Willow Spring (Titus Canyon) – Death Valley National Park
Follow a wash to a remote spring in the eastern portion of Death Valley National Park.
| Total Distance: 3.4 miles out & back | Elevation Gain: 608ft. (4,603ft. to 4,822ft.) |
| Difficulty: Moderate | 0-5 Mile Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous |
| View Rating: 2.0 out of 5.0 stars | Author’s Rating: 1.0 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: 1.5 | |
Uses:    | Trail Surface:    |
Features:   | Hazards:   |
Mile-by-Mile: Willow Spring
0.6 Unmarked Trailhead on the Titus Canyon Road (4,607ft.). Drop south or east into the wash, then follow the wash as it works its way south and west. The area is brushy; you’ll probably want long pants for this hike. (36.828129°, -116.975539°)
0.4 Turn east and south (left) (4,682ft.). Follow the wash as it turns south up along the hills. After about 0.4 miles, the wash direction will shift to the southeast. You’re climbing at this point and will continue to climb for another tenth of a mile or a little more. Then the grade begins its descent. (36.824208°, -116.978673°)
1.4 Leave wash (4,621ft.). After the wash begins to head east and a bit north, turn right (south) out of the wash. Walk cross-country, uphill, and generally south toward the left side of the mountains to the southwest. As you rise over a hill, you should see the spring. (36.815683°, -116.967859°)
1.7 Willow Spring (4,761ft.). Enjoy the area respectfully. Note that camping is not permitted in the area and especially not near the spring. (36.812563°, -116.967168°)
History & More
Water sources like Willow Spring were vital to miners and settlers. They’re also frequented by animals who rely on the water for survival. Respect the spring and the surrounding area – though if you take an early morning or late evening walk, you might see some interesting wildlife.
Realize that this is not the same Willow Spring as feeds the waterfall in Willow Canyon further south in the Black Mountains. That spring is accessed via the Gold Valley Road, not the Titus Canyon Road.
Download Trail Map
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Driving Directions
Take the Titus Canyon Road 7.9 miles from the beginning of the road on the Daylight Pass Road (approximately 1.9 miles after the road turns to enter the Grapevine Mountains). Park along the side of the road. Note that there is no designated parking area, so be sure to park out of the way of other vehicles without driving off of the road.
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.)