Sand Canyon – Death Valley National Park
An unofficially-named canyon in the Owlshead Mountains differentiated by sandy “dunes” near its mouth.
| Total Distance: 12.0 miles out & back | Elevation Gain: 2,305ft. (147ft. to 2,396ft.) |
| Difficulty: Very Strenuous | 10+ Mile Difficulty: Strenuous |
| View Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0 stars | Author’s Rating: 2.0 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: No potable or reliable water | Overnight Options: Dispersed camping permitted |
| Trailhead Amenities: None | Crowd Factor: Solitude |
| Trailhead Access: 1.5 (4×4 required when road is flooded or sandy – 2.0 to 2.3) | |
Uses:     | Trail Surface:       |
Features:    | Hazards:      |
Mile-by-Mile: Sand Canyon
0.0 Unmarked trailhead on the west side of the Harry Wade Road (151ft.). Head west toward the mouth of Sand Canyon, marked by sandy “dunes” just north of its mouth. After you enter the wash about mile 1.6, turn southwest into Sand Canyon. (35.749153°, -116.540721°)
2.0 Mouth of Sand Canyon (555ft.). Walk southwest up Sand Canyon. The canyon slowly narrows, with some interesting rocks along the sides. (35.748367°, -116.574313°)
3.0 Canyon Split (848ft.). Take the right fork to continue westward. Two dryfalls that together are about 100ft. high may block progress a tenth of a mile up the canyon. Once finally atop the dryfalls and scrambles, the canyon opens up a bit. (35.743332°, -116.589740°)
5.5 Canyon Split (1,695ft.). This is pretty much the end of the canyon; however, take the right fork. Beware of choke stones and dryfalls. From here, the canyon winds northwest. (35.740459°, -116.623996°)
5.75 Side wash (1,892ft.). Turn left out of the main wash up the steep side-wash. It begins rocky but eventually becomes sandy, especially on the left side. Scramble up the wash and then up the sandy slope to the ridgeline. (35.741868°, -116.628056°)
6.0 Ridgeline (2,396ft.). Enjoy the view before returning to the Harry Wade Road. If desired (and you’re possibly a little bit crazy – it’s steep!), you can scramble down the other side of the ridgline and head downhill to get to Owl Lake. (35.742246°, -116.632297°)
History & More
If you’re traveling the road while the Amargosa River is flowing, your best bet is to come in via the Saratoga Spring Road. While the Harry Wade Road still might be flooded, at least you won’t have to cross the river’s main channel.
Sand Canyon received its unofficial name from the large sand “dunes” just north of the mouth of the canyon.
It’s been suggested that a good (if long) overnight trip is to hike up Sand Canyon, descend to Owl Lake, and then return the next day. I’ve never done it, but it sounds like quite an adventure for a cool winter day.
The canyons of the Owlshead Mountains are dry, extremely remote, and unmarked. Be prepared for self-rescue and to explore rather than follow a defined route.
Download Route Map
Driving Directions
The unmarked beginning of the route is 13.9 miles south of the northern end of the Harry Wade Road. If coming from the south, the “trailhead” is 11.8 miles beyond the Owl Hole Spring Road.
Camping in a canyon is discouraged due to the danger of flash floods.
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.
Camping is not allowed within one mile of a paved road, developed area, or dirt road that is closed to camping.
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.)