Death Valley National Park in Inyo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Padre Crowley Point
In Memory of the Padre of the Desert
| | Father John J. Crowley 1891-1940 | |
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 29, 2022
1. Padre Crowley Point Marker
From the snowey heights of the Sierras beyond the deep shadows of Death Valley, beloved and trusted by people of all faiths. He led them toward life's wider horizons. He passed this way.
Erected 1963 by Death Valley 49ers.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures.
Location. 36° 21.129′ N, 117° 33.02′ W. Marker is in Death Valley National Park, California, in Inyo County. It is on California Route 190 37 miles east of U.S. 395, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located at Father Crowley Overlook. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lone Pine CA 93545, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Star Wars Canyon (within shouting distance of this marker); Panamint Springs (approx. 4.7 miles away); Darwin (approx. 7.1 miles away); Lookout City (approx. 9.8 miles away); Joshua Tree (approx. 11 miles away).
Regarding Padre Crowley Point. On September 12, 1934 Father Crowley was the first priest to celebrate Mass on the top of Mt. Whitney on a portable altar outside the Smithsonian hut on the 14,495-foot peak. He was assisted
this page online
On Saturday March 16, 1940, Crowley attended the funeral of his friend, Sister Anna, in San Francisco. He then began driving back to Inyo County, intending to lead the 6:30AM mass in Death Valley the following morning.
At about 3AM, Crowley was driving north along California State Route 14 at Shurite Road near Inyokern when he hit a wandering steer and was deflected head-on into an oncoming truck. Crowley died instantly. He was 48 years old.
Photographed by Michael Kindig, November 10, 2013
2. Padre Crowley Point Marker
Photographed by Michael Kindig, November 10, 2013
3. Padre Crowley Point Marker
Before a sidewalk and paved parking lot were built.
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 29, 2022
4. Padre Crowley Point Marker
Paved parking lot and sidewalks were added due to the popularity of Star Wars Canyon. See Nearby Marker.
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 9, 2024
5. Padre Crowley Point Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 1,695 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 30, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3. submitted on March 25, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 4. submitted on March 30, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on February 15, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
