Riding the Bone-White Ridges: Exploring Twenty Mule Team Canyon
A short, sculpted badlands drive that folds borax history into wind-sanded ridges
You arrive on a heat-hazed ribbon of pavement that drops into a bowl of sculpted, bone-colored ridges. The air smells of sun-baked stone and dust; wind has already been here, carving gullies that look like dried river fingers. Twenty Mule Team Canyon doesn’t announce itself with a visitor center or a grand overlook—it reveals itself quietly, in layers and textures, in a landscape that seems more hand-painted than geological. A narrow one-way road threads through the badlands, and the canyon’s namesake—those famous borax mule teams—hover like a memory along the route, their story folded into the folds of the earth.
Trail Wisdom
Beat the heat
Visit at dawn or dusk—temperatures in summer exceed 110°F and exposure is total.
Bring more water than you think
Carry at least 2 liters per person for a short stop; there is no potable water in the canyon.
Protect your vehicle
Use a high-clearance vehicle if possible and drive slowly on the unpaved one-way loop to avoid undercarriage damage.
Respect fragile soils
Stay on designated paths and avoid stepping on cryptobiotic crusts that take decades to recover.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Harmony Borax Works interpretive site a few miles away
- •Zabriskie Point for a complementary sunrise view
Wildlife
desert bighorn sheep, kit fox (primarily nocturnal)
Conservation Note
The canyon’s soils and cryptobiotic crust are fragile—stay on roads and trails, pack out all trash, and avoid driving on unmarked surfaces.
Named for the mule-and-horse teams that hauled borax from Harmony Borax Works in the 1880s, the canyon is a living reminder of Death Valley’s mining past.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: wildflower pockets, mild hiking, photography
Challenges: occasional windy days, fluctuating temps
Spring offers mild temperatures and the chance of desert blooms in sheltered hollows—ideal for short hikes and photos.
summer
Best for: very quiet trails, dramatic light at sunrise/sunset
Challenges: extreme heat, risk of dehydration, limited services
Summer is harsh; stick to pre-dawn or after-sunset visits and avoid extended time on exposed slopes.
fall
Best for: comfortable hiking, clear skies, long golden hours
Challenges: shorter daylight, possible late-day winds
Fall brings pleasant days and great light for shooting textures—expect cooler mornings and warm afternoons.
winter
Best for: mild daytime temperatures, low visitation, crisp air
Challenges: cold nights, potential for sudden rain
Winter days are cool and often perfect for exploring; pack warm layers for the chilly mornings and evenings.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
2–3 liters water per personEssential
Hydration is critical—there are no water sources in the canyon.
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Good traction is necessary on crumbly, eroding slopes and loose gravel.
Wide-brim sun hat & SPF 30+ sunscreenEssential
Complete sun protection for hours of exposed walking and photography.
Camera with wide-angle lens
A wide lens captures sweeping ridges; a polarizer helps cut glare and deepen skies.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit to visit Twenty Mule Team Canyon?
No special permit is required to visit the canyon, but you must pay Death Valley National Park entrance fees or display an annual pass.
How long is the loop drive through Twenty Mule Team Canyon?
The one-way unpaved loop is roughly 2.5–3 miles; stop frequently—the route is designed for short walks and viewpoints.
Is the road suitable for all vehicles?
Most cars can manage the route if driven carefully, but high-clearance vehicles are recommended to avoid scraping on uneven sections.
Can I hike off the marked pullouts?
Stay on designated paths—undisturbed soils and cryptobiotic crusts are fragile and easily damaged by off-trail travel.
Are there restroom facilities nearby?
There are restrooms at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells; none inside the canyon.
What wildlife might I see?
Look for lizards, ground squirrels, and sometimes desert bighorn sheep in higher terrain; many animals are crepuscular and avoid midday heat.
What to Pack
Water (2–3L), sun protection (hat + sunscreen), sturdy shoes for loose slopes, layered clothing for variable temps
Did You Know
Twenty Mule Team Canyon takes its name from the 20-mule teams that hauled borax from Harmony Borax Works to the railhead in the 1880s—a route immortalized in early advertising and western lore.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Pay the Death Valley park entrance fee at the gate; 2) Download offline maps—cell service is limited; 3) Drive the loop clockwise to take best advantage of pullouts; 4) Bring a printed map and extra water.
Local Flavor
The area blends frontier mining history and Timbisha Shoshone heritage; nearby Furnace Creek offers practical visitor services, while local eateries serve hearty, desert-friendly meals.
Logistics Snapshot
Location: off CA-190 in Death Valley NP; road: unpaved one-way loop (~2.7 miles); services: Furnace Creek (gas, restrooms); cell: limited; safety: bring water and sun protection.
Sustainability Note
Protect cryptobiotic soils—walk only on established trails, pack out waste, and avoid disturbing geological or cultural artifacts.
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