Goler Canyon Road is a 10.9 mile lightly trafficked point-to-point trail located near Trona, California that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for camping and scenic driving and is best used from November until March.
Death Valley National Park charges a fee to enter. Fees are $30 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $55. Many interesting mines and cabins to see, including Charles Manson Hideout Camp nearby in the ghost town of Ballarat. Along the trail, see mines and outstanding Adopt-a-Cabins including Barker Ranch, once the hideout of serial killer Charles Manson and his gang. Other cabins include Russel Camp (a local favorite) and the Geologist's Cabin, popular because it is very tight and clean. The other cabins are mice infested and are posted with danger signs explaining the deadly Hantavirus, which is spread by inhaling dust from mice droppings. Most of this trail is easy to moderate. Only one short stretch over Mengel Pass is difficult. Under normal circumstances, high-clearance 4x4 SUVs can reach this point without a problem. Those with skid plates should also be able to get over Mengel Pass but some caution must be taken to avoid undercarriage damage. Some rock stacking may be necessary. In addition, there is always the possibility that a flash flood through Goler Wash could make it more difficult. This trail is extremely remote. Street-legal vehicles only inside Death Valley National Park.
For information on this route and possible closures, contact the BLM in Barstow at (760) 252-6000. For park portion, contact Death Valley National Park at (760) 786-3200 or go to ww.nps.gov/deva.
Make sure your gas tank is full and carry plenty of water. Not recommended in the summer. Dangerously hot. Always carry lots of water and sun protection, including full-cover clothing.
Goler Canyon is over an hour from Trona, so I don't think I would say it's "near" Trona. Also, the Barker Ranch main house has burned down, so I don't know if you can still see the kitchen sink that Charlie hid under. We drove down Goler Wash, in the rain, I think in 2004. Because of the water gushing in spots, it was a little hairy. A skidplate is essential. Also a spotter can help you get over those nasty boulders. All in all, a fantastic trip.