Goler Wash & Mengel Pass

Trail Overview

Made famous for the Barker Ranch which the Manson family took over for a brief time, this is a fun trail with a few obstacles leading into Death Valley National Park. You start by traveling up Goler Wash through a long canyon, passing by a mine and a cabin before reaching the Barker Ranch. Past the Ranch is Mengel Pass, where the trail starts to get more difficult with loose rock and off camber situations. After a descent into Butte Valley, there are a few more historical cabins, all of which can be camped at. While the trail starts open to all types of vehicles, only street legal vehicles may continue on the trail once it enters the National Park.

Photos of Goler Wash & Mengel Pass

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Difficulty

This trail has only a few difficult sections including a very rocky, off camber descent down Mengel Pass. This section is much easier going South to North.

History

Charles Manson is perhaps the most notorious mass murderer of all time. He and his 'Manson Family' accomplices were caught hiding out at the Barker Ranch in 1969. It was a major news event. A fire in 2009 destroyed the wooden part of the structure, but the stone portion of the house still remains. Don't miss this interesting side trip.

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