Daylight Peak – Death Valley National Park
Climb an unofficially named peak to the west of Daylight Pass to spectacular views.
| Total Distance: 2.0 miles out & back | Elevation Gain: 1,287ft. (4,321ft. to 5,502ft.) |
| Difficulty: Moderate | 0-5 Mile Difficulty: Strenuous |
| View Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars | Author’s Rating: 3.0 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: No | Horses: Yes |
| Best Seasons: November-April | Special Permits: None |
| Water Availability: No potable water | Overnight Options: None |
| Trailhead Amenities: None | Crowd Factor: Solitude |
| Trailhead Access: 0.6 | |
Uses:    | Trail Surface:    |
Features:   | Hazards:     |
Mile-by-Mile: Daylight Peak
0.0 Parking area in Daylight Pass along the Daylight Pass Road (4,321ft.). Head due west to find the old road to Daylight Spring. (36.788778°, -116.931968°)
0.25 More or less end of the road (4,436ft.). The spring is nearby. Turn left (south) and head south and west heading for a drainage that works its way up the peak to the west. (36.789130°, -116.936702°)
0.4 Drainage (4,529ft.). Turn right (west) and follow the drainage more or less up to the ridge below the peak. (36.787629°, -116.937707°)
0.9 Ridgeline (5,491ft.). Turn left (south) to walk along the ridgeline to the peak. It may be easier to walk just below the ridgeline if boulders obstruct the way. (36.787006°, -116.945445°)
1.0 Daylight Peak (5,502ft.). The peak is called “5510T” on topo maps. Enjoy spectacular views over Death Valley and the surrounding mountains. (36.785758°, -116.945305°)
History & More
The peaks on this side of Daylight Pass are in the Grapevine Mountains. Across the road to the south is the Funeral Mountains.
Early explorers of Death Valley found wild grapevines growing in the mountains and gave the range its name.
The tallest peak in the Grapevine Mountains is (not surprisingly) Grapevine Peak, reaching heights of 8,738ft.
Download Trail Map
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Driving Directions
Take the Daylight Pass Road (signed for Beatty) from Scotty’s Castle Road. At 6.7 miles, bear left to stay on the Daylight Pass Road. Keep climbing up to Daylight Pass, 6.2 miles later. The pass is also 13.1 miles southwest of Beatty, Nevada.
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.)