Trail Overview

Goler Canyon Road offers offroaders an adventurous and scenic climb from the floor of Panamint Valley up to the rugged heights of Mengel Pass in Death Valley National Park. Perfect for high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, this nine-mile trail transitions from a straightforward, relatively easy gravel wash into a demanding mountain climb. The route begins at Wingate Road and ascends through the dramatic, narrow rock walls of Goler Wash. Along the way, travelers will navigate a steadily rising canyon before reaching the historic Barker Ranch site, a famous local landmark situated near mile six. Beyond the ranch, the terrain becomes increasingly challenging as the trail gains significant elevation, rising from 1,120 feet to a peak of 4,324 feet near the pass. The final stretch features a technical rock garden rated at a difficulty of 6. Stock or low-clearance vehicles should utilize the Barker Ranch area as a turnaround point to safely return to Panamint Valley. Because the route traverses remote backcountry sections of Death Valley National Park, all operators must comply with park regulations, carry plenty of water, and prepare for self-recovery.

Photos of Goler Canyon Road

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Difficulty

The rock garden at the top of Mengel Pass requires high clearance and 4x4.

Technical Rating

Thomas Hughes

Dec 20, 2025

2023 Toyota Tacoma

Open

Trial is open, more washed out than usual. Lots of slippery rock, under armor is almost a requirement passing this trail post November rains. Very washed out through the canyons. The photos don’t do the size of these rocks justice. New obstacles where there weren’t any. Tight squeezes at times. Technically the end into the valley is closed, we were able to exit through the closed roads in the park as back tracking through the difficult terrain was not an option for us.

Jim Nardulli

Oct 29, 2025

2001 Toyota Land Cruiser

Open

NormalDustyWashboard

There’s one section that requires high clearance and at least a rear locker. It’s a rock waterfall outcropping. A standard Rubicon handles it. My LC did not due to no rear locker. Barker ranch (photos) was cool.

Kharis O'Connell

May 25, 2025

2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Open

DustyRough/Deteriorated

Last time I ran the trail was 2021. After the Tropical storm of 2023 this is a lot rougher. The waterfall obstacle when starting at the west end of Goler Canyon is bigger (approx 3ft) so that isn’t good for standard off-road vehicles (eg stock 4Runner). Once through the canyon, Mengel Pass just goes from rough to seriously rough - the off-camber sections are deeper, much more exposed rocks / boulders and occasional ledges. It’s changed and as such, we didn’t see anyone on the whole trail the whole way.

Randy Boelkes

Apr 13, 2025

2022 Ford Bronco

Open

Cool canyon in the beginning coming from west. There were a few obstacles that took some attention, but there were plenty of rocks previously stacked making them pretty easy to pass. Barker Ranch was an interesting stop along the way. The alternate entry point there they takes you down past the junkyard was some of the most fun wheeling in this area. Steep and off-camber in spots, but easily avoided by taking the easy main way in.

Ashton Fera

Mar 28, 2025

2021 Toyota 4Runner

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

Much harder than usual. I would say that this trails usual difficulty is about a 4 or 5 but it definitely earns its 6 rating right now. Starting out there is a 3-4 foot waterfall that you have to climb which is not usually there. The Mengel Pass itself has much more exposed rock than usual and so do the sections leading up and following. Nothing a slightly modified 4x4 can’t handle.

Christopher Toumanian

Mar 18, 2025

2023 Toyota 4Runner

Open

Normal

Sue Renshaw

Feb 15, 2025

Open

DustyMuddy/WetRough/DeterioratedWashboard

It was easy going until we started to head into the mountain from the flats - almost immediately we reached an incline with very large boulders that we could not pass. So disappointed not to reach the ranch, hope to try again another time.

Brent Christensen

Feb 08, 2025

2017 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Dusty

Coming from the Ballarat side there is a short waterfall that is easy in a Jeep or other vehicle with decent approach angle. We had a Lexus GX470 with us on 1.5" lift and 32" tires and he needed a tug to get up it. After that it is mostly easy overland style trail until you get to the Death Valley side of the summit. Then there is a series of loose rocky descents that require some attention to navigate. Again, easy in a Jeep, but the lifted Tacoma TRD required spotting and the Lexus could not follow (he left his rig there). Total time to get from Ballarat to Geologist Cabin was about 4 hours with a stop to visit the Lotus mine.

greg brandeau

Feb 05, 2025

Open

Normal

Henry Widdop

Jan 25, 2025

Open

Normal

Great trail coming in from the east! We have a 100 Series LC and it went through the canyon perfectly. One technical portion right at the beginning that may turn those less experienced away. Just need to pick a good line, 4L, and traction control. Up to Mengel Pass was not bad. Never had to get out to spot. Hardest we would do without rock sliders though as there are some obstacles that could cause you to slide into rocks. Beautiful view of the valley at the end. Would not recommend starting from the west unless you want to rock crawl up hill to the pass.

Matt Geraci

Nov 30, 2024

2013 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Normal

Trail is very easy all though the canyon until mengal pass. I wouldn’t consider the pass anything to difficult although some experience driving though steep rock gardens is required. Overall a really scenic and fun trail with lots of history behind it.

Dan oden

Nov 27, 2024

Open

Chris Noble

May 18, 2024

1991 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Normal

Trail was in good shape all through butte meadows.

Arturo H

Mar 15, 2024

Open

Normal

32 inch tires, 2.5 inch lift. scrapped underneath on final drop just slightly. Scrapped hitch slightly too. Never used my sliders. 2001 montero limited. Went solo at night, was a tad sketchy on a couple spots but not too bad. Had to get out/walk down trail to gauge lines.

Ashton Fera

Mar 08, 2024

2021 Toyota 4Runner

Open

DustyRough/Deteriorated

The trail starts off easy as you begin to drive through the canyon itself but once you pass Barker Ranch it becomes very rocky until the mengel pass. The pass was very washed out and the corner before the rock drop off would most definitely be the hardest obstacle as it is extremely off camber. We had two rigs in our group. 2021 Toyota 4runner TRD Offroad on 34 inch AT tires and a 2021 Ford F-150 FX4 long bed on 35 inch AT tires. You will want skid plates because many of the rocks going up and down the trail would be tall enough to scrape your undercarriage.

Goler Canyon Road Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

High Clearance

Access Description

The route enters Death Valley National Park, requiring all vehicles to be street-legal and compliant with national park regulations. Day-use fees or a park pass may be required, and off-road travel off designated roads is strictly prohibited.