panamint mountains

The Panamint Mountain Ridge is stunning and was covered in snow during our visit. We watched the rain showers drop in sheets from the mountain ridge - quite beautiful. Can't miss them!

We always enjoy a trip to the Panamints.....there are plenty of twists, turns, climbs and descents. Many viewpoints to see interesting things....

The mountains are full of curves and significant climbs and descents, so make sure you have a full gas tank before you head in this direction and a car that can handle the stress.

This is like highway one off the California coast. Lots of twisty turns with grand visitas. We stopped several times to take pictures, enjoy watching Coyotes play, and just catch our breath as the sheer drops were sometimes continuous.

Pretty mountains. Wildrose Road is washed out and closed, so take the 178 to the 180 (those are the main roads) if coming from the south after seeing the Trona Pinnacles.

The Panamint Mountains are a big part of the reason; after moist Pacific air crosses the coastal mountains and the massive Sierra Nevada range, most of the moisture has been wrung-out as rain or snow yet one more significant barrier exists before passing over Death Valley, wringing-out the last of the moisture in almost all cases, the Panamint Range reaching heights of up to 11,049 feet (3,368m) at Telescope Peak. In addition to helping to create the extreme dryness of Death Valley, as the western boundary of the valley, they provide a very scenic backdrop, soaring high above, and easily seen from virtually anywhere in the park. While there are a number of historic and natural sites in the Panamints such as Aguereberry Point, the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns and the trail to the top of Telescope Peak, they are remote and rarely visited as most require high clearance 4x4 vehicles and/or strenuous hikes. As a result of their remoteness and ruggedness, most will only enjoy the Panamints from the valley floor with the exception of those that enter or exit the park from the west on CA 190 which is an excellent road through, up and over the Panamints on its way to the Owens Valley and provides a excellent opportunities to view wildflowers throughout spring as it ranges through elevations from about sea level to about 5,000 feet (1524m).

When you travel to Death Valley from the LA area, consider entering by way of Trona (arm pit of the world) and the Panamint mountains. Use your map and head toward the "Charcoal Kilns" up on Wildrose mountain. Very cool! If you have time consider a hike up Wildrose Peak or Telescope Peak (if you're strong). If your tiers are good, also consider a side trip to the old mining town of Skidoo. Remember, its cooler up there so dress accordingly.

Well I entered the park through these mountains. I must admit I was not prepared for the twists and turns and the elevation the road took. Nothing in the guide book about this road....looked fairly straight on the map. But in the late afternoon the Valley colors we fantastic.

If you have the time, it's well worth the trip to drive through Death Valley national park. The desert scenery is spectacular enough, but when you see the mountain ranges, particularly the Panamint Mountains, the views are fascinating. I could barely watch the road, as your eyes are constantly drawn to the changing landscape. Beautiful!

They are very pretty and easily viewable from the main roads. No need to go off roading etc, but make sure to be looking for them as they are a nice site.

We took the drive from the sand dunes over the hills into the Panamint Valley. Probably the most beautiful scenery of our entire death valley trip!

I absolutely love Panamint Valley and it's mountains. Each year I attended PVD I'm in awe. I will continue to enjoy what the desert has to offer as long as I can.

The Panamint Range is actually taller than the well known range on the East side of the valley, but suffers neglect from tourists because there are not many paved access roads. If you have a high clearance vehicle, you can drive across the salt pan floor (on designated gravel tracks) from East to West and up some of the valleys in to the Panamint range. If you're going to do this, go in fall or spring, and get a good map. It's raw territory and a beautiful example of mother nature at her best.

If you are visiting the Panamint Mountains, I would highly recommend a hike up Wildrose Peak (elevation 9065,' vertical gain about 2200,' 8.4 miles roundtrip). The hike to the top of Wildrose Peak took me about 4 hours roundtrip. The views at the top of the peak of Badwater Basin the Telescope Peak were very beautiful. I would say the hike is moderate for the most part but there are a couple of places where the trail is a bit strenuous. The trailhead is right next to the Charcoal Kilns. If you like hiking, this is a trail you should enjoy.

Beautiful range. Some snow on the mountains when we were there. The lighting at dusk made them very beautiful. Take your camera!