Towne Pass Route

Overview

Another hiking option for reaching the summit of Panamint Butte, albeit with considerable extra elevation gain along the way. This route also allows you to visit Towne Benchmark (AKA "Towne Peak") and some other high points along the way.

Since it begins at about 4956' elevation, this might be a good option in warmer weather. However, I would not recommend this or any route in hot weather. I've driven through the Park during a summer hot spell, and at Towne Pass my vehicle reported an outside temperature of 100+ F.

The main photo for this page shows an example of the terrain along the way between Towne Pass and Towne Peak.

Getting There

Starting/ending point is at Towne Pass on Highway 190. This is accessible to all vehicles, which might be another reason to choose this route over the others! There's plenty of space to park at the pass.

Route Description

I have not personally done this route, so here's a report with a GPX: Click here

Essential Gear

Trekking poles are recommended.

Links

Death Valley NP Backcountry Map:  https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/upload/508-Backcountry-and-Wilderness-Access-map_.pdf

Death Valley NP Alerts & Conditions:  https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Death Valley NP on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/DeathValleyNPS 

[Death Valley Road Conditions on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeathValleyRoadConditions   Apparently no longer updated]