Approximate location — plotted from published sources, not a site visit, and not a guarantee of access.
Surprise Canyon Wilderness covers the western approach to the Panamint Mountains and shares its eastern boundary with Death Valley National Park. Elevations rise from about 1,000 to over 7,000 feet. Surprise Canyon Creek supports cottonwood-willow riparian woodland unusual in this desert. Vehicles stop at the wilderness boundary near former Chris Wicht Camp.