Manly Peak & Anvil Benchmark – Death Valley National Park
Scramble up a peak with quite a bit of prominence with views over Butte Valley and much more.
| Total Distance: 5.6 miles out & back | Elevation Gain: 3,479ft. (4,390ft. to 7,129ft.) |
| Difficulty: Very Strenuous | 5-10 Mile Difficulty: Very Strenuous |
| View Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars | Author’s Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Visitor Rating: (Click to rate) [Total: 0 Average: 0] | Visitor Difficulty Rating: (Click to rate) [Total: 0 Average: 0] |
| Pets: No | Horses: Yes |
| Best Seasons: October-May | Special Permits: None |
| Water Availability: No potable water | Overnight Options: Dispersed camping permitted at least 100 feet from any water source |
| Trailhead Amenities: Small cabin at trailhead | Crowd Factor: Solitude |
| Trailhead Access: 2.0 to 3.0 | |
Uses:     | Trail Surface:       |
Features:    | Hazards:      |
Mile-by-Mile: Death Valley Buttes
0.0 Russell Cabin (4,406ft.). From the cabin, head south and a little west to the end of the road to pick up a social trail that heads up to a saddle at the end of a very obvious canyon. (35.913451°, -117.088664°)
0.5 Saddle (5,059ft.).Turn right (north) to begin ascending the ridgeline. The ridgeline travels north and then swings west and south before arriving at Manly Peak. It passes beside or over several false summits. At first, the ascent is mostly on loose sand, but then the slope becomes littered with boulders. While you can boulder-hop (or dodge around them), you can also skirt most of the boulders via a sandy slope on the right side of the ridgeline. Manly Peak is often visible as the highest peak to the left. Just before reaching Manly Peak, you’ll pass by a boulder-ish false summit. (35.908091°, -117.094886°)
2.5 Approximately below Manly Peak Summit (7,113ft.). The ascent of the summit block is a Class 3 or Class 4 scramble or chimney up a slanting rock face. It can be done without a rope if you’re in good condition and used to free climbing, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart (and you’re a long way from civilization if you become injured). From here or the summit block, views stretch in all directions, especially down on Butte Valley to the northeast, Anvil Canyon to the east, Coyote Canyon to the south, and Panamint Valley to the west. To continue to Anvil Benchmark, continue down the ridgeline toward the next peak. (35.915074°, -117.116909°)
2.8 Anvil Benchmark (7,083ft.). Enjoy views similar to those from Manly Peak. Retrace your steps to return to the trailhead. (35.912139°, -117.118691°)
History & More
The loose sand on the tread of this hike makes it more difficult than other hikes in the region. The boulders are also an interesting diversion but may pose obstacles.
The entire route of this hike is off-trail. Be ready to bushwack slightly through the sparse tree cover on top of the ridge.
People camp somewhat frequently at Russell Camp. If people are staying there, use courtesy and as much privacy as possible given the conditions.
I’d guess that Manly Peak is named after William Manly. At the age of 29, Manly moved from his native state of Vermont to fill his thirst for gold fever as one of the ‘49ers. He tried to float the Green River to the Colorado River, but eventually native guides took him and the others with him overland. He then set out with other families and ‘49ers to cross Death Valley. The group became stranded, so Manly and another traveler, John Haney Rogers (of Roger’s Peak), walked 250 miles across the Mojave Desert almost to Los Angeles to find a route out. The two were able to buy supplies and return to lead the party to safety.
Download Trail Map
Driving Directions
Trailhead is at Russell Cabin (Russell Camp) near the Warm Spring Canyon Road in Butte Valley.
Camping is not permitted within 100 feet of a flowing stream, spring, or other natural body of open water.
No camping is permitted on the floor of Death Valley, within one mile of Darwin Falls and Greenwater Canyon, on the active/shifting sand dunes, and certain other canyons and backcountry areas.
Camping is also prohibited within one mile of the Ubehebe Lead Mine, Leadfield Mines, Keane Wonder Mill, and Skidoo Mill.
Camping is limited to 30 days per calendar year within the park.
Fires are permitted in NPS-provided fire grates or grills ONLY.
Leave No Trace Principles are enforced
Drones and model aircrafts are prohibited
Camping is permitted only in designated sites or in areas open to dispersed backcountry camping
All park rules and regulations
12 Month Pass: $55/Death Valley Annual Pass (valid at Death Valley National Park). $80/America the Beautiful Annual Pass (valid at all national park and federal fee areas). $20/Annual Senior Pass (62 years or older US citizens; valid at all national park and federal fee areas). Free/4th Grade Pass (Valid Sept. 1-August 31 of the child’s 4th Grade school year). Free/Military Pass (valid for all active military personel and their dependents with a CAC Card or DD Form 1173).
Lifetime Pass: $80/Lifetime Senior Pass (62 years or older US citizens; valid at all national park and federal fee areas). Free/Access Pass (available to all US citizens with perminent disabilities). Free/Access for Veterans and Gold Star Families Pass (valid for all military and veterans with a CAC card, Veteran HJealth Identification Card, Veteran ID Card, or veteran’s designation on state-issued drivers license or identification card.)