Surprise Canyon Access

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Posted by Collideascope on January 12, 2004 at 22:12:41:

I'm wondering about access to Surprise Canyon. How far does the road penetrate the Wilderness? I know as of 2001 Surprise Canyon (the actual canyon itself) is closed to vehicles, though the Surprise Canyon Wilderness (BLM-administered and extending west ~1 mile beyond the canyon and into the fan) is actually bisected by a narrow non-Wilderness zone, and that the trailhead, as it were, is about 5 miles from Panamint City and 3.4 miles beyond Wingate Road (and the western boundary of the Wilderness). This 3.4-mile spur is listed as 2WD high-clearance so far as I can tell.

Question - how far might I penetrate in a normal-clearance Sedan?

I'm considering a trek to Panamint City, Panamint Pass, Hungry Bill's Ranch, then either returning or continuing on to Porter Peak and completing the loop.

Just curious ... my vehicle is a Bonneville, but since it has 350,000 miles on it I'm not overly concerned about dinging it up and am willing to take certain reasonable risks with it. Needless to say, I don't wish to drive anywhere that I'm sure to get hung up.

Your thoughts will be appreciated ...

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