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Heading to Death Valley to explore for a weekend or a week? Use my guide to indulge in the 14 best Death Valley hikes.
You’ll be gobsmacked by the topography, textures and colors while discovering all this mesmerizing United States National Park has to offer.
If you are only visiting for a few days, I’ve rank ordered my favorite Death Valley hikes, allowing you to easily prioritize. My Death Valley road trip travel guide is a great companion post to help you decide when to visit, what to pack, where to stay, eat and refuel.
TOP TIP: Hike in the early morning, just after sunrise, for easy parking, fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
I spent 10 days hiking Death Valley trails and photographing and felt completely safe as a sole female traveler. I encountered a few people on all but the Desolation Canyon and Willow Canyon hikes as these trails are less visited.
FUN FACT: Did you know that Death Valley is the largest United States National Park in the lower 48 states, encompassing 3.4 million acres?! 93% of the park is designated as Wilderness area.
1. Golden Canyon Gower Gulch Loop – my favorite Death Valley hike
- Round trip distance: 4.3 mi/6.9km
- Elevation gain: 850 ft/259m
- Access point: Golden Canyon trailhead 2 miles south of CA-190 on Badwater Road
- Restroom available in parking lot: Yes
- Best time for this Death Valley hike: Golden hour (1 hour after sunrise/1 hour before sunset)
Given the varied topography and views, this ranks as my favorite Death Valley hike. Slot canyons, badlands, sprawling vistas and the Red Cathedral detour option make this the most scenic and interesting hike in the park. It gives you a flavor for the myriad landscapes, textures, and colors you can find in Death Valley.
TOP TIP: Arrive here by 9am, especially on the weekends, as the lot only has spaces for ~20 cars. If the lot is full, plenty of parking on the road shoulder is available.
Some recommend opting for a counterclockwise hike. To do this, head into Gower Gulch first via the trail on your right rather than heading into Golden Canyon via the trail straight ahead.
However, if you fear heights like I do, I recommend opting for the clockwise hike. I find that I’m more comfortable going up steep areas than coming down them. That way, I concentrate on my feet while ascending rather than having to will my knees to stop shaking from fear while facing steep drop offs when descending.
Fortunately, for directionally challenged people like I, the trail is well marked with signage and white arrows.
Red Cathedral
One mile in, you’ll hit the junction for the Red Cathedral detour option, which people rave about. I’m bummed I skipped it and plan to visit next time. Be prepared for a little bit of rock scrambling to get to the best views at Red Cathedral.
If you skip Red Cathedral, the Golden Canyon Gower Gulch loop hike is 4.4 miles, which took me 2 hours and 20 minutes. I opted for a leisurely pace while carrying a 25-pound photo backpack, stopping for lots of pictures and enjoying a picnic lunch.
At the Red Cathedral junction, you’ll head into badlands and begin ascending towards Manly Beacon.
Manly Beacon
TOP TIP: Be sure to turn around and look behind you as you get close to Manly Beacon as the badland views are spectacular!
If it’s a super windy day, don’t do this Death Valley hike as the trail leading up to Manly is quite narrow and people have fallen from it.
Once you get to Manly Beacon, you can head to your right along a narrow ridgeline to soak in the views or down into Golden Canyon. Given my fear of heights, I opted for the wider path into Golden Canyon.
After descending, you’ll spot walls awash with vibrant ice cream sherbet colors, pink, turquoise and yellow. Given the other-worldly landscapes, I kept secretly hoping Baby Yoda would peek out and wiggle his ears.
In this area, you’ll encounter another junction for the Badlands loop. Personally, I recommend doing that as a separate hike from the Zabriskie Point trailhead.
TOP TIP: For the most vibrant colors, do the Golden Canyon Death Valley hike during golden hour. Harsh mid-day light mutes the colors.
2. Badlands Loop – a layered Death Valley hike
- Round trip distance: 2.7 mi/4.3km
- Elevation gain: 535 ft/163m
- Access point: Zabriskie Point on CA-190, 3.5 east of Badwater Road
- Restroom available in parking lot: Yes
- Best time for this Death Valley hike: Golden hour
While you can add this trail to the Golden Canyon-Gower Gulch loop, I recommend hiking here after witnessing sunrise at Zabriskie Point. Starting from the Zabriskie parking area at 730AM = no crowds, cooler temperatures and beautiful lighting. Despite meandering and stopping for lots of pictures, the loop took me only 1.5 hours.
TOP TIP: The best light at Zabriskie Point is blue hour (30 minutes before sunrise or after sunset).
If you want to experience sunrise with more solitude or photograph Manly Beacon from a closer vantage point, venture a short way on the Badlands loop for unique perspectives.
TOP TIP: I recommend following the sign for “Golden Canyon Trailhead” about 10 minutes into this Death Valley hike and opting for the counterclockwise loop. Doing this offers the best views and prettiest lighting conditions at the beginning of the hike, before the sun washes out the colors in the exquisitely carved badlands. You’ll immediately be treated to an impressive Manly Beacon close-up rather than experiencing it at the end of the hike.
TOP TIP: If you visit late in the day, I recommend dropping waypoints via the Gaia GPS app so that you can easily navigate back out as some of the trail markers are hard to see in low light. Find out more details about the Gaia app and its functionality in my Death Valley road trip travel guide.
3. Mosaic Canyon – a sculpted Death Valley hike
- Round trip distance: 4 mi/6.4km
- Elevation gain: 1200 ft/366m
- Access point: .25 mi/.4km west of Stovepipe Wells Village. Requires 2.5 mi/4km drive on a gravel road.
- Restroom available in parking lot: No
- Best time for this Death Valley hike: 12-4 PM
The gravel access road for the Mosaic Canyon Death Valley trailhead is doable in a sedan. I drove slowly and carefully navigated the larger rocks and ruts in my low clearance Prius. With room for 30 cars, I had no problem finding a parking spot.
Shortly after starting the hike, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Michelangelo’s studio with striated marble canyons, rubbed smooth by previous flash floods.
TOP TIP: While hiking through the slot areas, examine the details and mosaic bits (breccia) in the walls. You’ll be enamored with the designs you discover. Look closely and you might find shapes resembling an octopus or seahorse “swimming” through the marble like I did!
Personally, I find the elegant slot canyon in the first .5 mi/0.8km the most interesting and photogenic part of this Death Valley hike. Once you get past this, it’s wider and less interesting. After passing massive boulders scattered along the trail, you’ll encounter another seemingly impassable 20 foot Dryfall. Apparently, I missed the bypass, which I found out about later when a ranger gave me a map.
TOP TIP: Since you need to traverse both a three-foot scramble and a slippery smooth area, hiking boots with good tread are KEY! I swear by my Solomon hiking boots!
Sadly, three ladies ahead of me turned back after finding they couldn’t safely navigate the slippery surfaces in their open toed sandals.
Mid-day is a great time for the Mosaic Canyon hike as the high walls shade you and the direct sun overhead bathes the slot canyon walls in light, highlighting their beauty.
4. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – a challenging Death Valley hike
- Round trip distance: 2 mi/3.2km
- Elevation gain: 185 ft/56m
- Access point: In Stovepipe Wells 23 mi/39km west of Furnace Creek
- Restroom available in parking lot: Yes
- Best time for this Death Valley hike: Sunrise or Sunset
The Mesquite Flat sand dunes are a photographer’s dream at sunrise and sunset! Given the area’s expansiveness, you can opt to hike as far as you want.
My visit coincided with full moon rising, which is spectacular to witness as it emerges over the mountains.
TOP TIP: For fewer people and footprints, sunrise is best. If possible, avoid Saturdays, which are busy with day-trippers.
Walking in sand is taxing, often two steps forward and one step back. Many thrill seekers opt to climb up the tallest dunes and sandboard or roll down them.
TOP TIP: Wear gaiters over your hiking boots to keep sand out.
Despite shaking out my boots and socks, sand granules hid in crevices, sneaking out and causing friction. I developed a MASSIVE and PAINFUL blister under my big toe after hiking 25,000 steps the next day. Wearing gaiters for subsequent visits = no sand in my boots.
Since the sand retains and reflects heat, bring lots of water. In 3 hours, I consumed 50 ounces!
TOP TIP: Download the free Gaia GPS app before heading into the dunes. Drop a waypoint for your parking spot and start recording as you head out so you have a trail to follow back. If you head 1-2 miles into the dunes and return in the dark, it is very easy to get disoriented. A headlamp is KEY! My Death Valley road trip travel guide shows an example of the app’s waypoint, track and photo functionality.
It gets chilly FAST after sunset, so bring a down jacket, hat and light gloves if you are staying out later.
5. Willow Canyon – a Death Valley hike with a waterfall!
- Round trip distance: 5 mi/8km
- Elevation gain: 800 ft/244m
- Access point: Dirt road off of Badwater Road 31.4 miles south of CA-190 (set your odometer as the road is unmarked)
- Restroom available in parking lot: No
- Best time for this Death Valley hike: Golden hour
I’m grateful a park ranger recommended this hike to me. If you are in a low clearance vehicle that might have trouble traversing Darwin Falls’ washboard conditions, this is the perfect alternative!
TOP TIP: The waterfall is seasonal. February & March are ideal. Often, no water is flowing in December & January.
Finding waterfalls in the driest place in North America is delightful and unexpected!
Heading through the wash (gravel rocks) the first mile is unremarkable. If time permits, explore some of the slot canyons snaking off the trail. Soon after, you’ll encounter a small stream with tiny waterfalls. Pause and listen to the relaxing and cathartic sounds.
Boost yourself up onto a large boulder that has been securely wedged and continue on the trail. Not to worry-this is totally doable for me at 5’2! You’ll be rewarded with a two-tier 50-foot waterfall at the end of the trail. If you are really lucky, you might even encounter Bighorn sheep that come here to drink.
TOP TIP: Since trail markers are non-existent on this hike and the trailhead can be hard to find, stop by the Furnace Creek Visitor Center or Stovepipe Wells Village ranger station to get the map for this hike and Sidewinder. Both Death Valley hiking trails depart from the same lot. Willow to the north (left) and Sidewinder to the south (right).
Alternatively, you can also use the All Trails app for this Death Valley hike. Since there is no cellular access, you need the paid version so you can download the offline map. My hiking partner used Gaia GPS to create a route for us as his paid version of Gaia had the topographical map.
6. Sidewinder Canyon – a rock scrambling Death Valley hike
- Round trip distance: 4 mi/6.43km
- Elevation gain: 1580 ft/482m
- Access point: Dirt road off of Badwater Road 31.4 miles south of CA-190 (set your odometer as the road is unmarked)
- Restroom available in parking lot: No
- Best time for this Death Valley hike: Mid-day. This is one of the few “shaded” hikes as a result of the slot canyons
If you are game for hiking nine miles, you can combine this with the Willow Canyon hike as they leave from the same lot. This hike starts from the parking lot’s southern end (right side).
TOP TIP: Bring a headlamp as some areas are very narrow, making it difficult for light to penetrate. If you are claustrophobic, you might want to skip this Death Valley hike as the walls may be only a few feet wide in some areas.
The slots start a mile into the hike. People recommend skipping the first slot and exploring the second and third slots.
TOP TIP: Since this hike requires some scrambling, wear hiking boots with good tread.
SAFETY TIP: Since these slots were created by flash floods, make sure to check the weather forecast before heading out on this hike.
7. Ubehebe Crater Loop – a volcanic Death Valley hike
- Round trip distance: 1.5 mi/2.4km
- Elevation gain: 500 ft/152m
- Access point: 57 miles from Furnace Creek
- Restroom available in parking lot: No
- Best time for this Death Valley hike: Late afternoon so you can watch sunset over the crater
I had NO idea a huge volcanic crater existed in Death Valley National park! If you don’t want to hike, you can view the Ubehebe Crater from the parking area. However, I highly recommend you opt for the hike.
TOP TIP: Be aware that the initial hill is steep and narrow, which might test those who suffer from fear of heights as I do. Consider hiking poles for additional peace of mind/stability. I didn’t have mine for the hike, but would have brought them in hindsight.
While I concentrated on my feet going up, I had ZERO desire to go back down the same way once I realized just how steep it is. Fortunately, the rest of the trail is much wider and it’s a loop so you don’t have to come down that same way.
Throughout the loop trail, you’ll encounter myriad shapes, colors and striations as a result of lava flows, a smaller crater and potentially wild flowers. Another complete surprise in an area you fully expect to be barren. Be sure to scan 360 degrees around you as the vistas are truly breathtaking.
Since it’s a 1.25 hour drive from the Inn at Death Valley, leave yourself ample time to hike and photograph for a few hours before sunset.
8. Desolation Canyon – a hidden Death Valley hike
- Round trip distance: 3.6 mi/5.8km
- Elevation gain: 600 ft/183m
- Access point: Small unpaved and unmarked road 3.7 mi/6km south of CA-190 on Badwater Road
- Restroom available in parking lot: No
- Best time for this Death Valley hike: Late afternoon so you can be up above Artist Palette during golden hour
I learned of this hike while listening to a podcast. Since Artist Palette can get quite busy, this is a great alternative to immerse in the colors in the area without the crowds. We didn’t see anyone else on this trail.
A short way into the hike you’ll encounter a small section with bleached mud tiles, which are a cool natural phenomenon to both see and photograph.
Be aware you’ll encounter a 10-foot scramble, which can be difficult to surmount if you have shorter legs like I do or a larger backpack.
TOP TIP: Keep in mind you’ll have to climb back down this scramble, so it’s best to do this hike with another person so you can assist one another.
9. Zabriskie Point -an easy Death Valley hike
- Round trip distance: .8 mile on a paved trail
- Elevation gain: 50 ft/15m
- Access point: Zabriskie Point on CA-190, 3.5 east of Badwater Road
- Restroom available in parking lot: Yes
- Best time for this Death Valley hike: Blue hour
This is the shortest and easiest Death Valley hike and rewards you with expansive views. Mid-day light bleaches the beautiful badlands colors, which is why I recommend coming shortly before sunrise or sunset. You’ll see yellows, purples and pinks undulating through the hills beneath you.
TOP TIP: I highly recommend doing the Badlands Loop trail that leaves from the Zabriskie Point parking lot immediately after checking out this viewpoint. Personally, I preferred the intimate views on the loop trail rather than those seen from the Zabriskie Point viewing area.
You can also opt to go sit down below the main Zabriskie viewpoint. Be aware it can be SUPER windy. I wore long underwear, a down jacket, windbreaker, gloves and hat and still got chilly. While photographing, my heart skipped a beat as I saw someone valiantly save her tripod as the winds almost blew it off the overlook beneath me.
TOP TIP: Hold on to your hats and tripods if you don’t want them to be blown away. During my 10-day visit, this was the windiest and coldest place in the park for sunrise.
10. Dante’s View Trail – see Badwater basin from above
- Round trip distance: 2.0 mi/3.2km
- Elevation gain: 223 ft/67m
- Access point: 25 miles/40 minutes from Furnace Creek via CA-190 and Furnace Creek Wash Road
- Restroom available in parking lot: Yes
- Best time for this Death Valley hike: Golden hour
Dante’s View provides a spectacular vantage point to see Badwater Basin’s polygons from above. You can also admire the Panamint Range, including Telescope Peak, the highest mountaintop in Death Valley National Park. From the parking area, you can head up the steeper trail to the right for a bird’s eye view or down the trail to the left.
TOP TIP: It can get quite cold and windy so make sure you wear layers.
Be aware that the windy 12-mile road to reach Dante’s View is sometimes closed due to rain and snow, especially in December/January, so be sure to check that before making the drive.
11. Badwater Salt Flat -the lowest Death Valley hike
- Round trip distance: 1.8 mi/2.9km
- Elevation gain: None – completely flat
- Access point: Badwater Road 17 miles/27km south of Furnace Creek
- Restroom available in parking lot: Yes
- Best time for this Death Valley hike: Golden hour
Exploring Badwater Salt Flat, the lowest point in North America, 282 feet (86m) below sea level, is not to be missed!
TOP TIP: Please be super careful and don’t step on the fragile edges/ridges within Badwater Salt Flat.
If you are an early riser, this is a beautiful place for sunrise as there are fewer crowds. Bring a headlamp to safely navigate the fragile terrain in the dark.
Since this is a short and flat hike, you can opt for Willow Canyon and/or Sidewinder Canyon as they are only another 14 min/27 miles (43 km) south on Badwater Road.
12. Fall Canyon
- Round trip distance: 6 mi/9.6km
- Elevation gain: 2460 ft/752m
- Access point: 56 miles from Furnace Creek. Access via Titus Canyon Road.
- Restroom available in parking lot: Yes
- Best time for this Death Valley hike: Golden hour
After a few rangers recommended this one to me, I was super keen to do it. However, navigating the 2.7 mi/4.3 km unpaved, washboard section of Titus Canyon Road in my low clearance Prius didn’t seem prudent, so I’m saving this one until I return next year!
TOP TIP: If you attempt any of these unpaved roads in a low clearance vehicle, make sure you have a full-sized spare tire and know how to change a flat tire. Cellular service isn’t available to contact AAA. And, typically AAA won’t leave pavement to tow a car or change a tire.
This is another trail where you might encounter Big Horn sheep if you are lucky! You will be walking on loose gravel rock, so hiking boots make it easier and more comfortable.
13. Darwin Falls Death Valley
- Round trip distance: 2 mi/3.2km
- Elevation gain: 450 ft/137m
- Access point: 59 miles west of Furnace Creek
- Restroom available in parking lot: Yes
- Best time for this Death Valley hike: Since this is a shady hike, it is a good mid-day hiking option
Given my love of waterfalls, I was really excited to see another unexpected waterfall in the desert. However, after talking with rangers, I decided against it in my low clearance car.
Be prepared for a couple stream crossings and climbing over a few slippery boulders at the end. I plan to do this trail next year when I return with a 4×4.
14. Artist’s Palette Hike – a vibrantly colored hike
- Round trip distance: .8 mi/1.2km
- Elevation gain: 118 ft/35m
- Access point: 8.5 miles (13.7km) south of CA-190 on Badwater Road
- Restroom available in parking lot: Yes
- Best time for this Death Valley hike: Golden hour
While driving the 9-mile Artist’s Drive, you’ll encounter a few different viewpoints where you can admire the vibrant sherbet colors resulting from volcanic ash and minerals.
TOP TIP: Skip the first parking lot and continue on to Artist’s Palette parking lot and hike in here. Or, pull off on the side of the road and explore the hills at your leisure.
After finding it very busy with crowds when I visited mid-day on the weekend, I returned for an early AM visit on a weekday and enjoyed my experience much more with fewer crowds and more favorable light.
The turquoise vibrancy is striking. I loved admiring all the tiny rock shards that had broken off along the way.
I hope this list of my favorite Death Valley hikes has helped you prioritize for your visit. I’d love to hear which ones you are most excited about or ending up doing in the comments below.
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Awesome post and photos! I never thought Death Valley was so scenic! Will definitely add Death Valley and these hikes to the ever-growing destination list.
Thanks so much! Before visiting, I had no idea how scenic it is either! I found myself surprised and delighted by the variety of colors and textures you see while hiking in the park. I loved it so much that I plan to return again next year!
What an incredible resource for hikes! I appreciate the tips for planning purposes and enjoyed the fun facts and photos also.
Thanks Allie! Since I went to Death Valley on a relatively spontaneous trip without much planning, I had no idea which hikes to do or how the roads to access them might be. I thought I’d summarize all that I learned to make planning as easy as possible for others. So glad you enjoy the fun facts and photography too!
Beautiful views and breathtaking scenery!! I am always amazed at how your photography captures scenes of the natural world. Great tips – can’t wait to see in person!!
Thanks Mark! Since my decision to visit Death Valley was very last minute, I didn’t have a lot of time to research and had no idea how much the park has to offer. I found myself enamored by each new hike and location I visited. This is definitely a great spring or winter family trip. Avoid the summer as it’s too hot!
Awesome write-up for one of my favorite parks! I *love* Golden Canyon and the Red Cathedral. And no matter how many times you go to Death Valley (and I think that’s 5 times now for me), there’s always something more to see, isn’t there — I actually had no idea about Willow Canyon’s waterfall so thank you for that recommendation, I will have to go there next time! (I hope you do get back for Darwin Falls on your next trip, though. That place is really special!)
Thanks so much Deb! You know firsthand what a special place it is!! So glad to hear you love Golden Canyon too. Definitely my favorite. I can’t wait to return and explore again next year as I feel like I just scratched the surface this year. Willow Canyon was a wonderful suggestion by a ranger! So glad you’ll visit there next time. I plan to rent a 4*4 next year to get to Darwin Falls. I didn’t want to risk a flat tire or getting stuck on that road since I was traveling independently and am not well versed in changing a tire 🙂
Well this was humbling. I considered myself to be a decently informed hiker but I had no idea Death Valley had this much to offer. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge, I need to make it a priority to cross some of these off the list.
Right?I I had no idea how much Death Valley had to offer prior to visiting. I think many, like me, assume that it’s a flat, desert terrain without a lot of variety. I hope you can get there for a visit soon. The hikes and views are stupendous!
Thank you for an amazing blog post. I honestly did not think Death Valley was even a place you could visit. Now it is definitely a destination I want to add to my bucket-list. Who knew there were so many amazing hikes, fun sand dunes and beautiful views from every direction.
Kavita, I had NO idea how much the park had to offer until I visited. I loved it so much that I’m planning to return again next year as I feel like I just scratched the surface. I never imagined that a desert location would host such variety and beauty. I highly recommend planning this as a spring or winter visit!
Great and informative post! Can’t wait to start planning my trip. Good to know it felt safe as a solo female. I assume no cell service out there? Also, thanks for including bathroom info as that’s important to know!!!
Feeling safe as a solo female is incredibly important to me! Yep, cell service is very limited so it’s important to have hard copy maps or offline maps downloaded. And, be mindful of not going onto certain roads without a 4×4 as the risk of a flat tire is real and there is no way to summon help to change it. You don’t need cell service for the free Gaia GPS app I mentioned, which gave me lots of confidence navigating back in tricky areas. Given how much water you need to drink to stay hydrated in the desert, restrooms are an important consideration! I was impressed with how many were available at various trailheads.
I am very surprised by the diversity , amazing rock formations and colors. The name gives a boring impression but your post makes Death Valley alive. Would love to explore with my family !
I was too! I expected Death Valley to be more desolate and bland and became enamored with the variety within the landscapes all all the colors and textures. I hope you and your family get to visit and explore someday soon!