Death Valley: Hottest, Driest, and Lowest National Park

Explore the best hikes and scrambles in the stunning desert landscape of Death Valley National Park.

Greg Heil

Images

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Looking down into Death Valley.

by Scott Anderson

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Rare fog in Death Valley National Park.

by Scott Anderson

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Looking down into Death Valley from Dante's Peak.

by Scott Anderson

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Cactus flowers.

by Scott Anderson

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Foggy ridge.

by Scott Anderson

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Edge of the salt flats.

by Scott Anderson

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Sunset in Badwater Basin

by Scott Anderson

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Mountains silhouetted in the fog.

by Scott Anderson

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Leaving Glower Gulch.

by Scott Anderson

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Lots of formations to explore.

by Scott Anderson

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Sweeping views of the valley.

by Scott Anderson

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Amazing rock formation all around.

by Scott Anderson

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Striate rock adds amazing color to the scene.

by Scott Anderson

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Heading up Golden Canyon.

by Scott Anderson

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The trail will take you up high along the canyon.

by Scott Anderson

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Get up high to see the valley from the canyon.

by Scott Anderson

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The canyon is wide in places.

by Scott Anderson

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Narrow twists.

by Scott Anderson

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Views of the Mesquite Dunes.

by Scott Anderson

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Rubbery salt mats.

by Scott Anderson

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The setting sun brings out the red in the mountains.

by Scott Anderson

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Plant life on the edge of the dunes.

by Scott Anderson

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Ethereal glow of the setting sun.

by Scott Anderson

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Wind sculpted dunes.

by Scott Anderson

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Lots and lots of rocks.

by Scott Anderson

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The sun lights oup the striated walls.

by Scott Anderson

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Some wide open areas in the canyon.

by Scott Anderson

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Narrow turns in the canyon.

by Scott Anderson

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Abundant plant life scattered throughout the canyon.

by Scott Anderson

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Hanging vegetation on the canyon walls.

by Scott Anderson

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Lots of opportunity to climb around.

by Scott Anderson

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One of many dryfalls.

by Scott Anderson

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Interesting rock formations on the canyon walls.

by Scott Anderson

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Getting past the dryfalls will get you past the crowds.

by Scott Anderson

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Get up high to see down into the canyon.

by Scott Anderson

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Entering the canyon.

by Scott Anderson

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Views from up high on the canyon walls.

by Scott Anderson

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Get up high on this ridge to see out into the valley.

by Scott Anderson

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Another climb will give you stunning views of the canyon below.

by Scott Anderson

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Narrow slots and steep canyon walls.

by Scott Anderson

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Looking down on Sidewinder Canyon and Death Valley.

by Scott Anderson

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Looking out onto Death Valley near the opening of Sidewinder Canyon.

by Scott Anderson

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High above Sidewinder Canyon looking at neighboring formations.

by Scott Anderson

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Sweeping view of Badwater Basin.

by Scott Anderson

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View from the entrance to Willow Canyon.

by Scott Anderson

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Narrowing canyon near the waterfall.

by Scott Anderson

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The waterfall at the end.

by Scott Anderson

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The canyon gets wide in spots.

by Scott Anderson

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Flora growing in the rocks.

by Scott Anderson

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Petroglyph like veins on the canyon walls.

by Scott Anderson

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The road through the Narrows.

by Scott Anderson

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Lots of ledges provide scrambling opportunities.

by Scott Anderson

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Climb up high to get a good view of the canyon.

by Scott Anderson

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Hanging gardens on the canyon walls.

by Scott Anderson

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Mountains silhouetted in the fog.

by Scott Anderson

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The mountains and the dessert provide a tapestry of colors and textures.

by Scott Anderson

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Badwater Basin seen from the Wildrose peak trail.

by Scott Anderson

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12,132 ft. Olanch Peak in the distance.

by Scott Anderson

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Golden Canyon seen from the Wildrose Peak trail.

by Scott Anderson

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The Charcoal Kilns.

by Scott Anderson

Description

"In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes,” according to the National Park Service. "Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life survives in Death Valley.”

Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park is the lowest point in the Americas, at 282 feet below sea level. The heat in the summertime should not be underestimated—it is often deadly. But in the winter, Death Valley provides a fantastic desert getaway filled with stunning canyons, salt flats, and towering mountain peaks.

In this guidebook, you’ll find the best hikes in Death Valley National Park, ranging from the easy tourist jaunts to difficult scrambles up slot canyons. Whatever flavor of hike you’re looking for, this guidebook has you covered!

Sources:
https://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm

Adventures

Fall Canyon

This deep canyon hike has a true wilderness vibe.

Mosaic Canyon

Hike past the highly-traveled lower canyon for a strikingly-beautiful trek.