Death Valley Day Hiking
Explore the hidden corners and vast beauty of Death Valley through guided hiking adventures. Each day offers a new perspective—from deep canyons to sweeping summit views, and the surreal salt flats below sea level. All while enjoying the comforts of your choice accommodations in or around Death Valley.
Day Hiking Options
$750 per person for 3-days, $900 per person for 4-days
Each day, we’ll meet at 8am (or earlier if decided by the group) either at the Death Valley Visitor Center in Furnace Creek, or at a predetermined trailhead. From there, we will begin our day!
The Black Mountains: Accessed from Death Valley and Badwater Basin
Artist Drive Area: Scattered along the colorful curves of Artist Drive, these unnamed canyons offer some of the most playful, easily accessed exploration in the Black Mountains. Each drainage leads into a different world of banded badlands, narrow gullies, polished dryfalls, and painterly volcanic color. With routes ranging from relaxed rambles to light scrambling, these canyons are perfect for guests looking to step off the pavement and immerse themselves in the vibrant landscapes that make Artist Drive so iconic.
Mileage here is dependent on ability and desire. A half-day to multiple days can be spent exploring these fun canyons
Sidewinder Canyon: Beginning below sea level in Badwater Basin, Sidewinder Canyon quickly winds into a labyrinth of slot canyons, twisting gullies, and dramatic natural bridges. Sculpted walls, hidden passages, and occasional scrambles make every turn a new discovery. This hands-on adventure offers both the thrill of exploration and the striking beauty of the Black Mountains’ rugged badlands.
5 mi/8.4km round trip, with ~1500ft/450m of ascent/descent
Mt Perry: Hike the high ridge out to Mt Perry from Dante’s View. This hike gives sweeping panoramas across the salt flats of Badwater Basin, dramatic views of Telescope Peak, and sweeping views across a large portion of the National Park. On clear days you can even see the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the West.
~8 mi/13km round trip, with ~1200ft/370m of ascent/descent
Natural Bridge and Badwater Basin Salt Flats: This is a good day for active rest, or to wrap the trip up on if you plan to hit the road in the afternoon. This day is a short hike to the Natural Bridge, followed by a walk across the surreal expanse of Badwater Basin. This day can be as short or as long as we want, but the natural bridge is about 1 mi/1.3km up the canyon, and 500 feet/150m of ascent/descent, and the walk out on the badwater flats is flat and can be as long as desired. We have more potential to make this a full day going elsewhere in the park and can be decided the night prior.
Bad Canyon: Tucked into the rugged lower Black Mountains, Bad Canyon is a quiet, little-traveled drainage marked by colorful volcanic rock, sculpted narrows, and wide-open desert views. Its mix of easy walking and light scrambling makes it an inviting option for those seeking a mellow, off-the-beaten-path canyon experience in Death Valley’s striking badlands. Our route ends at the foot of a dramatic 60 foot dryfall.
~2.5mi/4km round trip, with 700ft/200m of ascent/descent
The Funeral Mountains: Accessed from Death Valley proper
Funeral Slot Canyon: This is a must see! Explore the remote and seldom-seen Funeral Slot Canyon, one of the park’s hidden desert treasures. With an unassuming hike across the desert flats to access the canyon, this hike is a real treat.
~7 mi/~11km round trip, with ~1300ft/400m of ascent/descent
The Panamint Range: Accessed from Death Valley proper
Mosaic Canyon (Stovepipe Wells area) We walk through polished marble walls, narrow canyon passages, and one of the park’s most striking geological features. A great choice if you’re looking for moderate effort with big payoff.
~4 miles/≈ 6.4 km, with ~1,200 ft/≈ 360 m/ of ascent/descent
Grotto Canyon (Stovepipe Wells area): A slot-canyon adventure with more scramble, bouldering and character. If you and I enjoy a little more technical terrain, this one is a standout.
~2.5 miles/≈ 4 km, with ~650 ft/≈ 200m of ascent/descent. Ideal for more adventurous hikers, who don’t mind some steep or rough sections, and want to explore a less-traveled canyon.
Telescope Peak (seasonally dependent): This the highest summit in the park (~11,049 ft / 3,368 m) and rewards you with panoramic views of the valley floor and distant mountain ranges. A full-day commitment, but extraordinary.
~14 miles/~22.5 km, with ~3,000 ft ≈ 914 m of ascent/descent
Racetrack Valley: This valley is accessed via a long dirt road and is best seen with a night or two camping in the valley. 4x4 vehicles highly recommended.
Ubehebe Peak: Rising above the rugged northern end of Death Valley, Ubehebe Peak offers one of the most commanding summit perspectives in the park. The route climbs through volcanic landscapes, desert ridgelines, and sweeping basins before topping out on a broad summit with panoramic views stretching from the Cottonwood Mountains to the distant Panamints. Remote, quiet, and strikingly beautiful, Ubehebe Peak is a rewarding objective for hikers seeking big scenery and a true sense of Death Valley’s expansive scale.
~4.6mi/7.5km, with 2600ft/800m of ascent/descent
Corridor Canyon: Tucked deep in one of Death Valley’s most remote corners, Corridor Canyon is a hidden passage of towering walls, quiet narrows, and stark desert beauty. This seldom-visited canyon offers a true sense of solitude with long, sculpted corridors of stone, dramatic light, and the powerful stillness that defines the park’s wildest terrain. Accessed from Racetrack Valley and the Ubehebe Mine, this hike is for those willing to venture deep into the desert.
~8mi/13km, with 2000ft/600m of ascent/descent
Ubehebe Crater, Lippincott Mine, and Teakettle Junction are all easy stops along the way to Racetrack Valley.
The Grapevine Mountains: Accessed from north Death Valley
Fall Canyon: Explore the dramatic narrows of this beautiful slot canyon. Towering walls, polished rock, and quiet solitude is a great day to spend in the desert.
~6mi/10km round trip, with ~1400ft/430m of ascent/descent.
Eureka Valley: Best Accessed from the Owen’s Valley
The Eureka Sand Dunes, Hidden Dunes, and the Last Chance Range are major features of this section of the park. Reach out if you are interested in planning a trip here.
This park is nothing but massive! And hiking options are infinite. If you are interested in exploring remote and rarely visited canyons, peaks, playas, and springs, reach out to us! And we will set you up with our well-versed and experienced Death Valley guides.
Each day is fully guided and includes lunch, permits, and expert insight into the geology, ecology, and history of Death Valley.
Trip Essentials:
3-day minimum booking.
Choose any three days that fit your schedule, or sign up for the full four-day experience
Max group size: 6 guests per 1 guide
Go Deeper with a Base Camp Experience
Settle into the rhythm of the desert with our base camp add-on: camp with your guide, enjoy hearty meals, and stay in a scenic Death Valley campground—all for an additional fee. Starting at $550/person.
2025 and 2026 Winter Dates
December 2025: 15, 16, 17, 18
January 2026: 16, 17, 18, 19 (MLK Jr weekend)
February 2026: 16, 17, 18, 19 (President’s Day weekend)
March 2026: 9, 10, 11, 12 (FULL)
Custom dates available upon request