20 Mule Team Scenic Drive – Death Valley National Park
F ollow the footsteps of the famous 20 Mule Team on this beautiful, unpaved, 2WD-friendly scenic drive through badlands and past old borax mines and Star Wars film sites.
| Total Distance: 2.75 miles point to point | Elevation Gain: 480ft. gain, 185ft. loss (860ft. to 1,230ft.) |
| Road Difficulty: 1.3 | Bicycle Difficulty: More Difficult |
| View Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars | Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Visitor Rating: (Click to rate) [Total: 0 Average: 0] | Visitor Difficulty Rating: (Click to rate) [Total: 0 Average: 0] |
| Pets: Yes | Horses: No |
| Best Seasons: October-May | Special Permits: None. Gate closes at dusk. |
| Water Availability: None | Overnight Options: None |
| Amenities: None | Crowd Factor: Moderate |
Uses:        | Road Surface:   |
Features:     | Hazards:     |
Mile-by-Mile: 20 Mule Team Scenic Drive
0.0 Entrance to the 20 Mule Team Scenic Drive (860ft.). Turn off of the main road onto the marked 20 Mule Team Scenic Drive (one-way traffic traveling west to east). The roadbed is gravel or wash; the tread is often groomed by the National Park Service to keep it open to 2WD vehicles. The road generally follows a wash as it passes through badland hills. Keep your eyes open for old borax mines (there are many) and the colorful cliffs to the south. Portions of Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi were filmed here in the early days of the national park. The area around Jabba the Hutt’s castle was in 20 Mule Team, as was the cave (actually an old borax mine) where Luke Skywalker finishes his light saber. (36.409644°, -116.794734°)
2.75 Exit the 20 Mule Team Scenic Drive (1,164ft.). (36.397922°, -116.770275°)
History & More
The 20 Mule Team followed several routes out of Death Valley, carrying borax from the mines and the refinery at the Harmony Borax Works out to the railroad depot in Mojave. It was a 20-day trip of 330 miles.
William Coleman, the owner of the Harmony Borax Company, hired a man named Ed Styles with a 12-mule team to transport borax out of Death Valley. As Ed was hitching up his mules one day, William Coleman asked Ed if he could add another 8 mules to the wagons. Ed agreed, and the 20 Mule Team was born.
Driving a 20 Mule Team required great skill. Teamsters used a 22ft. whip to make a “cracking” noise over the ornery animals. For the danger and difficulty of the journey over rough terrain, the teamsters were paid a handsome $4 per day.
The 20 Mule Team was frequently only an 18 Mule Team – with two horses making up the other two animals.
The area around Jabba the Hutt’s castle was in 20 Mule Team, as was the cave (actually an old borax mine) where Luke Skywalker finishes his lightsaber.
Download Road Map
Driving Directions
Take CA-190 east of Furnace Creek to the 20 Mule Team Scenic Drive, 24.2 miles west of Death Valley Junction and 1.1 miles east of Zabriskie Point.
Leave No Trace Principles are enforced
Drones and model aircrafts are prohibited
Camping is permitted only in designated sites or in areas open to dispersed backcountry camping
Click here for all park rules and regulations
12 Month Pass: $55/Death Valley Annual Pass (valid at Death Valley National Park). $80/America the Beautiful Annual Pass (valid at all national park and federal fee areas). $20/Annual Senior Pass (62 years or older US citizens; valid at all national park and federal fee areas). Free/4th Grade Pass (Valid Sept. 1-August 31 of the child’s 4th Grade school year). Free/Military Pass (valid for all active military personel and their dependents with a CAC Card or DD Form 1173).
Lifetime Pass: $80/Lifetime Senior Pass (62 years or older US citizens; valid at all national park and federal fee areas). Free/Access Pass (available to all US citizens with perminent disabilities). Free/Access for Veterans and Gold Star Families Pass (valid for all military and veterans with a CAC card, Veteran HJealth Identification Card, Veteran ID Card, or veteran’s designation on state-issued drivers license or identification card.)
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