Upper Titus Canyon – Death Valley National Park
Walk up a colorful desert canyon to a narrow canyon.
| Total Distance: 9.5 miles out & back | Elevation Gain: 2,435ft. (3,745ft. to 6,140ft.) |
| Difficulty: Very Strenuous | 5-10 Mile Difficulty: Very Strenuous |
| 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: No | Horses: Yes |
| Best Seasons: November-April | Special Permits: None |
| Water Availability: None | Overnight Options: Yes at least 2.0 miles from the Titus Canyon Road |
| Trailhead Amenities: None | Crowd Factor: Solitude |
| Trailhead Access: 1.5 | |
Uses:     | Trail Surface:     |
Features:    | Hazards:     |
Mile-by-Mile: Upper Titus Canyon Route
0.0 Unmarked Trailhead on the Titus Canyon Road (3,745ft.). The trailhead is a pulloff at the point where the Titus Canyon Road enters Titus Canyon. Head north up the drainage. (36.853166°, -117.066801°)
0.4 Wash split (3,914ft.). Take the right fork to continue north (turning left would be the route up Titus Peak). The wash is generally wide, but the walls are often colorful and interesting. You may need to occasionally scramble small dryfalls. (36.857897°, -117.068167°)
2.5 Slot canyon on right (4,957ft.). Turn right into the slot canyon if desired. This is the turn-around point for most hikers. (36.885349°, -117.066458°)
3.0 Wash split (5,217ft.). Take the right fork. (36.891967°, -117.067939°)
3.4 California/Nevada Boundary (5,440ft.). There may be no marker to indicate the boarder. (36.897834°, -117.068312°)
3.8 Wash split (5,639ft.). Take the right fork. (36.902870°, -117.069789°)
4.0 Wash split (5,764ft.). Take the right fork. (36.905657°, -117.067908°)
4.75 Wash split (6,140ft.). The official fork of Titus Canyon goes left; however, as the scenery doesn’t change much from here and the “canyon” is mostly just a streambed rising between hills, this guide stops here. (36.914190°, -117.073067°)
History & More
Titus Canyon was named for Morris Titus. In 1906, Morris and several other prospectors left Rhyolite to seek their fortunes in the Grapevine Mountains. While camped in Titus Canyon, water supplies ran low. Morris left for help and more supplies, but his fate is unknown. What we do know is that he did not return to the camp or to Rhyolite.
The walls of Titus Canyon are often striped, indicating many layers of time. This is especially interesting for those who love geology.
Download Trail Map
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Driving Directions
Drive the Titus Canyon Road to mile 16 from the Daylight Pass Road, where the road enters Titus Canyon. Park out of the way of traffic.
Camping in a canyon is discouraged due to the danger of flash floods.
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.
Camping is not allowed within one mile of a paved road, developed area, or dirt road that is closed to camping.
Camping is not permitted within 100 feet of a flowing stream, spring, or other natural body of open water.
No camping is permitted on the floor of Death Valley, within one mile of Darwin Falls and Greenwater Canyon, on the active/shifting sand dunes, and certain other canyons and backcountry areas.
Camping is also prohibited within one mile of the Ubehebe Lead Mine, Leadfield Mines, Keane Wonder Mill, and Skidoo Mill.
Camping is limited to 30 days per calendar year within the park.
Fires are permitted in NPS-provided fire grates or grills ONLY.
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.)
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