Barker Ranch is off of Goler Wash in Death Valley. It was built in the late 1930’s and used in the 1940’s as part of a small mining operation. It was self-sustainable with electricity provided by a windmill and a water source from a nearby spring. However, it’s most famous (infamous?) for being the hideout of Charles Manson and the Manson family. This is a very remote and hard to find location, so it’s easy to see how the Manson family was able to evade capture for so long. It wasn’t until they started a large fire, including tires, that they were finally found and captured. If it wasn’t for the columns of black smoke, who knows if they ever would’ve been found.
Please click on the images below:
I was up there circa 2010. Came over from Lone Pine via Ballarat. Wingate Rd full of ruts and parts of Goler Wash Rd a little tricky. The Barker cabin was in decent condition. One could set up cots inside & sleep. There was a broom inside, a table with a “log book” and a handwritten note asking people to help with a little upkeep. Stove, tables, vanity etc. Even a box spring & mattress.
I greatly enjoyed sitting in a metal chair (cemented in) above the place. Complete silence & peace. Never experienced such a quiet place. Nice.
Walked down to Myers’s Ranch. It had a fence around it & appeared to be getting some use. Unfortunately someone decided to torch the place. Foolishness but not surprising.