Panamint City

The Surprise Canyon Trail begins at Chris Wicht Camp. Chris Wicht Camp is a great place to stage the night before heading up Surprise Canyon to Panamint City. The trail is a steady 12.5% uphill slog for 7.1 miles to the famous smelter stack that represents entry into Panamint City. You'll get wet feet on this trail, there is no way around it. The first 3 miles will include multiple waterfall climbs as well as a 200 yard portion of stream that is the trail. There are two good spots for water along the trail, first at Limekiln Spring (mile 1.75) and Brewery Spring (mile 3). After Brewery Spring the next reliable water source will be in Panamint City. For the first 3.5 miles the trail can be tough to follow with dense brush and washouts. Keep an eye out for rock cairns marking the trail, as long as you are heading up the canyon you are heading in the right direction. After mile 5 the trail becomes much more defined and makes for easy travel the last 2 miles into the city. Once in Panamint city, hikers can explore the town and even spend the night in one of the hiker maintained cabins if desired. Be warned that hantavirus has been found in the area so be mindful if staying in the cabins. Just outside of the cabins and throughout the city are plenty of spots to pitch a tent and a few fire rings. The hike out is far easier than the hike in so make sure to bring out any extra trash you may come across with you.