid trampling over vegetation, animal habitats, and fragile soil. 

Your cross country section will end when you reach Panamint Valley Road. From here you will follow Nadeau Road, another dirt road, for about a mile and then turn right onto Nadeau Trail. Continue northwest on Nadeau Trail until you reach Highway 190. Follow Highway 190 for the next mile (you can stay in the wash or on the dirt shoulder parallel to the road)  until you reach Panamint Springs Resort. Panamint Springs Resort is a hotel, campground, gas station, general store and restaurant. Your end destination is a perfect place to relax, eat, and enjoy your accomplishment!

WATER

There is only water available at the start (Wildrose Campground) and end of this trek (Panamint Springs Resort). Wildrose Campground has year round water spigots, however, the spigots are occasionally turned off when the temperatures dip below freezing. For more information contact the Death Valley National Park ranger station.

LENGTH VARIATIONS

*To shorten the route you can start from the intersection of Wildrose Trona Road and an unnamed dirt road at the base of the canyon. Wildrose Trona Road is a dirt road that is fairly well maintained and accessible by most vehicles. 

*To lengthen the route you can connect with Minietta Road and Nadeau Road.