Panamint Butte

Overview

This is the massive looking peak on the NE side of Panamint Valley. It's huge stripes are impressive and hint at an interesting Geologic past. 

All the routes are interesting and make for a challenging day. The summit itself is somewhat anticlimatic being rather flat at the top - after all, it is a butte. But the views all around you more than make up for that.

Getting There

For the western and "Rockslide" routes, take the Lake Hill Road north from Highway 190 in Panamint Valley. The turnoff is about two miles east of the junction with Panamint Valley Road. Drive to the parking area for the Panamint Dunes. Here, the road curves northeast toward the mountains and the Big Four Mine.

The road soon gets rougher, then very rough, and a high clearance 4WD will be needed to get very far. When I climbed the western route, I played it safe and simply parked at the Dunes parking area and hiked from there.

This road reaches the Wilderness boundary around 36.4309,-117.3999. There may or may not be a sign or barrier here.

For the Towne Pass route, take Highway 190 to the top of Towne Pass and park. This is the pass between Death Valley proper and Panamint Valley

For the Lemoigne Canyon route, see the directions on the page for that route.

Red Tape

These routes lie within Death Valley National Park. So an entrance fee applies. Also, no ATV's, etc. are allowed on the dirt roads.

When To Climb

The cooler months of the year are recommended. The peak can accumulate snow in the winter.  Summer is inadvisable as it would be very hot.

Camping

Informal camp sites are available along the Lake Hill Road (approach for the west side and "Rockslide" routes) and the Lemoigne Canyon Road. Current regulations require you to drive at least one mile up either road before camping.