I had tried to hike Argus Mountain 5 days previous, but I underestimated how much snow this low peak had received from the recent storms. I turned back without the summit when I realized I’d be descending after dark with minimal clothing. Round 2 I was still knee deep for a good portion of the mountain but the views were well worth it. The following day I hiked Surprise Canyon to Panamint City on the edge of Death Valley National Park – a super fun hike with sections of narrows and flowing water that you have to walk through. I spent that night at the Trona Pinnacles and explored the otherworldly area the next morning before heading back to SoCal…