Fall Canyon – Death Valley National Park
Explore a desert canyon with awesome sheer walls, layered rocks, and a pretty dryfall at the end.
| Total Distance: 6.6 miles out & back | Elevation Gain: 1,839ft. (923ft. to 2,363ft.) |
| Difficulty: Strenuous | 5+ Mile Difficulty: Strenuous |
| View Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars | Author’s Rating: 5.0 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: Yes after about 2 miles |
| Trailhead Amenities: Primitive restroom | Crowd Factor: Moderate to Crowded |
| Trailhead Access: 1.2 | |
Uses:     | Trail Surface:     |
Features:   | Hazards:      |
Mile-by-Mile: Fall Canyon Route
0.0 Fall Canyon Trailhead (933ft.). The trailhead is located behind the primitive restroom. The path begins by rolling along the hillside, then drops into a wash. The old trail continues up the wash, while the new trail turns to cross over another hill and drop into the Fall Canyon Wash further upstream. This and a few social trails will all land you generally in the right place, so don’t worry about taking the exactly right trail as long as it’s heading for the Fall Canyon Wash. (36.8221167°, -117.1740667°)
0.75 Fall Canyon Wash (1,186ft.). Drop into the wash, then turn right to almost immediately enter the canyon. Paths traverse most of the canyon, often staying in the middle or near one canyon wall. The walls rise high above the canyon floor in multiple layers and colors. (36.8305167°, -117.1743500°)
2.1 Side Canyon on left (1,755ft.). Turn left up this canyon for a short distance to a huge double dryfall in a grotto. While it is more or less impassible to ascend from this angle, it’s beautiful enough to warrant the side trek. (36.839836°, -117.159647°)
2.2 Double Dryfall (1,905ft.). Retrace your steps to the main canyon, turn left, and continue upcanyon. (36.840518°, -117.160692°)
2.9 Canyon Narrows (2,009ft.). Continue upstream. A few small dryfalls are obstacles easy to overcome. (36.8469000°, -117.1548167°)
3.4 20ft. Dryfall (2,363ft.). Upward travel ceases here unless you don’t mind a bit of scrambling over sketchy rock to get to the upper canyon (see Upper Fall Canyon). Retrace your steps to your vehicle. (36.845934°, -117.147280°)
History & More
Fall Canyon is very walkable as canyons go. There is little in the way of scrambling until you reach the dryfall where most people turn around.
I’ve heard that Fall Canyon and nearby Titus Canyon are both excellent areas to see bighorn sheep. Sadly, I’ve yet to catch a glimpse of one in the area.
It’s possible to continue beyond the dryfall into Upper Fall Canyon. This requires a sketchy climb up rocks and a loose slope (Class 3+ scramble) – but there are beautiful narrows above the dryfall!
Download Trail Map
Coming soon!
Driving Directions
Take Scotty’s Castle Road to the exit of the Titus Canyon Road (14.9 miles north of CA-190 and 18.3 miles south of the Grapevine Ranger Station). Turn east on the gravel Titus Canyon Road for 2.6 miles to the Titus Canyon Trailhead and Fall Canyon Trailhead parking.
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.)
5 thoughts on “Fall Canyon – Death Valley National Park”