Lost Lake – Death Valley National Park
Hike on an old road to a dry lakebed. A few “sliding rocks” can be found if the lakebed is explored in depth.
| Total Distance: 8.0 miles out & back | Elevation Gain: 338ft. (2,582ft. to 2,336ft.) |
| Difficulty: Moderate | 5-10 Mile Difficulty: Moderate |
| View Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars | Author’s Rating: 3.0 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. Do not walk on the playa if it is wet. |
| Water Availability: None | Overnight Options: Dispersed camping permitted |
| Trailhead Amenities: None | Crowd Factor: Solitude |
| Trailhead Access: 2.0 4×4 appreciated, though high clearance may be ok in dry weather | |
Uses:     | Trail Surface:    |
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Mile-by-Mile: Lost Lake
0.0 Beginning of an old road along the Owl Hole Spring Road (2,582ft.). A sign stating no vehicles are allowed marks the beginning of the hike. Head north on the old road, enjoying the views of the mountains along the way. The peak with a defunct microwave relay tower on top of it is near Owl Benchmark. Telescope Peak is also visible to the north. At first, the route may be difficult to find, but if you head across the desert from the sign at a 90-degree angle to the road (aka, your back is directly toward the road), you should pick up the route, which will eventually weave around three low volcanic hills. Lost Lake is visible almost immediately upon starting the hike, though it eventually is lost in the brush as you hike lower into the lake basin. The road will occasionally cross washes; head north or northeast each time to pick up the road again. (35.681999°, -116.822322°)
4.0 Lost Lake (2,336ft.). You can walk out on the playa (if it’s dry – otherwise you’ll leave footprints that could last decades) for great views of the surrounding mountains. Exploring around the lakebed may lead you to some “sailing stones” and, near the southern end, gravel caught in the geometric shapes of the dried mud. “Sailing mud bars” may also be found – a strange and wonderful sight. (35.737521°, -116.821468°)
History & More
Lost Lake isn’t a lake – it’s a dry lakebed. It’s one of the most remote playas in the park, and as such, it sees fewer visitors than nearby Owl Lake.
This is a very exposed, shadeless hike. Don’t try it except at cooler times of year with plenty of water (and not during a windstorm).
After a rain, the Owl Hole Spring Road is mostly impassible without excellent 4×4 – but the lake may be full of water!
Download Route Map
Driving Directions
The road begins along the Owl Hole Spring Road, 22.4 miles from its beginning at the junction with the Harry Wade Road. It is located 11.2 miles west of the Randsburg Road Junction.
Camping is not permitted within 100 feet of a flowing stream, spring, or other natural body of open water.
No camping is permitted on the floor of Death Valley, within one mile of Darwin Falls and Greenwater Canyon, on the active/shifting sand dunes, and certain other canyons and backcountry areas.
Camping is also prohibited within one mile of the Ubehebe Lead Mine, Leadfield Mines, Keane Wonder Mill, and Skidoo Mill.
Camping is limited to 30 days per calendar year within the park.
Fires are permitted in NPS-provided fire grates or grills ONLY.
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.)