Death Valley National Park hiking guide
Surprise Canyon hiking route
A 10.6-mile out-and-back with 3,680 ft of climbing in Wildrose Charcoal Kilns, rated difficult.
Key facts
- Length
- 10.6 mi (17.0 km)
- Elevation gain
- 3,680 ft (1,123 m)
- Route type
- Out and back
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Area
- Wildrose Charcoal Kilns
- Highest point
- 6,316 ft
- Lowest point
- 2,633 ft
About Surprise Canyon hiking route
This wet canyon follows the remnants of an old jeep road washed out in the 1980s, so it is now a hike on foot. Expect some rock scrambling, with springs and water along the way and mountain scenery rising around you. Bighorn sheep live in the area, and the ghost town of Panamint City makes a rewarding goal.
Route map
This route was checked by Parka editors.
