22nd ANNUAL
PANAMINT VALLEY DAYS
November 9-11, 2007

This is the 2nd year of running this trail. Due to limited turn around space, this is limited to the first 20 vehicles that sign up.  It is a run for short-wheelbase vehicles with 33" tires and at least one traction aiding device.  Beware: some rock rash on wheel rims is likely.  The trail was washed out earlier this year and therefore gets very few visitors – so why not join us so you can say that you were one of the few.  The trail leads from Hwy. 190 across the base of a series of alluvial fans near the edge of Upper Panamint Lake.  It is rough and rocky, with deep gravel in the canyon leading up to the mine.  The trail provides the closest access to the spectacular Panamint Dunes.  It starts on a graded, wash-board road that passes Lake Hill, where you will see two rusted sedans of times gone by.  About 6 miles in, the graded road disappears and starts up a rocky alluvial fan, and then enters a wash.  As the trail climbs the fan, it deteriorates significantly; and depending on "Mother Nature" there may be some rocks to overcome as the final section of the trail is in an active wash.  The trail ends at an impressive water worn dry fall.  The final rock outcropping before the turnaround point may need a spotter.  This area is known to be the home of the dreaded Panamint Desert Bear, AKA ‘Hanaupah’, so the desert explorer must always be on the guard for this vicious animal.  After retracing our steps, we will stop at the Panamint Springs Resort, where our run will officially end.  Panamint Springs Resort offers a fine variety of food and beverages.

This run is limited to the first 40 vehicles that sign up. It is of some difficulty and stock vehicles may expect body damage and/or getting stuck in the rocks and soft sand. Stock SUV’s are not advised; trail leader has final approval of vehicles for participation keeping the best interest of the entire group in mind. This run follows Minietta Mine Road and two side canyons en route to Stone Canyon until its closure just below waterfall #1. The route provides several rocky and scenic miles with the optional challenges of Waterfall ‘Zero’ and Cummins Cutoff (because this is an in/out run we must save these obstacles for the return trip so as not to create delays and jams). Just below waterfall #1 we will make a sharp right onto the Defense Mine Road, which is scenic, historical and somewhat challenging. Upon reaching the parking area near the mine, you may choose to explore the Defense Mine, at your own risk. Don’t forget to bBring your flashlights. A brief uphill hike leads to the mine entrance. This former tungsten mine is cut into hard rock with little or no shoring. Caution should be exercised if you explore the mine and extreme caution should be used near the ore cart platforms outside the main entrance. Inside the mine are a few "ore chutes" which need to be carefully negotiated around so as not to disturb anything and some covered down shafts should be given a wide berth. Children must be watched closely at all times and pets should not be taken into the mine. From the entrance it is an easy standup walk of about 300’ to the first "explosive storage room" (empty except for work benches) and the first "ore chute" is beyond that. For the adventurous, there is a second entrance / exit requiring climbing several well built wooden ladders to several landings, where you change to the next ladder. (It is somewhat intimidating to stand at the bottom and look up at these ladders!) Please remember that mine exploration is optional and at your own risk, and that this was an active mine operation so, PLEASE, DO NOT TOUCH anything suspicious. Anyone not doing the mine exploration is free to take the short route back to camp (we’ll point it out on the way in) and also may have ample time to explore nearby Lookout City if so desired. Some drivers may decide try Waterfall ‘Zero’ after completing the mine tour and/or anyone with both front and rear lockers, may like to join the trail crew for a fun and brief pass through ‘Cummins Cutoff’—body damage possible. We expect everyone to have a full day of sightseeing and fun. All of us should be back in plenty of time for Chef Andy’s superb Saturday night fixin’s.

This is a run limited to 25 vehicles. We do not have a restriction on the wheelbase; however, you will need a minimum tire of 33". Vehicles need to be locked front and rear, and will need a working winch. Isham Canyon is one of the tightest, most technical trails Panamint Valley Days has to offer. There is not a lot of room for error. You are expected to help the other drivers through the trail. This run should prove to be very challenging for both driver and vehicle. Although we changed the run description, those of you with long wheelbase or those of you that have tops MUST be aware that BODY DAMAGE is PROBABLE.

This is a run of moderate difficulty for all-wheelbase vehicles with an experienced driver recommended.  You will be treated to scenic vistas of Panamint Valley on this run.  There are several steep hills that may require a friend with a strap.  This trail will definitely test your nerves!  Expect 6-8 hours for this run.

Travel with us as we pass several historic sites on our route to Jail Canyon and the site of the first water wheel powered stamp mill in the Death Valley / Panamint Valley area. We will explore the ruins of the Gem Mine originally discovered in 1899. On the way out of Jail Canyon you will have a panoramic view of the Panamint Valley with the Argus and Slate Ranges as a backdrop. This run is open to all vehicles and will be narrated via CB radio. This relaxing run will take 4 to 5 hours.  Those wanting to do the Lookout City Sunset Run will be able to connect up with it.

Run Leader for Friday: Harry and Helen Baker

This is an all-wheelbase run. This scenic run will take you to the Lookout city ruins high atop the Argus Range for a spectacular sunset view of the Panamint Range and Valley. Cold temperatures can be expected so bring your warm clothes.

This is an all- vehicle 4x4 run. The run follows the route Old Toll Road past the Darwin Falls turnoff and climbs the canyon on the western flank of Zinc Hill. This area is rich in old abandoned mines such as the Empress, and Wynog - Stay out of the old mine working. The shoring is bad. After reaching the summit (3700ft), the trail drops down into the Darwin Wash, here we'll take a fork in the road and after passing some interesting geological formations we'll arrive at China Garden Spring. Here we'll stop for a break among the abandoned mill site and still stocked Koi Pond (Yes, a Koi Pond!). Back on the main trail we'll pass Miller Spring and finally meet the old paved road to Darwin. Darwin is a town with great spirit; it refuses to suffer the fate of most mining towns and still has an active Post Office. From Darwin onward, we'll be on paved roads. We'll stop at Father Crowley Point, an incredible scenic overlook of Rainbow Canyon and the Panamint Dunes. Then it's back to the PVD camp via Panamint Springs Resort. 

Fish Canyon is in the Slate Range at the south end of the Panamint Valley. Fish Canyon is rich in history, scenery and challenges for the adventurous 4-wheeler. Stock vehicles and/or novice drivers may bypass the rock gardens in this beautiful canyon.

This is an all-wheelbase, full-day run with lots and lots of history thrown in. Its first stop will be Ballarat Ghost Town. Then it’s to Goler Wash where you will get to see Newman’s Cabin and Barker Ranch. Finally it will take you to Death Valley where you will see Striped Butte Valley, the geology cabin, Anderson’s Camp and much, much more.

This is an all-vehicle run; however, it is recommended that stock vehicles have 31" tires and a limited slip. We will explore an old mining operation and the trail has a spectacular view of Death Valley from the top. You can expect this to be an all day run.

This is an all-vehicle run; however, it is recommended that stock vehicles have 31" tires and a limited slip. We will explore an old mining operation and the trail has a spectacular view of Death Valley from the top. You can expect this to be an all day run. While this run description sounds a lot like the Pleasant Canyon Run, it starts in South Park, giving the driver a whole different perspective, and will end in Pleasant Canyon.

This run is limited to the first 12 vehicles to sign-up. It is suitable for narrower sized vehicles with 30" off road tires; and a limited slip is recommended. Come and join us for a trip through historic and modern mining areas off Goler Wash in the Panamint Mountains. The Lotus Mine was once owned by Carl Mengel of ‘Mengel Pass’ fame; and the Keystone Mine has ties to Charlie Manson. The route is mixed dirt and sharp rock, and there are narrow-shelf roads with steep drop offs.

Open to all vehicles, this will be a short run to the Charcoal Kilns, Wildrose Station and other historical sites. This run will have you back in camp by lunch.