OverviewThis is a great hike if you're in the Stovepipe Wells area of Death Valley. It's a short but steep hike with nice views from the top.
You start you hike out after a nice drive down Cottonwood Canyon. The hike takes 4 or 5 hours typically, but the drive is a long but scenic drive with part of it more suitable for 4WD/high clearance vehicles, so allow most of a day for this hike/drive.
The hike is 2.75 miles one-way with 3,000 feet gain.
Getting ThereThe road to Cottonwood Canyon starts next to the campground at Stovepipe Wells in Death Valley. Follow the road past the airstrip (do not enter the airstrip). Follow the dirt road about 8.6 miles to a big parking area just before the road drops into a wash. After this point, high clearance is needed and 4WD is a really good idea. Follow the road as it drops into the wash and turns left up the canyon. Continue 2.2 to a junction and bear left (right will take you up Marble Canyon) Continue 8.2 miles S to the end of the road at a turnaround and park (the road ends here).
Red TapeNo permits for day hiking but you do need a backcountry permit for overnight trips.
Death Valley NP Page
When To ClimbBest time to climb is from Fall to Spring - way too hot in the summer.
CampingA good spot to camp is at the big parking area 8.6 miles from Stovepipe Wells before the road drops into the wash. Typically, you don't need high-clearance or 4WD to get that far. If you have the right type of vehicle, there are great camping spots along the road to the springs at the end of the road.
Mountain ConditionsContact Death Valley National Park for park information:
Death Valley NP Page
External Links Images
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Death Valley
