The name Desolation Canyon implies it all. Plus it isn’t a signposted area, which makes this hike far less crowded than others.
The access road, like most here in Death Valley, is unpaved but easy enough for a two-wheel-drive. It is only half a mile to the small parking area and is visible from the road.
Parking at the trailhead, we walked “up-stream” into the wash, keeping right, and followed it into the canyon. It was very reminiscent of Mosaic Canyon as they both were carved by flowing water and follow a wash.
Stay In The Main Wash
As we entered the canyon, we saw several side canyons which you could explore.
However, our mission was to walk to the end where amazing views of Artist’s Palette and the valley awaited.
Stones and rocks were laid across the left runoff, so we knew we were on the right track.
Following the main wash, hugging the mountains, we continued trudging uphill.
Although the trail isn’t marked, it was easy to navigate.
The canyon took a hard right turn where centuries of water had eroded the sediments.
The ground was hard and dry with large cracks twisting their way through the earth, looking exactly how you picture Death Valley.
The Dry Waterfalls of Desolation Canyon
After a mile, the first dry waterfall appeared. This one being 8-ft and thought-provoking to climb.
These weren’t in any way a turn back point; they merely require sure footing and some upper body strength.
Further along, the second of the two waterfalls appeared. This one was about 6-ft, so scrambling up was relatively easy.
Coming back down would prove to be more challenging and, our bums would definitely come into play!
The Interesting Colours of Desolation Canyon
Where the sun danced on the canyon walls, it showed the different minerals making the colours of the rainbow.
- Red/Orange/Purple = Hematite
- Yellow = Limonite
- Green/Blue = Chlorite, Nontronite
Climbing the last stretch became a little more intense and relatively steep. The dirt is loose, so walking up is more tricky, and we both lost our footing a few times.
The End of the Trail
Once we had reached the top, we took a few moments to take in the view. We also took some photos and drank some water and while looking around, spotted something.
We spied another trail above us which was on loose rocks and led to another overlook. This, we thought, should be our final destination.
On an exceptionally windy day, this last piece of the hike we wouldn’t recommend. The trail is extremely loose, and one gust of wind could take you tumbling down.
Just A Little Further
As is the case with most photographs, they don’t do the steepness or slipperiness justice. There was a slight breeze heading to the top, and it felt like hands pushing against you. If you had a misstep, you would keep going down for quite some way and getting back up would be a challenge. We stayed low and marched on.
Once we reached the little outcrop, the trail turned left and continued up even steeper so we decided this was as far as we would go. The view is still amazing overlooking Artist’s Palette and the valley floor. We were glad we had continued.
We decided to go back down separately and at our own pace. One reason is if the person in the back slipped, they could collect whoever was leading and secondly, one of us came down much faster.
Our Take on Desolation Canyon
Desolation Canyon has some stunning views and scenery to enjoy. It is quieter than some of the other hikes nearby, which made it more inviting for us. We went fairly early as well, so we didn’t see another person until we had almost reached the beginning of the trailhead on our return.
in a nutshell
- Location: Desolation Canyon Road is off of Badwater Road
- 3.7 miles south of Highway 190
- Not signposted
- There is a 0.5-mile unpaved road to the trailhead
- A moderate trail – 3.6-miles out and back (more if you decide to climb to the top)
- No trail markings – follow the wash into the canyon, then follow the canyon
- There are no toilets at the trailhead
- Scrambling over 6-ft and 8-ft high dry waterfalls
- Check weather conditions before hiking as this is a flash flood area
- No cell service
- Carry extra water more than you think you need
- Wear suitable clothing and footwear
- Watch for snakes and other bities
- Sunscreen and hat advisable
- As always, leave no trace – Pack it in – pack it out
desolation canyon location map
- For more inspiring places to visit in Death Valley, click the link below
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