Mosaic Canyon Trail

The unpaved 2.3-mile road leading to the Mosaic Canyon trail is almost directly opposite Stovepipe Wells campground.

After lunch, we decided to take a gander.

Mosaic Canyon Trail information sign at the trailhead — At the trailhead

Mosaic Canyon trail is a moderate 4-mile out and back trek through a slot canyon, where there are several dry waterfalls to clamber over. The beginning of the hike looks very similar to the Desolation Canyon trail as both walks begin in a large wash.

Large wide wash with deep sides showing the force of flash floods. the wash disappears from view as it bares left into Mosaic Canyon — The start of the trail

Mosaic Canyon, however, is quite different from Desolation Canyon, having some incredible carved rock formations. One side is as smooth as marble, yet the other looks like unfinished concrete. Mother Nature is truly incredible.

Large dry wash leading into Mosaic Canyon Trail. Canyon walls either side — Follow the wash

the wash has narrowed into a trail with steep canyon sides and mountains in the background of Mosaic Canyon Trail — The canyon narrows

The First of Many

After 0.25-mile the canyon narrows then gradually opens up after traversing the first of many dry waterfalls. Although not very high, the rock finish was so smooth and slippery; we had to watch our footing.

The canyon gradually opens, the trail is wider and mountains are visible in the background of the Mosaic Canyon Trail — The canyon gradually opens

A dry waterfall about three feet high. the rocks have been worn by thousands of years of flash floods. — A small dry waterfall

This was when Steven realised that he had left the extra camera batteries in the car. While he went to fetch them, I took the opportunity to explore and snap some photos.

Man in cowboy hat and sunglasses walking towards the camera along the Mosaic Canyon Trail in the slot canyon. Steep canyon walls on either side — Steve had to go back to the car to get more camera batteries

The canyon twists, the trail is narrow. Large flat rocks on the left and high canyon walls — The canyon twists and turns

A dry waterfall approximately five feet high crosses the canyon floor. Steep canyon walls on either side — Another dry waterfall to climb. This one is about 5-feet high

Canyon floor opens up to a flood plain. Steep walls on either side of the Mosaic Canyon Trail — The other side of the falls

On his return, we continued. Stepping up another dry waterfall, the canyon widened into the more common wash we’ve become accustomed to seeing.

Man in cowboy hat and women in baseball cap taking a selfie. They are in the large wash — We made it this far. Shall we continue?

You get a great view of the different colours contained in the canyon walls and the mountains above. It makes you realise how forceful the water was, carving these rock formations.

Lady standing in the large wash of the canyon facing away from the camera. She is taking photos — Time to snap a few pics

Flash floods continue to erode and shape the canyon, sometimes depositing up to 20-feet of gravel and boulders which block the trail.

Picture of the canyon wall. Layers of sediment add a mosaic effect that give the canyon its name. — The canyon walls are beautiful

View of the canyon walls and the wash — You can see why they call it Mosaic Canyon

There were several small trails here where you can climb up and continue across the top of a ridge or stay in the wash. We decided to stay in the wash and keep this little hike nice and easy.

Dirt trail and the wash leading deeper into the canyon on the Mosaic Canyon Trail — The trail continues and becomes more narrow again

What! More Falls?

We spoke too soon. The dry waterfalls became more frequent, and increased in size! So we kept climbing. So much for an easy hike!

Lady in baseball cap is climbing the dry waterfall in the canyon. the falls are approximately twenty to thirty feet high and are at a steep incline — More dry falls to climb

They were not extremely difficult to manoeuvre over, merely more than we had anticipated, so coming back down would be a little more tricky.

The canyon has narrowed and large boulders are almost blocking the trail — ” Mosaic Canyon Breccia. It’s composed of tiny angular fragments of various types of parent rock locked within a natural cement.”

Another dry waterfall blocks the canyon trail. About six feet high — What! Another dry fall. At least this one is smaller

If you don’t want to climb any of the waterfalls, you can turn around after the first two, which are like climbing steps. The most visually striking area of the canyon is within the first 1/4 mile. The rest has that rugged, untamed beauty where you find yourself wanting to get to the endpoint.

Lady in baseball cap is walking away from the camera on the trail. the trail is a little wider with sheer walls either side — Onwards.

That’s what kept driving us; we wanted to find the point from which this all started.

Suddenly we came to an enormous 25-ft dry fall. Some severe rock climbing was needed, too much for us!

Rocks placed in the shape of an arrow marking the way in the canyon — The canyon continues, but to get there you need to climb

There was a small side trail that bypasses this section and then keeps going and going and going. We did get to the top of the gigantic fall, but we decided it was time to turn around.

View of the canyon floor from an overlook. The trail is visible. There is vegetation on the lookout — Looking down onto the canyon floor

We had done our fair share of climbing and bouldering of the Mosaic Canyon trail. We returned the way we came.

Stoney trail at the top of the canyon leaning into the mountains. — The trail continued up into the mountains. This was our turn-around point

Picture taken from the top of a thirty foot high dry waterfall looking down into the canyon at the wash/trail and the steep canyon walls — The view of the canyon below

Our Thoughts

Every trail has its own remarkable features; it may not be until you’re walking back that you realise it. Nature has an unmatchable force that can create mountains and canyons yet has the most delicate touch mixed in between.

Mosaic canyon trail in a nutshell

Opposite Stovepipe Wells Campground
A 2.3-mile unpaved road leads to the parking area and trailhead. 2WD is fine – we made it in our minivan, although RV’s aren’t recommended
No toilets at the trailhead
At 0.25-miles you can see the slot canyon and small dry waterfalls
4-mile out and back moderate hike on uneven ground
Some bouldering is required (make that a lot of bouldering if you want to go to the end)
Wear suitable clothing and footwear
Take plenty of water – more than what you think you need
No cell service
Watch for snakes and other bities (we didn’t see any)
Leave no trace – Pack it in, pack it out
As always, stay safe and have fun exploring