Titanothere Peak – Death Valley National Park
Hike up a remote desert peak in the Grapevine Mountains.
| Total Distance: 3.8 miles out & back | Elevation Gain: 1,647t. (4,807ft. to 6,120ft.) |
| Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous | 0-5 Mile Difficulty: Very 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: None | Overnight Options: None |
| Trailhead Amenities: None | Crowd Factor: Solitude |
| Trailhead Access: 1.5 | |
Uses:    | Trail Surface:    |
Features:   | Hazards:     |
Mile-by-Mile: Titanothere Peak Route
0.0 Unmarked Trailhead on the Titus Canyon Road (4,807ft.). Follow the old jeep road south/southwest down along the wash. (36.824562°, -116.985670°)
0.3 Cross Wash (4,960ft.). Turn south, cross the wash, and then head south and a slight bit east to pick up a wash that heads south along the base of the mountain to the east (left). (36.821138°, -116.990031°)
1.2 Turn west (5,329ft.). Turn right (west) up the side of the mountain to ascend the ridgeline. Once on the ridgeline, turn south up toward the peak. (36.8109764°, -116.986955°)
1.9 Titanothere Peak (6,120ft.). Enjoy views of Thimble Peak, Death Valley, and nearby mountains and canyons. (36.804080°, -116.992221°)
History & More
In 1933, a dinosaur head fossil was found in nearby Titanothere Canyon. A Titanothere is a group of extinct dinosaurs similar to a modern rhinoceros. Scientists tell us that the animals moved in herds eating soft vegetation. The technical term for a Titanothere is a Brontotheres.
A second Titanothere fossil was found near Titus Canyon; however, it was not as well-preserved as the first fossil and included little more than the teeth of the giant animal.
Specifically, the fossil found in Titanothere Canyon included the skull and jaws of the dinosaur. The teeth were small and oval, nose (nasals) long and broad, and horns large and oval that protruded outward and upward. The specific species was named for H. Donald Curry, who found the fossil.
Interestingly, the Tianothere skull found in Titanothere Canyon was the largest of its kind found in North America up to that time.
There is no trail up Titanothere Peak. Be wary of changing conditions, and don’t do anything foolhardy. Follow the lay of the land rather than the map, directions, or GPS file.
Download Trail Map
Coming soon!
Driving Directions
From the Daylight Pass Road, drive 8.5 miles down the Titus Canyon Road. Park along the side of the road, being careful not to obstruct traffic or drive off of the road.
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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