Death Valley Hikes: An Adventure Through the Heat and Beyond

Death Valley National Park is one of the most extreme landscapes on Earth. Known for its blistering summer temperatures, vast salt flats, and surreal rock formations, it’s a place where the forces of nature are on full display. But don’t let the name fool you—there’s much more to this desert than meets the eye! For hikers, Death Valley offers a surprisingly rich diversity of trails, each one taking you through otherworldly terrain that seems frozen in time. In this guide, we’ll dive into some of the most stunning and unique hikes in Death Valley, perfect for adventurers seeking to explore this unique landscape in all its beauty.

Why Hike in Death Valley?

You might wonder, why would anyone want to hike in one of the hottest places on Earth? The answer is simple: the beauty. With a vast network of hiking trails in Death Valley National Park, the region attracts explorers from all over the world. Death Valley, with its immense solitude and dramatic views, is a paradise for those looking to experience raw, unfiltered nature. It’s a place where you can lose yourself in the vastness of the desert, where the horizons stretch endlessly in every direction and the silence is almost palpable. The hiking trails in Death Valley range from relatively easy walks to challenging backcountry routes, and each one offers its own unique glimpse into the rugged terrain and natural wonders of the valley.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker looking for a remote challenge or a beginner seeking a short trek through breathtaking landscapes, there’s a trail for you in Death Valley. The Death Valley trail map reveals stunning geological formations, remote canyons, and even hidden waterfalls like Darwin Falls. From the lowest salt flats to snow-capped summits like Telescope Peak, there's no shortage of epic landscapes to experience.  If you're interested in exploring with ease, consider joining our Death Valley hiking tours for a guided experience.

Best Hikes in Death Valley

1. Golden Canyon to Gower Gulch Loop

For those seeking a relatively easy but absolutely beautiful hike, the Golden Canyon hike to Gower Gulch Loop is a must-do. This unforgettable journey begins at the Golden Canyon Trailhead, traversing the iconic Golden Canyon Trail before looping into Gower Gulch. This 4.4-mile loop takes you through some of the most striking landscapes in Death Valley, including the iconic golden-hued walls of Golden Canyon. The trail is a moderate-level hike, with some slight elevation changes, making it accessible to most hikers and making it a must for lovers of beautiful hiking. If you love exploring dramatic desert formations, our Utah Basecamp Adventure offers similar slot canyons and sandstone landscapes. Along the way, you’ll traverse through narrow canyons, pass by striking rock formations, and get a firsthand look at the colorful geology of the area.

Why it’s Special: The vibrant colours of the canyon walls, especially during sunrise or sunset, make this hike a photographer’s dream. As you hike deeper into the canyon, the walls seem to glow with hues of gold, pink, and red. You’ll walk through one of the most beautiful hiking trails in California; it’s an unforgettable experience and one of the best hikes in Death Valley National Park.

2. Badwater Basin Salt Flats

At Badwater Basin, you’ll find the lowest point in North America, sitting 282 feet below sea level. This is not a typical “hike” in the traditional sense, as it’s more of a walk across a vast, flat, salt-encrusted landscape starting from the Badwater Basin trailhead. Start your walk at the Badwater Basin Trailhead, where the salt-crusted flats stretch to the horizon. However, the experience of walking across the largest salt flat in the Western Hemisphere is nothing short of otherworldly.

Why it’s Special: The sheer scale of Badwater Basin is awe-inspiring, and the shimmering white salt crystals create a stark contrast against the surrounding mountains. While this is an easy walk, the desolate beauty of the flats offers a unique and haunting sense of solitude. For directions, check the Badwater Basin directions to plan your visit. Located at the lowest elevation in North America, Badwater Death Valley National Park is one of the Death Valley must see spots and a top entry on any Death Valley Must-See Map.

3. Dante’s View

While Dante’s View isn’t technically a hiking trail, it’s a must-visit for anyone hiking in Death Valley. This panoramic viewpoint sits at over 5,000 feet above the valley floor and offers breathtaking views of the entire park, stretching from the Panamint Mountains to the salt flats of Badwater Basin below. It’s an excellent place to catch sunrise or sunset, when the colors of the valley are at their most dramatic. For those seeking a little more from this great vantage point, there are some ridgeline trails extending away from the main viewpoint.

Why it’s Special: From this high vantage point, you can see how Death Valley gets its name—it's as if the valley stretches on forever. The view is an exhilarating reminder of how small we are in the face of such vast natural beauty.

4. Desolation Canyon

If you're looking for solitude and quiet, Desolation Canyon is one of Death Valley’s gems. Located along the western flank of the Black Mountains, this 3.6-mile out-and-back trail offers dramatic canyon views, with colorful rock walls and fascinating desert vegetation. It's got a few scrambling sections, but this less trafficked trail is perfect for those seeking an intimate desert experience.

Why it’s Special: The lack of crowds and the sense of isolation make this hike feel like you’re walking through a pristine, untouched part of the world. The canyon walls are narrow, and the colors of the rocks shift with the light, making it a visually striking hike. This is a perfect hike for those seeking the solitude of backpacking in Death Valley or shorter hiking Death Valley National Park experiences.

5. Mosaic Canyon

For a short and incredibly scenic hike, look no further than Mosaic Canyon. This 2-mile trail takes you into a narrow, twisting canyon with smooth, polished walls that reflect the rich, multicolored patterns that give the canyon its name.  Starting at the Mosaic Canyon trailhead, this trail is known as one of the best hikes in Death Valley for its striking geological formations. The smooth, polished walls and occasional rockslides make this a fun, adventurous walk with a touch of mystery. The Mosaic Canyon Death Valley CA hike is short but delivers a big punch in visual impact.

Why it’s Special: The narrowness of the canyon creates a unique environment, and the intricate, mosaic-like rock formations will make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a hidden gallery of nature’s artwork. The Mosaic Canyon Trail is an easy hike, perfect for a short excursion, and a favorite among those exploring the trails in Death Valley. This is one of the top Death Valley hikes, especially for first-time visitors.

6. Telescope Peak

For seasoned hikers seeking a more challenging and rewarding adventure, Telescope Peak offers the perfect opportunity to summit the highest point in Death Valley National Park. At 11,043 feet, the Telescope Peak Hike Death Valley is the highest and most demanding route in the park. For those wondering, the Telescope Peak Death Valley Hike is strenuous but rewarding with endless views.

Why it’s Special: Not only is Telescope Peak the highest point in the park, but it also offers a truly diverse range of ecosystems as you ascend, from desert landscapes to pine forests. The panoramic views from the summit are worth every step of the strenuous 14-mile round-trip hike. You’ll climb from valley floor to snow-dusted ridges and experience one of the world's greatest hikes. This is where Death Valley Mountain ecosystems collide.

7. Wildrose Peak

Looking for something slightly easier? Wildrose Peak provides panoramic views without the challenge of Telescope Peak hike. For those who want a moderately challenging hike that still rewards with incredible views, Wildrose Peak is a great option. A great alternative if you're aiming for elevated Death Valley backpacking. This 4.4-mile trail (one-way) takes you up to a 9,000-foot peak with sweeping views of the valley below. It's a great way to get a panoramic view of Death Valley without tackling the strenuous ascent of Telescope Peak.

Why it’s Special: Its altitude and scenery place it among the 10 Most Beautiful Hikes in the World. The Panamint Range Death Valley views from here are phenomenal. The views from Wildrose Peak are nothing short of spectacular. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Sierra Nevada and the surrounding mountains. The trail is also rich with desert flora, offering a surprising variety of plants and wildlife.

Exploration Trails and other noteworthy hikes

For those seeking a deeper wilderness experience, backpacking in Death Valley opens up a new world of adventure. Popular backpacking routes include sections near Desolation Canyon, Mosaic Trail, and the Ubehebe Crater Loop. These routes require preparation and are best tackled with proper maps like the death valley national park trail map and guidance on conditions.

Whether you prefer multi-day treks or customized tours, FS Guides offers expert-led options that provide the perfect balance of challenge and safety. Our backpacking services help you discover the more remote and breathtaking parts of the park on well-planned routes.

You may also want to try:

• Red Cathedral Death Valley: A dramatic rock formation popular among seasoned hikers.
• Furnace Creek to Telescope Peak: For those aiming at the summit, this is the hardest hike in California and a true test of endurance.
• Ubehebe Crater Loop: A stunning volcanic crater loop that showcases Death Valley’s volcanic past.
• Grotto Canyon Death Valley and Falls Canyon Death Valley: Lesser-known but rewarding hikes for exploration lovers.
  

Tips for Hiking in Death Valley

• Timing is Everything: Death Valley is infamous for its extreme heat, so the best times to hike are during the cooler months, typically from late fall through early spring. Summer hikes should be avoided, as temperatures often exceed 120°F (49°C), making it dangerous to hike.
• Bring Plenty of Water: The dry desert air can dehydrate you quickly, so always carry ample water. Depending on the trail and conditions, it’s best to bring at least one liter per hour of hiking.
  
• Sun Protection is Key: The sun is relentless in Death Valley. Make sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and protective clothing. Sunglasses are also a must.
  
• Know Your Limits: Some trails, especially those in remote areas like Desolation Canyon, can be quite challenging. Make sure you are prepared for the terrain and bring a map, compass, or GPS device.
  

Preparing for a Hiking in Death Valley is a must -- it's an experience unlike any other—where vast desert landscapes, dramatic rock formations, and jaw-dropping views await. Whether you're wandering through the golden-hued walls of Golden Canyon, standing at the lowest point in North America at Badwater Basin, or summiting Telescope Peak for panoramic vistas, the trails here offer something for every type of adventurer.

Explore Death Valley in Winter

The best time for most hikes is winter. Visiting Death Valley in Winter offers cooler temps, and you’ll avoid the infamous Death Valley November weather extremes. Be prepared with a Death Valley hiking map and plan around Death Valley National Park winter conditions.

Want to know what to expect? Look up "Temperature in Death Valley in November" to stay safe and comfortable.

Whether you’re interested in camping in Death Valley in December, backcountry exploration, or simply soaking in views of the Death Valley Mountains, Winding Waters is here to help you find the best places to go in Death Valley. From Epic Hikes of the World to Top River Hikes Around the World, we know what makes a trail unforgettable.



Frequently Asked Questions

Discover everything you need to know about hiking in Death Valley National Park—from the best trails and safety tips to when and how to explore this extraordinary desert landscape.

Experience Death Valley with FS Guides

But you don’t have to navigate this extreme landscape alone! With Four Season Guides, you’ll experience Death Valley’s stunning beauty in the safest and most rewarding way possible. Our Death Valley Lodge-Based Hiking Tour is designed to immerse you, as part of our award-winning Lodge-Based Adventures, this trip blends comfort and exploration. In the park’s most spectacular hikes while offering the comfort of a welcoming lodge to rest after a day on the trail.

If you’re looking for a more supportive, empowering experience, our Women’s Death Valley hiking tour is the perfect way to explore the desert in good company—designed for connection, comfort, and adventure.

Embark on unforgettable day hikes, lodge-based tours, backpacking, or customised tours with FS Guides to fully experience the unique beauty of Death Valley safely and comfortably.

Let our expert guides take care of the details—from route planning and logistics to safety and trail knowledge—so you can focus on the adventure. Want to explore more incredible landscapes? Discover our destinations across the Southwest.

Curious what makes FS Guides trips so memorable? Our guests share their thrilling experiences—check out our Google Business Profile Reviews!