Furnace Creek Wash to Green Valley

Furnace Creek Wash to Gold Valley is a 47-mile backpacking journey starting from the junction of Furnace Creek Wash/Greenwater Valley Road and Highway 178, leading you into the heart of Death Valley National Park. This challenging trek takes you through the serene Greenwater Valley and into the Black Mountains to Gold Valley. This route explores the park's lesser-known areas, offering a unique blend of solitude, breathtaking vistas, and a tangible sense of wilderness.ROUTE DESCRIPTIONYour journey begins at the junction of Furnace Creek Wash/Greenwater Valley Road and Highway 178. Follow Furnace Creek Wash through Greenwater Valley for about 10.8 miles into the heart of Death Valley's striking desert landscapes. The trail meanders through the expansive valley floor, surrounded by the stark beauty of the desert and the silhouettes of distant mountains.The ascent becomes slightly steeper as you turn west onto Gold Valley Road. The path here is enveloped in the signature features of the Death Valley wilderness: rolling hills, rugged terrain, and a vast open sky.As you approach Willow Spring, prepare for awe-inspiring views overlooking Death Valley itself. This vantage point offers a panoramic view of the valley below, free from the crowds common in a national park.From Willow Spring, you'll make a small loop using the South Loop Spur trail, which will reconnect to Gold Valley Road. From there, you can retrace your steps back to the start.FLORA AND FAUNACommon plants in this area include, small shrubs, creosote bush, various cacti, and springtime wildflowers. Animal sightings may include bighorn sheep, coyotes, rabbits, rodents, desert tortoise, rattlesnakes, various lizards, and a variety of birds. CAMPING AND PERMITSBackcountry permits are free and required for roadside camping along Greenwater Valley / Furnace Creek Wash / Road. For more information visit the NPS - Death Valley website.SAFETY AND CONSIDERATIONSPermits: Check with Death Valley National Park for any required permits for backpacking and camping.Water: Carry all the water you will need for this trek and prepare for dry conditions across exposed terrain.Weather: Prepare for extreme temperatures and conditions typical of a desert environment.ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONDeath Valley National Park:https://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm.