Barker Ranch Fire
NEWS FLASH – Goler Canyon, Sourdough Spring area: southwestern DVNP
From our ever-resourceful roving reporter David A. Wright, comes this controversial information about a long-time favorite destination for regional desert rats:
The infamous Barker Ranch – scene of solitude, escape and eventual capture of 1960s counter-culturist and mass murderer Charles Manson – was severely damaged in a fire sometime between May 1 and May 5, 2009.
The fire appears to have mainly affected the wooden portions of the cabin, which include the upper walls, rafters and roof. The majority of the cabin was of concrete and stone construction. The fire doesn’t appear to have been too hot, as the cook stove – wedged between two wooden cabinets – appears undamaged though the cabinets have burned.
No origin or cause is yet known – if intentionally set or simply an accident.
Photos of the damage are found at Panamint Valley.com.
The rest of the Death Valley themed forums will likely have their own intense buzz now that word is out.
_________
Editor’s Note:
To read a short news release from the Associated Press about this recent fire, please click HERE.
To read the Los Angeles Times review, written by Julie Cart, please click HERE.
To contact Terry Baldino, the Public Information Officer for Death Valley National Park, please call directly during normal business hours at: 1-760-786-3279. He will have the most up-to-date information.
* * * * *
This ranch was reportedly built by a retired police officer, and later sold to some folks named Barker. It sits in a peaceful location, far removed from the hubbub of humanity, and would be known to hardly anyone, but for the occupants of the late 1960s, called the Manson family. The Barker Ranch was the site for the arrests of this infamous “family” over the course of three raids by law enforcement authorities from Los Angeles and Inyo Counties.
A recent surge in criminal investigation of the area has occurred (after many long years of complete oblivion), and one report in April 2008 from an acquaintance reveals that the dirt road to this ranch was blocked off by a sheriff’s deputy, and no one was allowed access, except for law enforcement officials. Apparently they are using dogs trained to sniff out bodies to locate potential victims from the late sixties who may still be buried out here. The Panamint Mountains certainly have seen their share of bizarre history over the years!
For those who can successfully navigate questionable, and sometimes hazardous, dirt backroads, time can be spent here, along with the current residents (rabbits, packrats, mice, lizards, snakes, and birds). Barker Ranch is only reached by a high clearance 4wd vehicle, on 23 miles of dirt roads, with 4wd always necessary. Recent weather will determine whether less experienced drivers can make this trip.
Hello,
Is there any new news of rebuilding the Ranch House. I have been inquiring on different web site with really no feed back.
Can you steer me in the right direction.
Thank you
Vince
July 26, 2009 at 8:12 am
Sorry if i would have opened my eyes i would have seen the number for Terry Baldino. I will give him a call.
Thank you
Vince
July 26, 2009 at 8:14 am
Howdy Vince,
I apologize for the delayed response. Yes, calling Terry would be the best avenue to learn the latest. None of us desert rats on the DVJ appear to have been out there in recent weeks, so we know about as much as you do. When you learn something, please post a follow-up comment here for all to read. Thanks!
Steve
July 26, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Steve
My brother in law and I made it back out to Barker Ranch, on the 7th of Aug. The place is a little worse, there are Danger signs posted, the roof has pretty much either fallen in or has blown off. There is damage to the concrete walls by the kitchen windows next to the back door and most of the walls to the storage/garage have fallen. At the front porch the concrete has fallen from the windows. and the roof is covering most of the porch. I am going back out shortly with my brother in law and we are going to start to clean the place up.
pile up the rocks sweep up the ash etc. The tin on the roof can be removed to make the place safer and the re-usable materials can be stacked and put out of the way. I just wanted to let you know the Ranch stills has some potential. Also there is some fresh fruit growing on the road to the Ranch and at the Ranch itself, We also got to enjoy seeing Donkeys, birds, a lot of lizards, and a small Coyote in the area of Newmans cabin and Keystone mine. There is also a lot of growth in the area of the wash, not much water but a lot of growth since we were there in May. Thanks
Vince
August 12, 2009 at 4:27 pm
I plan on going to Barker Ranch in October but I can’t find directions to get there can anyone tell me how to get there, I was told you can’t directly drive up there anymore.
August 18, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Tamara,
Hi, Vince here.
If you are going to travel in from the Ballerat side up Golar Wash you will need a 4 x 4 to cross (2) sections of the road that are very rocky. The rest of the drive in is bumpy but fairly easy to travel over. I was just there on 8-7-09 and the road has changed a little. I noticed more rocks have fallen and landed in the middle of the road and the trees have grown quit a bit. Take a large pair of clippers and a saw with you there is a short sections of trees you will be going thru and they like mirrors, etc. If you are planning on coming in from the Mangle pass side you will really need a extra couple of hours and a 4 x 4 to pass a very bad rock area, it can be done but it will take some time. from the Ballerat side you will follow the sign from the little store at the Ghost Town of Ballerat ( take some time to meet the owner Rock Novack and his Dad they are full of stories and have cold drinks. The sign outside the store will lead you to an old trash can that reads Golar Wash 1.4 miles ahead full of bullet holes. Keep to the right of the can and it will take you directly over Golar Wash and the rocky areas. As you are climbing you will come to a sign post that reads New mans cabin check it out pretty nice area full of trees and such There is a sign in book. The sign will also read Golar Wash, Keep following the road up the hill ( Golor Wash) and you will come to a clearing that is known as Keystone mines. you will see up ahead and to the right some old mine shaft, camper trailers ahead of you and farther up on your left you will see an old Allison-Chambers tractor continue ahead watching for a post that is missing the sign there are actually (2) sign post missing the signs) take the road to the left at each sign and follow it up the wash in October you should see water running down the middle of the road and if you keep looking to your left you will see an old bathtub in the brush, should be full of clean spring water. Continue on up the hill and you will come to a Death Valley sign. take a left down thru the wash and follow that to the right, you will drive aprox, 150 to 200 feet and to you right you will see a grove of trees. Someone put rocks across the road very small rocks. This is where you may need the clippers for the trees. Fallow the road through the trees and in 5 minutes you will see what is left of the Ranch on the left side of the road. Now if you are coming in from the top of Mangle pass keep going forward it is a few miles up and down and then finally you will come to the area with the trees they will be on your left side. Once you pass the trees the Ranch is 5 minutes away. I hope this helps My brother in law and I spent 5 hours going up all the dead ends to find the Ranch. When you leave the Ranch take a few minutes to check out each of the road to the right heading back towards the trees, they are both within 500 feet of the Ranch House. One is a can dump with an old army truck sunk in the dessert sand and the other is a car, truck, jeep, trash dump very interesting. Tamara I hope this isn’t to confusing. Have fun and if you can let me know how your trip is. it’s a great area to visit. Vince
August 18, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Hey Vince,
I finally drove out the Barker Ranch on Aug 22nd of this year, too bad it burned down earlier in the year. Real cool drive out there, I had a rented Jeep and the road wasn’t too bad. My rear tires slipped a little on the first set of falls but I got through. The trees have really grown over the road to the ranch, the branches brushed against both sides of the jeep.
I wanted to find the junkyard of jeeps and cars but didn’t have any idea of where it was located. Can you describe a little more of how to find it when driving away from the ranch?
Do you turn off to the right before heading out through the tunnel of overgrowth tree limbs?
I’m planning on going back out for the Spring Fling event in Panamint Springs and would like to go back and explore Goler some more.
Thanks!
Dave
September 11, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Dave,
Glad to hear you made the trip, I cant wait to go back out and just trip around the area, we are going back in October. Did you get any photos of your trip ? I would like to see them. I have a lot of photos of before and after the fire to share but i don’t know how to post them. I will get some help on posting so i can share.
The junk yard is real close to the ranch when you drive out the gate it is to the right before you get to the tree area. Keep looking and you will find it. There is nothing but junk but it is a cool place to hang your hat and think about all the stories the old cars could tell if they could talk. Take care and maybe we will cross paths for the spring event.
Vince
September 11, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Vince,
I need to put all my photos online as well. I finally got them organized and re-sized for the web, now I need to find a page for them.
Thanks for the info. We must have just missed it since we parked outside the gate then drove to the right of the gate when leaving the area. Can you drive right to it or park and hike?
Yeah perhaps I’ll see ya in the spring, it looks like it’s a pretty cool weekend. Not sure if I’ll be able to take the rental on the runs hopefully I can hook up with somebody and tag along in their jeep.
Have a good one!
Dave
September 26, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Dave, you can do either drive or hike. I plan on hiking the whole area when i go back in October. I have to be careful due to health reason, but i am not going to let that stop me. I am very interested in the History of Barker, and Myers ranches, and the mines in the area. I wish more folks would reply with there story’s i enjoy reading them. Take care and keep in touch hopefully one day we will cross paths. Vince
September 27, 2009 at 6:42 pm
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Hi. We would very much like to travel to Barker Ranch, we are doing a road trip in Sept 2010, leaving from Ontario Canada in a Kia Rondo.
Does anyone know approximately how close we can get to the ranch driving the Rondo and approximately how long it would take us to walk the rest of the way?
Thanks,
Laura
June 15, 2010 at 6:15 pm
Laura,
I am glad to see someone is interested, as you can see there are not to many post on Barker Ranch anymore since the fire last May. You should be able to drive all the way up to the ranch once you get past a few rough spots while traveling up Golar wash. Just take your time and you will have a great adventure. The area is full of history. have fun.
Vince
June 15, 2010 at 7:08 pm
We took another trip out to Barker ranch from August 6th to August 9th 2010, it was very hot just at 109 and down to about 75 at night. We had a great time up at the ranch, no one is sites the entire time very quite and peaceful. The only living creatures that would come out were some of the birds and the ants, we didn’t even see any Burros. The ranch is in good shape for what is left but the water line was just a drip. can anyone steer me in the right direction to get permission to go onto the next property. We would like to trace the water line and make the needed repair to get more water over to the Barker trees, We would be thankful for any information, We do not want to see the trees go without the needed water. Please advise.
Thank you
Vince
August 11, 2010 at 5:24 pm
hi i would really like to go see the ranch i dont know how to get there from ridgecrest…how did the ranch burn down anyways??
October 16, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Good Luck!
We were there a month ago today! We drove from Toronto Canada.
It took us forever to find it.
Coming in from Ridgecrest, I would definetly stop in at Ballarat and talk to Rock (or Bill who is from Ridgecrest and is in Ballarat sometimes) even with their helpful directions it’s a challenge. It’s still worth going to AND in the building that is still in tact there is a note book where everyone is writting their thoughts.
We rented a Farabee Jeep to get to the ranch and we are VERY happy that we did.
Give yourself lots of time and have fun!
Laura
October 18, 2010 at 1:03 pm
i am wondering how close you can get to the ranch driving a car, close enough to park it and hike in? i’d have no problem hiking a few miles, or maybe even mountain biking. or would it be a much better idea to rent a jeep? and can you camp out there overnight? thx, B.D.
March 13, 2011 at 8:13 pm
Hi baddy,
Hiking in is a really cool way to go if you have an aviation radio with you in case of emergency’s and the time to spend hiking that far. From the mouth of the canyon its close to 10 miles into the ranch. Renting a Jeep is probably the best way to go you will be able to carry all your provisions/gear and be able to trip around a little faster and also be able to see more in a shorter period of time. Depending on when you go you need to take into consideration the weather I have been there in both hot and cold and it gets hot and cold.
There are a lot of cool places to hang your hat in the area. We camp at Barker Ranch each time we go out and it has always been a trip to just hang out and take in the scenery. If and when you go have a great trip.
Vince
March 14, 2011 at 1:26 pm
Wow its been 6 months since my last visit to this site and I was surprised to see no one has commented. Does anyone have any new story’s to share about Barker Ranch or the surrounding area. I will be going back out in October and this time it’s looks like I will be flying solo, my Desert Rat co-hort wont be able to make the trip. Any new news would be good to hear. Thank you Vince
September 12, 2011 at 4:40 pm
My partner and I took a trip from Britain to see Barker Ranch in Sept. 2011. We hired a 4×4 and asked one of the guys working at the tourist info centre at Furnace Creek for directions. We were told to go in from the Ballerat end, which we did, but unfortunately when we reached the mouth of the canyon we found it impossible to cross the first rocky area. We had to turn back as the gent from the tourist centre told us that the other route was no longer possible as it was too rocky! It must have been bad if he thought we stood a chance with the route we did take.
October 14, 2011 at 5:03 am
PJ The falls can be a tricky climb but both ways in can be traveled with a little time and some thoughtful rock placement. Hopefully you will be able to return one day and make the trip up and see what is left of Barker ranch. Once you get up in the area there are some very nice places to take photos and just hang out and enjoy the quite.
Vince
October 14, 2011 at 9:05 am
Hello,
I have been reading a lot on The Barker Ranch, as far as peoples own experience with the traveling there. And, I’m slightly nervous after reading some of it.
My boyfriend and I are renting a 4×4 from either Hertz or Enterprise… unfortuently, I can’t find anywhere that specifically rents out jeeps… so, they’re saying we could get an F150 or Dodge Ram. Now, either of us drivers have any experience with 4×4 driving really… I mean, driving on dirt/sandy roads and uphill is one thing… but based on some photos and what people are saying, do you think we could make it? Is it really THAT rocky?
It’s a 5ish hour drive… so I really need to make up my mind if I should even attempt the drive to the ranch.
Any advice/knowledge shared would be appreciated.
Thanks!
-Bonnie
December 21, 2011 at 8:14 pm
Bonnie and boyfriend If you are traveling thru the ghost town of Ballarat make sure you stop in and see Rock he is a very interesting cuss and can let you know the road conditions as they change with the seasons. There is one spot that you may need to park the truck/jeep (shorter the wheel base the better) and set rocks to help fill some of the areas so you can climb up and over. Once up and over its a great bumpy ride and well worth the effort. Make sure you have water and extra fuel and provision to spend the night ? you will love all the stars. Have a great trip and take lots of pictures so you can share.
Vince
December 21, 2011 at 8:43 pm
Hey Vince,
I appreciate the words.
Let’s say I end up with a Ford F150, do you think that would make it, and on a rental that I of course don’t want to damage…?
December 22, 2011 at 9:49 pm
Bonnie The F150 will do well as long as you take your time and be careful. I take a Jeep wrangler and take my time setting/moving rocks in the areas I need to and to get over the wash. having to get out and move rocks around are just a part of the trip and you get to see the area from a different angle, make sure to take lots of pictures of who ever is assigned rock patrol. All kidding aside you should do fine just make sure to have your tools, water, spare tires we take (2) a shovel and couple of 2×4 strips of carpet to lay under the tires for add traction if needed. Have a great trip.
Vince
December 23, 2011 at 9:01 am
Hey Bonnie …. you may also want to rent a jeep from Farabee’s they are across the street from Furnace Creek. We rented one is Sept 2010 to get to Barker and we are coming back again in March and have reserved one for our stay in Death Valley. This way if you rent from Farabee you don’t have to lie about off roading and if it gets little scratches on it, it’s no big deal. It’s 175.00 for a two door per day and I think it’s 200.00 for a four door. For us the cost buys us peace of mind and allows for some great adventure!
Whatever you decide, have a great time!
Laura
December 23, 2011 at 4:58 pm
Does anyone know the locations of the “Helter Skelter” truck? And how far it is from Barkers Ranch? Also I wonder bout the old school bus. Is it still around? I saw pictures on this website http://www.maddlabs.com/adventureware/cmbus.htm
but heard on a documentary that the bus was taken to a nearby mine and blown to pieces. Anyone who´s been there who can help out?
Many thanx
January 23, 2012 at 7:25 pm
Hi, the Helter Skelter truck is to the left of the ranch — you can’t see it from the ranch but if you park where the wooden entrance to the ranch is and don’t enter the ranch area, walk to the left — it is either seconds or a minute from there that you will see a rough ‘road’ on the right, walk up there and you will find all kinds of stuff — the truck, old dune buggy parts, gas tanks, the heating broiler that used to be in Barker Ranch, matress springs etc.
January 25, 2012 at 7:03 pm
Jay
Glad to see someone is interested.
Unfortunately what is left of the “Helter Skelter” truck is located up the road from the wooden Porta Potty just at the fence line behind the Bunk House. The only thing left of the truck is the cab, front fenders and frame. It has been being dismantled for some reason I guess treasure hunters ? The doors were on it but are now missing. Laura is correct there is a lot to see in the surrounding areas you just have to trip around and take your time. If you go out have a good trip it is a great place to hang your hat for a while, and the stars at night are incredible.
January 26, 2012 at 6:57 am
Thanx alot for the help! Really appreciate it :)
You guys have any info but the bus?
Many thanx
January 27, 2012 at 12:22 am
Jay
I have read the same story and have been told that some minors removed the bus and destroyed it. The rumor mill has also said the bus was taken into Trona and was in a junk yard. I have been to every junk yard I could find in the area and no one has any idea of the bus ever being removed from Golar Wash. I know there have been photos posted on the web of a bus that was the Familys but if you look really close there are to many differences. Life Magazine onthe cover in 69 shows the Family bus, Bobby B’s Dodge power wagon, and a blue long bed Chevy step side. I have trying to find out for years who the blue Chevy stepside belonged to but have had no luck. What is left of the Chevy is in what is called the junk yard just up the trail from Baker Ranch. so if you know of any information on the Chevy please let me know. Thank you and if I can help with other questions I will do my best.
January 27, 2012 at 7:22 am
Thanx alot Vince! You got some really cool info! :)
The plan is to make the trip from Europe so all info is highly appreciated!
January 27, 2012 at 11:20 pm
Jay
What part of Europe do you hail from, and when do you plan on making the trip.
Look up The Ghost town of Ballerat , CA. If you come into the Panimint range from HWY 178 you will come into Ballerat, you need to stop at the old Jones cafe, not a cafe any longer just a pit stop for beer, water, and some good stories, just look for the building with double front door and an old Piano on the porch. You will meet a colorful chap name Rocky Novak, plan on spending some time and sitting with him and his dog Pot-licker, Rock, can fill you in on a lot of history surrounding the area and he has some great old photo’s on the walls, you just have to brush off the dust to see them. I always make it a point to stop in and say hello and to hear a new story or two.
January 28, 2012 at 9:07 pm
Hailing from Stockholm, Sweden :)
Not sure yet when to do the trip, but trying to collect as much info as possible.
I guess it depends on weather conditions etc but how long is the drive more or less from Ballarat?
January 29, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Jay
From Ballarat your looking under 30 miles depending on how many dead ends you take before you will see the gate at The Thomason/Barker Ranch
Its a great trip up into the Canyons and there is a lot to see. old Mines and equipment are scattered every so often. I have been going for years now and each time I go I notice new things. It also depends on day or night. I have spent many nights in the area and it is a whole different world at night. I cant explain it you have to check it out. Hopefully you will have enough time to see everything you want. What I do is make notes on things I have read about and use them to remind myself of what I want to see or places I want to set up camp. I don’t know if you have read about the Trona Pinnicle’s you can scope them out on the web. Also make a note to ask Rock, about the burn out place he will give you directions and the view from there is spectacular you will not want to miss the pictures you will be able to take of your co-exploers and yourslef its about a 7 mile trip form the Old Jones Cafe. Vince
January 29, 2012 at 5:41 pm
Awesome info Vince! :)
Wow then I guess its a few hours each way on those “roads”
Is Myers Ranch anythign to see or is it private property? Isn´t Mansons oldtruck in Ballarat as well? Sorry for all the questions, but it´s some great info u got :)
January 29, 2012 at 7:42 pm
Jay No problem I have been reading about this case since 1969, my Mom would hide the local news papers from me. anyway yes the M truck is still at Ballerat, and yes Myers ranch is gated off and is posted no trespassing. but if you climb up one of the hills you can see a little of it. I have always wanted to see it up close but have respected the owners wishes. One day I will meet them and hopefully be granted a few minutes to peek around. Keep me posted on your plans and if I can help in anyway I will.
Vince
January 30, 2012 at 7:48 am
Vince
Have you seen the documentary “The Six Degrees Of Helter Skelter” ? A very interesting docu which shows all the locations in the Manson history. In one part of it when they are going to Barker ranch they are talking bout the bus. “A woman who name´s Stella who owned the property above the mountain of the the Barker ranch hired some local miners to cut the bus into pieces. it got toed down to Golar Wash and cut up directly across the mine shaft in golar wash” They do find lots of metal pieces and say the floods have covered much of it. What do u think? :)
If you haven´t seen the docu its a must :)
-Jay
February 5, 2012 at 6:53 pm
Jay there is a web site (truth on Tate Labianca) take a few minutes look this up it is the best research site I have found. I think it is a better platform to ask questions and to get information regarding these issues. Please understand with all do respect, the folks on this site I feel they frown on this subject and would rather see more about the dessert and surrounding areas talked about and discussed here. Please go to the site mentioned and I will find you there.
Vince
February 6, 2012 at 7:58 am
hi there.im going on my honey moon in june to calafornia and las vegas. very interested in going to see the manson ranch while we’re over there. can anyone please give me some advice on how to get there from either la or vegas coz we’re gona be in both places so which one would be easier to leave from? and does anyone know of any very good directions to the manson ranch that are posted online anywhere? ive been researching it for awhile now and not coming up with much
thanks for oyur help.
Phil.
February 11, 2012 at 8:47 am
Phil
First thing congratulations on your upcoming event
Look up directions to The Ghost town of Ballarat, CA. It is off of California Highway 178. approx, 3 to 4 hour drive from L.A. depending on traffic and road conditions June may be a little warm as well. but anytime is a good time when your in the land of sand and rock.
Map out how to get to Ballarat, once you get to the ghost town you will see a building that was once called the Jones Cafe, on the left with double wooden door and a piano on the porch, the caretaker Rocky Novack is a colorful old boy and he can give you the best direction up into the canyon and to the ranch, I have spent many hours with Rock, and his dog Pot licker shooting the breeze and he has helped me many times in the past, a five spot always help out as well. Have a great time the area is a great place to hang out and just trip around. also asked Rock about the old green truck parked out front. Vince
February 11, 2012 at 5:46 pm
hi vince.
thanks for your reply and your congrats. thats great on the directions that you gave me. is that guy rocky the best way to find out yeah?heard about him on a few different websites so he must be pretty well known.is there mush left of the ranch to see or is it just kinda piles of stuff scattered around? what do the road conditions usually be like because ive red that you defo need a jeep with 4 wheel drive which is grand but because im renting a car over there i will prob have to settle with something like your jeep grand cherokee or the ford escape which we wont have over in ireland. wud they be sufficient in your opinion or would we need something a bit more off road capable like the toyota landcruiser.
thanks phil.
February 12, 2012 at 9:32 am
Jay / co-pilot
I think its great your found a Lady that wants to visit parts of Death Valley on your Honeymoon.
Rocky is a great guy and has some good stories, you just need to prod him a little like an old Burro, just kidding. about the road conditions there are a few spots you will for sure need a 4×4 they rent Jeep wranglers at a place called Farabee’s by Furnace Creek, you can look them up on the net for scheduling and cost. What is left of the ranch you can see on youtube. but you need to visit it to see it in person, I spend the night there a few times a year in different weather conditions and it is always a trip, I always sleep with one eye open Ha Ha, you will find the area a great place to take photos, eat lunch and just think about all you have read just make sure you take the time to travel some of the roads you will pass on your way to the Ranch, make a list of what you want to see so you can remember, you can use google maps to get a arial view, start at Ballarat and follow the road up through the Golar wash canyon to Newmans mine, Keystone mine, and on to the Thomason/Barker Ranch, and Myers Ranch with your cursor, this will take a little while to do but you will get a great idea of the area, from the air it looks like there are a lot of cliffs, but the road is actually the bottom of the canyons, also make sure you have extra water, fuel, food, a flash light, a spare tire, and a first aid kit just is case. I am getting the itch to go.
Vince
February 12, 2012 at 4:25 pm
Jay
Since you are going to be in the LA area, you should also look up Spahns Movie Ranch theres really nothing there except the creek, but it has some great areas to take photos.
Vince
February 12, 2012 at 4:29 pm
Vince
Thanx for the info bout that forum. I will sign up and write to you there if u prefer. Just give me your username :) A visit to Spahn ranch is on the agenda as well I´ve looked up all the info i can bout the spahn ranch, life magazine cave, and all the other places in the area. Have u been there? Many thanx again for all your info Vince. Really appreciated
February 13, 2012 at 7:18 pm
Jay user name is Vince, and yes I have been to almost every site there is to be known.
I look forward to talking more on the other forum I just think it is more appropriate there.
I will look for you soon.
Vince
February 13, 2012 at 8:07 pm