Trail Overview

Twenty Mule Team Canyon is a 2.7-mile one-way, unpaved dirt road loop located within Death Valley National Park. The trail traverses vibrant, eroded badlands and is situated near Zabriskie Point. Renowned for its picturesque and dramatic desert landscape, the trail also holds historical significance as a site of borax mining. This trail is accessible by standard vehicles. However, during inclement weather conditions, the trail can pose a risk of vehicle impassibility. Additionally, the trail is subject to closures due to its non-park status and is owned by US Borax. Access to the trail is regulated by gates at both ends.

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Difficulty

This trail is accessible by standard vehicles. However, during inclement weather conditions, the trail can pose a risk of vehicle impassibility.

History

The canyon is named after the legendary teams that transported borax out of Death Valley in the 1880s, although the canyon itself was not their primary, heavily used route. It offers spectacular views of hardened clay badlands, with colors indicating different minerals—yellow/green from chloride and red from iron. While there are no official hiking trails, the area is open to exploring.

Technical Rating