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Surprise Canyon
The strenuous trail to Surprise Canyon used to be shared with off-road vehicles, but the route was closed to vehicles after the road was washed out.
Plan Around Surprise Canyon
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Surprise Canyon Details
The strenuous trail to Surprise Canyon used to be shared with off-road vehicles, but the route was closed to vehicles after the road was washed out in the 1980s. Backpackers, however, are still permitted to follow the old jeep road, which provides access to the Panamint City ghost town, great views, and the possibility of seeing bighorn sheep. Hikers have the option of going 5 miles to Panamint City or continuing another 7 miles over the pass to Johnson Canyon Road. The trail starts 6 miles northeast of the Ballarat ghost town at the end of Surprise Canyon Road.
Difficulty
High
Distance
12 miles
Estimated time
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Surprise Canyon
Compare nearby parks around Surprise Canyon when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Surprise Canyon
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Surprise Canyon while the map context is still fresh.
4.8 mi away
Panamint City
This Panamint Range ghost town sprung up after silver and copper was found nearby in 1872.
5.1 mi away
Ballarat Ghost Town
One of the first mining towns of the Death Valley gold rush, Ballarat was established in 1897.
6.5 mi away
Panamint Range
The 100-mile long Panamint Range forms the mountainous western side of Death Valley.
6.5 mi away
Telescope Peak
The 11,000-foot Telescope Peak was first climbed when the U.S. Civil War was still in progress.
7.3 mi away
Arcane Meadows
The Arcane Meadows can be found at the 9,800-foot level of the hike to the summit to Telescope Peak.
