Last updated: February 16, 2023
Thing to Do
Drive Twenty Mule Team Canyon
NPS / E. Hoerner
Take a drive along this beautiful unpaved road through colorful, eroded badlands. Afternoon and morning light cause the erosion in the hills to become highlighted and shadowed, creating spectacular contrast and ample photo opportunities.
The entrance to this short (2.5 mi/4 km) one-way road is just east of Zabriskie Point off CA-190. Although the road is usually fine for most cars, those with especally low clearance are not recommended. Check with a ranger for current conditions.
Star Wars Fan? Scenes from Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, were filmed here. Do you recognize the landscape around Jabba the Hutt's palace? The Blu-ray deleted scenes of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi also include a scene from Twenty Mule Team Canyon. This deleted scene shows a small cave (which for safety reasons, is now closed) where Luke Skywalker finishes his light saber. There were also a few shots from outside the cave.
Star Wars was filmed in the national park a few decades ago, when that type of filming was allowed. The vast majority of the filming which was done at that time is not permitted today in order to protect park wilderness. Information on commercial filming can be found on our permits page.
The entrance to this short (2.5 mi/4 km) one-way road is just east of Zabriskie Point off CA-190. Although the road is usually fine for most cars, those with especally low clearance are not recommended. Check with a ranger for current conditions.
Star Wars Fan? Scenes from Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, were filmed here. Do you recognize the landscape around Jabba the Hutt's palace? The Blu-ray deleted scenes of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi also include a scene from Twenty Mule Team Canyon. This deleted scene shows a small cave (which for safety reasons, is now closed) where Luke Skywalker finishes his light saber. There were also a few shots from outside the cave.
Star Wars was filmed in the national park a few decades ago, when that type of filming was allowed. The vast majority of the filming which was done at that time is not permitted today in order to protect park wilderness. Information on commercial filming can be found on our permits page.
Details
Duration
15-30 Minutes
Activity
Scenic Driving
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Twenty Mule Team Canyon Road is an excellent place for a leashed walk with your pet. Remember that this is a road, so please watch for vehicles and clean up after your pet.
General Death Valley pet regulations: Pets are allowed on roads and in developed places such as campgrounds and picnic areas. Pets must be restrained or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 m) at all times. Pets may not go on trails or into Wilderness areas. Do not leave your pet in your vehicle.
General Death Valley pet regulations: Pets are allowed on roads and in developed places such as campgrounds and picnic areas. Pets must be restrained or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 m) at all times. Pets may not go on trails or into Wilderness areas. Do not leave your pet in your vehicle.
Activity Fee
Yes
Included with entrance fee or acceptable pass. Please display your pass in your vehicle's windshield.
Location
Twenty Mule Team Canyon
The entrance to this one-way road is off CA-190 about 5 miles (8 km) east of Furnace Creek.
Reservations
No
Season
Winter, Spring, Fall
Accessibility Information
This maintained dirt road is usually passable by most vehicles. Check with a ranger for current conditions.