Snow and Knight Canyons Endangered Desert Legacy

Location: The Snow and Knight Canyons area is located in the Panamint Valley of the Mojave Desert, in Inyo County. The area is located about 20 miles north of the town of Trona. Osborne Canyon lies to the north and Trona Wildrose Road lies to the south and east. Nadeau National Recreation Trail lies to the west.

Management Agency: Bureau of Land Management, Ridgecrest Field Office

Description: This area is located within the Panamint Valley, an expansive internally-drained, closed basin that retains water and does not allow outflow to the ocean or other external body of water. Panamint Valley contains several ephemeral lakes that hold water after big rains. The area is nestled at the base of the dramatic Argus Range to the west; the Panamint Range can be seen to the east. Elevations range from about 1,100 feet to about 2,350 feet.

Wildlife and Plants: Species that make this area their home include the protected desert bighorn sheep (photo above), Death Valley sandpaper-plant (photo above), and golden eagle. Other typical desert wildlife that can be found here includes coyote, ground squirrels, rattlesnakes, and several species of lizards. Creosote bush scrub dot the landscape.

Activities: This area is frequented by nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, photographers, star gazers, hunters, and those interested in mining history. Rockhounds visit nearby mines to collect onyx. In the spring, wildflower viewers flock to this area. Campers enjoy staying at nearby Wildrose campground and visiting Wildrose Charcoal Kilns, in nearby Death Valley National Park. The Wildrose Charcoal Kilns were completed in 1877 by a mining company, to provide a source of fuel suitable for use in two nearby lead-silver mine smelters. The kilns are considered among the more remarkable historical-architectural features in Death Valley National Park.

Hikers, back packers and peak-baggers trek the nearby trails to Wildrose Peak and Telescope Peak, also within Death Valley National Park. Telescope Peak, with an elevation of 11,043 feet is the highest peak in Death Valley National Park. The newly designated Nadeau National Recreation Trail separates this area from the Argus Range Wilderness. The 28-mile trail is named for Remi Nadeau, a French Canadian pioneer who drove oxen-drawn wagons laden with silver from the mines in Cerro Gordo to Los Angeles.

Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan – California Wilderness Coalition Like us on facebook For more information contact: Linda Castro, 760.221.4895, [email protected] to get involved