Dirt Road: Mustard Canyon Scenic Drive – Death Valley National Park
One-way 2WD dirt road that passes through colorful yellow hills.
| Total Distance: 1.5 miles point to point | Elevation Gain: 174ft. up, 90ft. down (-256ft. to -147ft.) |
| Road Difficulty: 1.2 (2WD dirt road) | Bicycle Difficulty: Easy |
| View Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0 stars | Author’s Rating: 2.0 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: Leashed | Horses: No |
| Best Seasons: October-May | Special Permits: None |
| Water Availability: None | Overnight Options: None |
| Amenities: None | Crowd Factor: Moderate |
Uses:        | Road surface:   |
Features:     | Hazards:     |
Mile-by-Mile: Mustard Canyon Scenic Drive
0.0 Harmony Borax Works/Mustard Canyon Access Road on CA-190 (-232ft.). Turn west, following the sign for Mustard Canyon. A historic marker for the Harmony Borax Works is nearby. (36.480014°, -116.869445)
0.2 Harmony Borax Works Parking Area on left (-240ft.). This is the end of the two-way road; the rest of the scenic drive is one-way. Continue straight off of the pavement onto the dirt road. Pass by the ruins of the settlement of Harmony on the right. (36.480260°, -116.872749°)
0.9 Enter Mustard Canyon (-248ft.). The road begins an uphill climb through the canyon. Unlike many other canyons in the park, this one is mostly within low-lying hills with yellow walls. Exit the canyon about mile 1.2. (36.488010°, -116.879109°)
1.5 End of Mustard Canyon Road at CA-190 (-148ft.). This is the end of the one-way road. Turn right to go to Furnace Creek or left toward Stovepipe Wells and the northern part of the park. (36.488501°, -116.868820°)
History & More
Mustard Canyon was used as the location for the Jawa hideouts in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.
Mustard Canyon is likely named for the yellow tint to the walls of the canyon. Because the canyon wiggles its way through low-lying badland hills, the walls never get too high.
Mustard Canyon is part of a larger wash that brings water out of the Funeral Mountains and down into Cottonwood Basin. The basin is about 270ft. below sea level.
The road may be closed at times if the canyon floor is damaged by storms.
It’s probable that we drove the road on our first trip to Death Valley in 2001, but I don’t recall doing so. If we did it, we weren’t terribly impressed. I returned in late 2023 and decided that the name is much more interesting than the reality. So my basic thoughts are 1) if you visit the Harmony Borax Works, you might as well do the scenic drive, as well, and 2) it’s a good little adventure if you’re trying to stay inside of your air conditioned vehicle while exploring Death Valley.
Download Trail Map
Coming soon!
Driving Directions
Along CA-190, 1.3 miles north of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center and 9.5 miles south of the Beatty Cutoff Road.
Remember, it may be easier to climb up dryfalls than down them (or vice versa). Be sure you can climb in the other direction before climbing up or down a dryfall.
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
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.)