Visiting Another Closed Trail!

Surprise Canyon - Death Valley

Posted November 9 2008 10:12 PM by K.McNulty
Filed under: Editorials, Kevin McNulty

Today I hiked Surprise Canyon in the Panamint Range of Death Valley with a group of friends. It was a little depressing knowing that I'll probably never get the opportunity to drive the canyon to visit Panamint City at the top. Its so unfortunate that trails like this are closed, and that generations of families and their children, and outdoor enthusiasts will never get to visit such a spectacular and historical parts of our nation. It’s a reminder that we need to all be more vigilant in our efforts to obey trail regulations and four-wheel responsibly. Get involved!

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This photo was taken while standing at the top of the last water fall on the way up Surprise Canyon.

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Reader Comments:

1. Kevin.
Don’t loose faith on getting to drive Surprise Canyon Road to Panamint City! The Friends of Panamint Valley are still in the fight to regain access to this 134 year old public road and the town that it leads to, and are far from giving up that fight.

Our efforts are being concentrated on several fronts and public support is the key to succeeding in the long run. The EIS that has been in the works since 2002 has not been completed, but when a draft is released there will be a public comment period.
One of the property owners that submitted a “Right of Way” application in 2003, and was told that a decision on the application would be issued after the completion of the EIS, had it officially denied earlier this year before completion of the EIS. This decision is being appealed to the “Interior Board of Land Appeals”, and we are awaiting a decision. There are still other legal options being considered, and information is being gathered while determining the best route to take.

Surprise Canyon Road is not lost.

There are new threats to not only Surprise Canyon Road, but the Panamint Valley as well in the form of new wilderness proposals being reviewed by Senator Feinstein. We are involved in the efforts to combat this upcoming legislation. Fights such as these also require public support in the form of letter writing and calls to get other pro-access individuals and groups to get involved.

Like you said, being responsible and getting involved is the key.

Thanks for bringing attention to Surprise Canyon and putting the call out to get involved in land use issues.

Kris Tholke – Friends of Panamint Valley

otrjeeper - Posted November 10 2008 11:48 AM

2. Kris,

Thank you for all of your efforts and the update on Surprise Canyon. Please keep us posted with any new information.

K.McNulty

K.McNulty - Posted November 10 2008 04:06 PM

3. HI Kevin

I was one of the people that hiked up Surprise Canyon with you. As we hiked up (and down) with all of our friends I was listening to all the stories of of winching and sliding and fun. Imagine going up those waterfalls with 32" tires like they use to. I am sad that I may never get to experience this my self. It would be great to experience Surprise with the modern vehicles we have now.

Keep up the great work!!
Thanks
Kent Olsen

KF6PLH - Posted November 28 2008 07:27 PM

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