Thimble Peak – Death Valley National Park
Scramble up a peak to spectacular views of Death Valley, the High Sierras, and more.
Total Distance: 3.5 miles out & back | Elevation Gain: 1,900ft. (5,260ft. to 6,268ft.) |
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous | 0-5 Mile Difficulty: Very Strenuous |
View Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars | Author’s Rating: 4.0 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: 1.5 | |
Uses: ![]() ![]() ![]() | Trail Surface: ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Features: ![]() ![]() | Hazards: ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mile-by-Mile: Thimble Peak Route
0.0 Unmarked Trailhead on the south (left) side of Red Pass along the Titus Canyon Road (5,260ft.). Follow the social trail south of Red Pass up the ridgeline. The trail briefly twists west, then south and a little east. About mile 1, you can turn left, off-trail, to travel south up to the top of Thimble’s Shadow. After this turnoff, the trail bends west up Thimble Peak. (36.828749°, -117.032511°)
1.75 Thimble Peak (6,268ft.). Enjoy spectacular views to Death Valley, Telescope Peak, the Cottonwood Mountains, the High Sierras on a clear day, and much more. (36.812322°, -117.040950°)
History & More
Thimble Peak is the 26th highest mountain in Death Valley.
The social trail up Thimble Peak is relatively famous, so chances are the trail will be well-defined. That said, so few people actually hike it that it’s likely you’ll have it to yourself.
A trail also goes north from Red Pass. However, the mountain on the north side of the pass doesn’t have such a fancy title.
Download Trail Map
Coming soon!
Driving Directions
Drive the Titus Canyon Road up to the top of Red Pass, 12.2 miles from the Daylight Pass Road. Park off of the road so you don’t obstruct traffic.
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
Click here for 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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