Best Hikes in Death Valley National Park: Epic Trails Through Canyons, Dunes, and Craters

Death Valley National Park is a geologist's paradise, boasting stunning rock formations, dramatic topography, and ever-shifting landscapes. These features also make it a hiker's dream, with trails spanning salty flats, colorful canyons, and rugged terrain—all in one vast park.

Discover these top hikes to kick off your adventure:

1. Golden Canyon

This easy trail winds through a vibrant canyon, showcasing the region's diverse colors, textures, and layered rock strata shaped over millions of years. It ends at a towering reddish rock wall, forming a cathedral-like space that's profoundly awe-inspiring.

2. Natural Bridge Canyon

Formed by differential erosion, the park's natural bridges arch over the canyon from conglomerate rock. At the quarter-mile mark, pass beneath one while spotting faults, chutes, and mud drippings. The trail concludes at sloping marble dry falls in greens and turquoise—scramble up to finish.

3. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Tailor your experience to your energy: Summit the highest dune via a two-mile trek over soft hills and ridges for top-of-the-world views. Play on smaller dunes, sliding safely down pillow-soft sand. For magic, hike under full moon when the landscape turns lunar in cool, dry air.

4. Ubehebe Crater

The 600-foot descent from the overlook looks daunting, but the soft gray gravel trail eases you in. At the bottom, admire red cinder, alluvial fans, sandstone, and conglomerate in the walls. Cross the pink-and-brown mud flat, then brace for the rewarding ascent.

5. Mosaic Canyon

Flash floods have polished Mosaic Canyon's walls, creating smooth curves and scramble-friendly rocks in the first quarter-mile. View the Noonday Dolomite, magnesium-rich limestone from 750–900 million years ago when this region lay beneath the Pacific Ocean.

6. Darwin Falls

A 2.5-mile unpaved road leads to the trailhead. Follow a vibrant stream with colorful algae, willows, and bushes to year-round falls in a narrow gorge. The finale involves manageable bouldering over rocks.

These hikes offer just a glimpse of Death Valley's treasures. Trails are often unmarked, with some needing high-clearance access. Pack sturdy boots, abundant water, sunscreen, and light clothes for safe, unforgettable exploration.