Isham Canyon

Trail Overview

Isham Canyon is a rugged, remote backcountry route on the Panamint Valley side of Death Valley National Park that climbs into the steep terrain of the Last Chance Range above Panamint Valley. The trail is slow and technical, featuring rocky surfaces, erosion ruts, tight canyon sections, and steep grades that require high-clearance 4WD or capable off-road machines with experienced drivers or riders. Known for dramatic desert scenery and extreme isolation, it demands full self-sufficiency, careful route finding, and strict travel on designated roads, as conditions can change quickly after storms. The narrow canyon offers very few places to turn around, and the sand hill at the end has nothing to winch off of, so multiple capable vehicles are recommended.

Photos of Isham Canyon

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Difficulty

The difficulty comes less from single "obstacles" and more from the constant demands of the route as it climbs through the Last Chance Range above Panamint Valley. You're dealing with sustained rocky surfaces, loose shale that can spin tires, narrow shelf-like sections, and steep grades where line choice really matters. After storms, erosion ruts and washouts can quickly bump it up a level.

Technical Rating

Isham Canyon can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike