Desolation Canyon – Death Valley National Park

A short hike through a colorful desert canyon to views of Artist Drive and Badwater Flats. The canyon appears in the first 20 minutes of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Total Distance: 3.6 miles out & back Elevation Gain: 961ft. (-75ft. to 723ft.) Difficulty: Moderate 0-5 Mile Difficulty: Strenuous View Rating: Author’s […]

Badwater Road – Death Valley National Park

T he main access road for Badwater Basin as well as for other famous hikes, including Golden Canyon and Devils Golf Course, as well as access to the West Side Road. It runs between CA-190 south of Furnace Creek and the Jubilee Pass Road/north end of Harry Wade Road junction. Total Distance: 45.6 miles point […]

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: Rating: […]

Gower Gulch – Death Valley National Park

H ike and scramble up a desert canyon. The Gower Gulch route is usually combined with the Badlands Loop and Golden Canyon for a loop option. Total Distance: 6.4 miles out & back Elevation Gain: 1,094ft. (-186ft. to 590ft.) Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous 5+ Mile Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous View Rating: Author’s Rating: Visitor Rating: Visitor Difficulty […]

Red Cathedral – Death Valley National Park

A short hike up a desert canyon to red cliffs. Total Distance: 3.0 miles out & back Elevation Gain: 744ft. (-148ft. to 434ft.) Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous 0-5 Mile Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous View Rating: Author’s Rating: Visitor Rating: Visitor Difficulty Rating: Pets: No Horses: No Best Seasons: November-April Special Permits: None Water Availability: None Overnight Options: […]

Golden Canyon – Death Valley National Park

A pleasant walk up a desert canyon between yellow badlands. Total Distance: 4.2 miles out & back Elevation Gain: 1,193ft. (-148ft. to 486ft.) Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous 0-5 Mile Difficulty: Strenuous View Rating: Author’s Rating: Visitor Rating: Visitor Difficulty Rating: Pets: No Horses: No Best Seasons: November-April Special Permits: None Water Availability: None Overnight Options: None […]

Red Cathedral Canyon Crest – Death Valley National Park

F ollow a social trail along the rim of a hill with views down onto the Manly Beacon badlands, Red Cathedral, and Golden Canyon. Total Distance: 2.0-4.8 miles out & back Elevation Gain: 1,719ft. (539ft. to 932ft.) Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous 0-5 Mile Difficulty: Very Strenuous View Rating: Author’s Rating: Visitor Rating: Visitor Difficulty Rating: Pets: […]

Badlands Loop – Death Valley National Park

T ravel a trail in the badlands below Zabriskie Point. The trail is often used as a loop option and to access the Golden Canyon/Gower Gulch trail system. Total Distance: 2.7 mile lollipop loop Elevation Gain: 542ft. (650ft. to 289ft.) Difficulty: Moderate 5+ Mile Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous View Rating: Author’s Rating: Visitor Rating: Visitor Difficulty […]

Zabriskie Point Overlook – Death Valley National Park

S hort, paved path up to a spectacular viewpoint of Manly Beacon and Badwater Flats. The overlook is a favorite for sunrise and sunset photography. Total Distance: 0.3 miles out & back Elevation Gain: 106ft. (650ft. to 699ft.) Difficulty: Easy 5+ Mile Difficulty: Easy View Rating: Author’s Rating: Visitor Rating: Visitor Difficulty Rating: Pets: No […]