Corkscrew Canyon – Death Valley National Park
Hike up a wash to badlands and the wash below the top of 20 Mule Team Canyon.
| Total Distance: 3.8 miles out & back (to gate) | Elevation Gain: 469ft. (1,199ft. to 1,644ft.) |
| Difficulty: Moderate | 0-5 Mile Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous |
| View Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0 stars | Author’s Rating: 1.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Visitor Rating: (Click to rate) [Total: 0 Average: 0] | Visitor Difficulty Rating: (Click to rate) [Total: 0 Average: 0] |
| Pets: No | Horses: Yes |
| Best Seasons: November-April | Special Permits: None |
| Water Availability: None | Overnight Options: None |
| Trailhead Amenities: None | Crowd Factor: Solitude |
| Trailhead Access: 0.6 | |
Uses:    | Trail Surface:       |
Features:      | Hazards:    |
Mile-by-Mile: Corkscrew Canyon Route
0.0 Point where Corkscrew Wash crosses CA-190 (1,199ft.). Take the unmarked, wide wash southeast. It will turn east along the base of some badlands after about 0.8 miles. (36.3963333°, -116.7673667°)
1.4 Old Road (1,498ft.). The wash turns sharply to the south along an old road with various historical junk scattered around. Note that while the road looks unused, and no signs prohibit you from walking on it, it is actually on private property. Follow the wash southwest into a narrower canyon. Note that the road and the wash meet as one about mile 1.6; stay right to continue in the wash. (36.377908°, -116.760759°)
1.9 Path up to the road (1,644ft.). The wash more or less ends here in multiple small drainages heading up the hillside. Explore these if you wish (stay to the right (west) of the posts stuck into the hillside in various places to stay on public property). Climbing to the west (right) will take you into the upper reaches of 20 Mule Team Canyon. Climbing up to the road (left) will take you to an old gate that says, “Private Property.” At one time, this area was privately owned, but a land trade resolved this issue. Continue up the road. A short distance later, a major wash will enter from the left (north); this is a fantastic, if mostly easy, slot canyon to explore. Further up the main canyon is the remains of an old ore hopper, slowly decaying buildings, and more (GPS coordinates and more information coming soon). (36.371575°, -116.764361°)
History & More
Corkscrew Canyon makes a reasonable loop option with 20 Mule Team Canyon. I’d guess the round-trip distance would be just over 5 miles without trekking up to the old mine area or following Corkscrew Slot.
Corkscrew Canyon is a fairly easy hike. However, it’s also not that exciting. If you’re desperate for a stroll away from the crowds, it fits the description, but there are better canyons in Death Valley to explore.
At one time, the area beyond the gate was on private property. For many years, no one knew or cared if hikers continued up to the slot canyon and the old mine area. However, in the mid-2010s, the owner suddenly became very concerned about people on the property. Besides installing fences around the old mining equipment, signs were installed, and finally, the area was officially closed to the public. Around 2023, the NPS initiated a land trade to make the mine and surrounding area part of Death Valley National Park.
The area around Corkscrew Canyon was used for mining operations at various times. Buildings still remain in the canyon, but most of them have been fenced off.
Download Trail Map
Driving Directions
Take CA-190 east of Furnace Creek. The unmarked “trailhead” is 3 miles east of Zabriskie Point and 4.2 miles west of the Dante’s View Road. The “trailhead” is the place where a wash crosses the road – you’ll see the wash coming in from the south (opposite side of the road from Furnace Creek Wash and the telephone poles). Park on the shoulder of the road, do not crush vegetation, and do not obstruct traffic.
Remember, it may be easier to climb up dryfalls than down them (or vice versa). Be sure you can climb in the other direction before climbing up or down a dryfall.
Leave No Trace Principles are enforced
Drones and model aircrafts are prohibited
Camping is permitted only in designated sites or in areas open to dispersed backcountry camping
All park rules and regulations
12 Month Pass: $55/Death Valley Annual Pass (valid at Death Valley National Park). $80/America the Beautiful Annual Pass (valid at all national park and federal fee areas). $20/Annual Senior Pass (62 years or older US citizens; valid at all national park and federal fee areas). Free/4th Grade Pass (Valid Sept. 1-August 31 of the child’s 4th Grade school year). Free/Military Pass (valid for all active military personel and their dependents with a CAC Card or DD Form 1173).
Lifetime Pass: $80/Lifetime Senior Pass (62 years or older US citizens; valid at all national park and federal fee areas). Free/Access Pass (available to all US citizens with perminent disabilities). Free/Access for Veterans and Gold Star Families Pass (valid for all military and veterans with a CAC card, Veteran HJealth Identification Card, Veteran ID Card, or veteran’s designation on state-issued drivers license or identification card.)
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