NORTHEASTERN CALIFORNIA

Summary

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A very popular marbled canyon hike in Death Valley. Relatively short, this trail will not take all day while still offering gorgeous rock formations and you stroll along the canyon.

Trail Stats

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Trail Details

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Directly outside of Stovepipe Wells, where gasoline is significantly less expensive than in Furnace Creek, lays Mosaic Canyon. It’s maybe a mile down an unpaved road to the parking lot. Initially we planned to bypass this relatively short hike. It is one of the more popular hikes which means more people. Ick. However, our camping neighbors swayed us on the canyons beauty and recommended we hit the trail early to avoid the masses. Which we did, much to Doug’s disgruntlement. He “loves” mornings.

As with most canyons in Death Valley, we started in on a large wash. Once again walking though gravel. The walls of this particular canyon are a blend of Dolomite that has been formed into gorgeous smooth marble and various small rocks naturally cemented together. Thus the name Mosaic Canyon. It is quite lovely.

This canyon fairly quickly narrows into a lightly winding passage through the stone. Perfect for photo’s should the light be right. Alas, it was not for us but pretty none the less.

Soon the trail once again opens into a large wash with a ridge down one side. The trail goes to the left but one could certainly explore the smaller canyon to the right. I chose to wander along the ridge and was called a mountain goat by a passer by. Maybe a clumsy mountain goat.

When the path narrows again there are a few large boulders to navigate across. It rather seemed like the majority of people turned around here. Pressing ever onward, the trail does narrow with a few more light obstacles. Once the path straightens out there are convenient arrows made of rock pointing up the hillside as the path diverts out of the canyon briefly to circumnavigate a rather large rock fall. Take the proffered path, it was much nicer.

From here it is a brief walk to the end of the trail. And it is a rather firm “thou shall not pass”. The end is a massive, rather slick rock fall that one would need climbing gear to ascend. The first and only hard end stop we found while hiking in the park.

As this is an out and back hike, simply retrace your general path on the way out. We did take one small diversion off the main trail on our way out, as seen on the map. Turns out we simply can’t resist a small side canyon. This one did procure spectacular rock formations and colors.

It is noteworthy that the masses of people had indeed arrived by time we made our way out. So if you prefer solitude, head out early.

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