Quick Facts:
Location: Death Valley, California
Coordinates: 36.57193353772325, -117.14428307708985
Length: 3.5 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,000’
Dog Friendly: No
Introduction:
If you’re looking for a short but jaw-dropping hike in Death Valley National Park, Mosaic Canyon Trail is a must-do. This gem winds through smooth, polished rock walls, offering a taste of slot canyon magic without the technical challenges. It’s one of those hikes where every turn feels like stepping into another world.
Getting to Mosaic Canyon Trail:
Mosaic Canyon is located away near Stovepipe Wells, making it an easy stop if you’re exploring the park. From Furnace Creek, drive about 30 miles west on CA-190. Once you reach Stovepipe Wells, turn onto Mosaic Canyon Road, a bumpy, unpaved path that stretches 2.3 miles to the trailhead. You don’t necessarily need a 4WD vehicle, but the road can be rough, so drive carefully. Death Valley National Park charges a $15-$30 fee or you can use the America the Beautiful Pass to enter.
Parking Information:
The trailhead has a small parking lot that fills up quickly, especially during peak season. There are restrooms at the trainhead. If the lot is full, you might have to wait for a spot or park further down the road and walk a bit.
Landscape Description:
The first section of the trail is an immediate treat, narrow passageways lined with swirling marble rock that looks almost too perfect to be real. The canyon walls are smooth, sculpted by ancient flash floods. This polished dolomite gives Mosaic Canyon its name, with colorful rock fragments embedded like a natural mosaic.
After the initial narrows, the canyon widens before tightening again. You’ll encounter a few small dry falls and boulders that require scrambling. Nothing too intense, but enough to make it feel like an adventure. Most hikers turn around at a large dry fall about 1.3 miles in, but if you’re determined, you can climb up and continue a bit further.
Trail Difficulty and Length:
Mosaic Canyon Trail is about 3.4 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of roughly 1,000 feet. The hike is moderate, mostly due to the rock scrambling required in some sections. The first part is easy, but navigating the dry falls can be tricky. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, smooth marble is beautiful but slippery.
Dog-Friendly?
Unfortunately, no. Dogs are not allowed on the trail (or most trails in Death Valley). If you’re traveling with a pup, you’ll have to leave them in a safe, cool place while you hike.
Park Rules and Regulations:
Death Valley National Park is a protected area, so follow Leave No Trace principles. Stay on the trail to avoid damaging fragile rock formations. Don’t carve into the canyon walls, nature did a much better job decorating them than we ever could. Pack out all trash, and bring plenty of water. Even in cooler months, Death Valley’s dry air can dehydrate you fast.
Other Hikes Nearby:
If you’re craving more hikes after Mosaic Canyon, check out Golden Canyon for dramatic badlands scenery, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for a surreal desert walk, or Darwin Falls if you want the shock of a hidden waterfall in the middle of a desert.
Non-Hiking Attractions Nearby:
Death Valley isn’t just about hiking. If you want otherworldly views, drive up to Dante’s View for a panoramic sweep of the valley. Stop by Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, or check out the Artist’s Palette, where mineral-rich hills explode in shades of pink, green, and purple.
Best Time to Visit:
Hiking Mosaic Canyon in summer is a bad idea. Death Valley’s scorching heat can be dangerous. The best time to go is from late fall to early spring (November to March), when temperatures are mild. Early mornings are ideal for cooler weather and soft lighting that makes the canyon walls glow.
