Day Hiking

The Dantes Ridge (Mt Perry) hike offers expansive views of Death Valley.

NPS Photo

Lace up your boots, fill up your water, and lather on the sunscreen because one of the best ways to see Death Valley National Park is by heading out on a trail! From the ADA accessible interpretive loop trail at Harmony Borax Works, to the rugged slopes of Telescope Peak, adventure awaits!

Hiking seasons
The best time to hike in Death Valley is from November through March. Summer temperatures can be dangerous at the park's lower elevations, and even during spring and fall the heat can be unbearable for most people. Save the low elevation hikes for cool winter days. The high peaks are a pleasant escape from the heat in summer, but are usually covered with snow in the winter and spring; be sure to come prepared with adequate winter clothing, an ice axe and crampons.

Water
Death Valley has an extremly dry climate and it is critical to drink more water here than normal, even during cooler months. Always carry adequate water (minimum: 2 liters for a short winter dayhike, 1 gallon or more for longer warm season hikes and overnights). Springs are rare and unreliable. Boil or treat water from these sources before using.

Trails, Routes, and Cross-country
Death Valley has a small number of designated trails as well as many popular off-trail routes. Off-trail exploration by foot is permitted in most locations; if you choose to leave the trails, ask a ranger about how to protect Death Valley's living cryptobiotic soil. Check out the list below for an overview of hiking options and visit the "Hiking Trails" button on our app homepage to learn more details about individual hikes. Happy Trails!
 

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HIKING NOT ADVISED AT LOWER ELEVATIONS AFTER 10AM IN THE SUMMER

Easy Hikes

Harmony Borax Works: 0.4 mi (0.6km)
Salt Creek Interpretive Trail: 0.5 mi (0.8km)
Badwater Salt Flat: 1 mi (1.6km)
Natural Bridge: 1 mi (1.6km)
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: 2 mi (3.2km)

Moderate Hikes

Ubehebe Crater Loop: 1.5 mi (2.4km)
Darwin Falls: 2 mi (3.2km)
Golden Canyon: 3 mi (4.8km)
Desolation Canyon: 3.6 mi (5.8km)
Mosaic Canyon: 4mi (6.4km)
Fall Canyon: 6 mi (9.6km)

Difficult Hikes

Dante's Ridge: 8 mi (13km)
Wildrose Peak: 8.4 mi (13.5km)
Telescope Peak: 14 mi (22.5km)

Note: pets are not allowed on any trail in Death Valley National Park, even if carried. Do not leave your animal in your vehicle. Speak with a ranger about one of the incredible dirt roads where you may walk your pet.

Details

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are NOT allowed out of developed areas or off of roads. That means that they can NOT go on any of the hikes listed here, or otherwise within the park.

Activity Fee

Yes

Hiking is covered under the park's entrance fee or with applicable National Park pass. Please display your pass in the vehicle's windshield.

Reservations

No

Season

Winter, Spring, Fall

Hiking is NOT advised in the lower elevations in the park during the summer months. Check out the trails that are higher in elevations for possible summer options. But be advised that temperatures at the Telescope Peak Trailhead can reach over 90 F in the summer.

Accessibility Information

Accessibility varies greatly for different trails. Route descriptions and accessibility information can be found on each hike's individual page.