Father Crowley Vista Point
Panamint Springs, CA
A viewpoint on SR-190 above Rainbow Canyon and the Panamint Valley, where military jets sometimes train low through the canyon. A short gravel spur leads to the rim; lava flows line the canyon walls.
Father Crowley Vista Point lies west of Panamint Springs on Highway 190 and looks into Rainbow Canyon, a colorfully striped gorge created by ancient volcanic activity, with Panamint Valley below. The viewpoint is named for Father John J. Crowley, a Catholic priest who served the parishes of Inyo County in the 1930s and was known as “The Desert Padre.” The canyon lies within the R-2508 military airspace complex, which the military has used since the 1930s.
An unpaved road of about 400 m (a quarter mile) leads from the parking area to Padre Point, which overlooks Panamint Valley. Visitors used to come to see military jets flying low through the gorge (“Star Wars Canyon”); after a crash in 2019, training flights through the canyon ended (as of October 2026, per the NPS page). So do not count on seeing jets. It is very hot here in summer; fall to spring is more pleasant.
- Nearest town
- Panamint Springs, CA
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 36.3557, -117.5660
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May, September and December. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Panamint Springs Resort Camping & RVCampsite6 mi from Father Crowley Vista Point · 32 pitchesTentsCaravansWi-Fi
- BivakMotorhome stopover8 mi from Father Crowley Vista PointMotorhomes
- Lake Olancha RV Park & CampgroundMotorhome stopover25 mi from Father Crowley Vista PointMotorhomes
- Olancha ResortCampsite25 mi from Father Crowley Vista PointCaravansElectricity
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Father Crowley Vista Point?
Father Crowley Vista Point is in Panamint Springs, CA, at GPS 36.3557, -117.5660. It is about 29 mi from Stovepipe Wells.
Can you camp near Father Crowley Vista Point?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Panamint Springs Resort Camping & RV, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 4 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Father Crowley Vista Point?
Father Crowley Vista Point is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Death Valley in depth: Dante’s View to Ubehebe Crater.
What is there to see near Father Crowley Vista Point?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mosaic Canyon (28 mi), Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (30 mi), Alabama Hills (36 mi) and Golden Canyon (40 mi).
When is the best time to visit Father Crowley Vista Point?
The most pleasant months are usually April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May, September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)