Surprise Canyon Wilderness

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Surprise Canyon Wilderness

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) was established by former President Harry S. Truman in 1946 to maintain and protect U.S. public lands. Today, the BLM manages millions of acres of public lands across the U.S. to preserve them and provide access to the public. Camping on BLM lands is usually free, but some campgrounds charge small fees. Dispersed camping is allowed within the Surprise Canyon Wilderness Area in California, but motorized vehicles are not. There are several nearby RV campgrounds that you can find by searching "BLM camping near me." The Surprise Canyon Wilderness Area bounds the western edge of Death Valley National Park and comprises the rugged, rocky peaks of the Panamint Mountains interspersed with slot canyons. The area derives its name from Surprise Canyon Creek, which is a creek that runs through Surprise Canyon and forms a series of waterfalls along the canyon's walls. The creek is a welcome surprise to visitors of the desert region and runs from the Panamint Mountains. The Surprise Creek Wilderness Area provides great hiking, backpacking, and sightseeing opportunities along with access to Panamint City, an old mining ghost town located in the mountains at the end of a rigorous hiking trail.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Surprise Canyon Trail to Panamint City and Sentinel Peak

Surprise Canyon Trail offers a challenge to hikers wanting to explore Surprise Canyon with an elevation gain of 4,650 feet. A portion of the trail requires you to walk through the creek, so bringing water boots is a must. There are a few sites along the way suitable for overnight camping in tents, and the trail leads to Panamint City, a former silver mining ghost town in the mountains. After visiting Panamint City, you can hike a further 5 miles round trip to reach Sentinel Peak for breathtaking views of the Panamint Valley. Dogs are not allowed on Surprise Canyon Trail, so leave your pet at home. Length: 12.5 miles Intensity: Hard

Pleasant Canyon OHV Loop Trail

The Pleasant Canyon OHV Loop Trail is located near Trona, California and features scenic views and steep drop-offs. The route is dotted with mines, and there are cabins available to use for free on private lands owned by the C.R. Briggs Corporation. Length: 26.1 miles Intensity: Hard

Fishing and Boating

Fishing is allowed in Surprise Canyon Wilderness Area under state laws. Surprise Creek doesn't provide boating opportunities because of its numerous waterfalls, shallow depths, and steep gradient.

Climbing

Sentinel Peak

After following the Surprise Canyon Trail to Panamint City, you can camp overnight in a cabin or outdoors in a tent. From there, you can continue on to Sentinel Peak, which will require an arduous climb after following the mining road to Wyoming Mine. Once the mining road ends, you can climb south up to the peak by following the ridge.

Porter Peak

You can reach the summit of Porter Peak after climbing Sentinel Peak. There is a saddle-like land bridge between the two mountains. The journey requires an initial steep descent from the summit of Sentinel Peak to reach the land bridge to Porter Peak.

Wildlife Viewing

Surprise Canyon Wilderness Area is home to desert bighorn sheep, more than 70 bird species, lizards, frogs, and more. While hiking along the Surprise Canyon Trail, you may see some of this wildlife along the way.

Picnicking

Visitors can picnic and rest at the cabins provided by the C.R. Briggs Corporation. These cabins are free to visitors on a first-come, first-serve basis. The most well-stocked cabin is the Briggs Station Cabin, which sometimes has running water from a series of pipes that connect to Surprise Creek. There are no provided grills, but camp stoves are allowed.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Motorized vehicles are not allowed inside the Surprise Canyon Wilderness Area, so there are no Bureau of Land Management campgrounds within the wilderness boundaries that can accommodate RV camping. However, there are a few nearby RV campground sites in Death Valley. Wildrose Campground is a primitive campground with 23 sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Several of the sites are large enough to accommodate RVs, but there are no dump stations, hook-ups, or potable water. RV camping at this campground is available at no charge. Panamint Springs Resort is another option for RV camping within easy distance of the Surprise Canyon Wilderness Area. It offers six full-hookup RV sites for a fee of $60 per night and 26 dry RV camping sites without hookups for $30 per night. The hookup sites have sewer, water, and electricity hookups. All sites have firepits, and most also have picnic tables.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available throughout the wilderness area since dispersed camping is allowed. Campers can't stay for more than 15 days at one site and must adhere to leave no trace guidelines when they leave. Many backpackers choose to camp at the Chris Wicht Camp, which is a former mining camp. This site offers no facilities, but primitive camping is allowed.

RV Rentals Near Surprise Canyon Wilderness Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Surprise Canyon Wilderness BLM trip

Here's what to know when planning your trip to Surprise Canyon Wilderness Area:

Bring plenty of water and food to carry in. There are no stores selling food or water.
Bring water boots for walking in Surprise Canyon Creek and some hiking shoes to change into once you get out of the wet areas.
Campfires are not allowed, but you can bring a camp stove to cook with inside the wilderness area.
Temperatures can soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, so bring light clothing when planning to hike during the warmer months.
During the winter months, you might expect to encounter snow at higher elevations. Check the weather conditions during your intended stay, and pack accordingly.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

When BLM RV camping near Surprise Canyon Wilderness, it's imperative to clean up your area and properly dispose of all waste. The Surprise Canyon Wilderness Area is home to numerous protected animal and plant species and areas of historical and cultural significance. Pack and carry all trash away with you when you leave, and use a camp shovel to bury and dispose of any human waste. Avoid disturbing wildlife, picking vegetation, or doing anything else to disrespect the natural area.

Surprise Canyon Wilderness Location

To get to Surprise Canyon Wilderness from Ridgecrest, California, take SR 178 through Panamint Valley to Indian Ranch Road. Surprise Canyon Wilderness is approximately 56 miles to the northeast of Ridgecrest. Latitude/Longitude: 36.124391, -117.201976 Ready to visit Surprise Canyon Wilderness Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.