Trail Overview
Ideal for intermediate offroaders looking to explore historic mining ruins, Chloride City offers a rough and rocky journey along scenic cliffside roads with sweeping views of Death Valley. This moderately challenging 2.8-mile trail winds through the mountains of Death Valley National Park, climbing from an elevation of 4,228 feet to 4,765 feet. The trail features a technical rating of 4, characterized by rough, rocky surfaces that demand a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle to navigate safely. Along the way, numerous spur trails branch off to access historical mine sites, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich mining heritage.
In addition to the historical relics, the route features several dispersed camping sites positioned along the cliffs, providing spectacular, unobstructed vistas of the vast Death Valley basin below.
History
The historic mining town of Chloride City dates back to 1871, when August J. Franklin reportedly discovered silver ore at the Chloride Cliff Mine. According to local lore, Franklin picked up a rock to throw at a rattlesnake, only to realize the rock contained rich silver ore, sparking a mining boom in the rugged Amargosa Range.
Access Description
This trail is rated a 4 out of 10 and requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle due to rough, rocky terrain and steep cliffside sections. Cell service is generally limited in the region, although a strong Verizon signal can be found on the Chloride Cliffs. Drivers should exercise extreme caution, watch for the venomous Panamint rattlesnake, and avoid entering old mine shafts.
