Dry Mountain is the highpoint of the Last Chance Range within the northern part of Death Valley National Park. The Last Chance Range is a long narrow range and it separates the Eureka and Saline Valleys to the west of the range from the northeastern part of the Death Valley National Park. The elevations range from about 2000 feet elevation to 8,674 feet elevation at the summit of Dry Mountain.

The Last Chance Range does not receive much percipitation as it stands in the rain shadow of the higher Inyo Mountains to the west, but the higher elevations will receive some snow in the winter. The snow that Dry Mountain does get supports conifer trees at the higher elevations. Joshua Trees are abundant at the foot of Dry Mountain.

Other notable peaks in the Last Chance Range include: Last Chance Mountain (8459') and Marble Peak (7,559'). Just east of Dry Mountain in the Cottonwood Mountain Range is Tin Mountain (8,900').

Map of area surrounding Dry Mountain:

Getting There

From Ubehebe Crater in Death Valley National Park, take the Racetrack Road south approximately 9.5 miles to 4500 feet above sea level. Park in the closest pull-out you find. The Racetrack Road is a dirt road and the washboard can be bad. Typically 2WD is okay and having high-clearance doesn't hurt. When it is rainy the road maybe considered a 4WD road.

Route Directions

There are other routes that go from both Racetrack Road and the Saline Valley to the summit of Dry Mountain, but I am only able to describe the route we took. If anyone has done any other of the routes, please feel free to add a route.

The route we took:

Start hiking west from the parking spot over the rolling desert floor. When you are directly north of point 4938, locate the large canyon to the west-south-west. Continue toward the mouth of that large canyon, meandering over easy terrain. Once you have entered the canyon, continue around the tip of the ridge until you see a good place to start up the ridge at about elevation 6300 feet above sea level. Gain the ridge and just stay on it until point 7944. From point traverse northwest to point 7934. From point 7934, descend down the ridge to a large wash/valley that runs north to south. You will drop down to almost 7200 feet above sea level. From the wash, proceed west up a ridge which you follow to the top of Dry Mountain - the route is apparent from the wash.

You cannot see Dry Mountain until you get over point 7944, but once you start down toward the wash that bottoms out at about 7200 feet you will clearly see Dry Mountain and the ridge you will take to the summit.

This hike is about 14-15 miles long with 5800 feet of elevation gain (700 feet of this gain is on the way out).

The terrain is never higher than Class 2 and mostly Class 1.

Also, please be aware that if you go up from the desert floor further north than at/near the end of the ridge at about 6300 feet you will have to make your way up a headwall that might have some loose rock. There is a route through the headwall, but I have not taken it. Going to the end of the ridge avoids the headwall - you will hike above it along the ridge.

Here is a picture of where you start up the ridge at about 6300 feet elevation:

Dry Mountain in the distance as you descend to the Wash/Valley that bottoms out at about 7200 feet:

Map of our route from Racetrack Road:

Camping

Developed Campgrounds: The closest developed campground is Mesquite Springs. No reservations are accepted, so you have to be there before Friday afternoon to be sure to get a spot. Mesquite Springs has water and restrooms. Here's more information on developed campsites in Death Valley National Park: Campgrounds in Death Valley

Backcountry Camping: Backcountry camping is allowed
two miles away from any developed area,
paved road, or "day use only" area in Death Valley National Park. Backcountry camping is not allowed along the Racetrack Road. For more information on backcountry camping in Death Valley see: Backcountry Camping in Death Valley

External Links

Pictures of our hike to Dry Mountain:

Pictures of our Hike to Dry Mountain

Sierra Club Trip Reports Dry Mountain:

DPS Trip Reports