Trail Overview
West Side Road - DVNP is an easy, 36-mile dirt route perfect for beginners, crossover SUVs, and stock four-wheel-drive vehicles seeking a quiet, scenic alternative to the paved Badwater Road. Situated entirely below sea level with elevations ranging from nearly 280 feet below sea level to 40 feet below sea level, this path skirts the western edge of the iconic Death Valley salt flats, providing stunning, remote views of Badwater Basin and the jagged salt formations of the Devil's Golf Course. The flat, wide dirt trail features minimal elevation change, with only about 690 feet of cumulative climb over its entire length, making it highly accessible for most drivers, including those in SxSs. It offers a tranquil escape from the national park's heavier tourist traffic, connecting drivers directly with the vast desert floor while framed by the towering Panamint Range to the west.
Along the route, historical waypoints offer a fascinating look into the region's pioneering past, including the Eagle Borax Works site, Shorty's Well, and Bennett's Long Camp, where the Bennett-Arcane party of forty-niners was stranded for a month in 1850. Drivers will also pass the gravesites of local pioneers Jim Dayton and Shorty Harris, with the route ending near the historic Ashford Mill Ruins. The road serves as an excellent connector to other backcountry adventures like the Warm Springs Canyon and Harry Wade Exit Route. Although the trail is generally well-trafficked and carries a very basic difficulty rating, offroaders must remain alert to weather forecasts, as the entire route is susceptible to flash flooding and subsequent closures by the National Park Service.
Difficulty
This is a flat and easy 40 mile route. As always in a desert environment, watch the weather as flash flooding can occur with little to no warning. This route is relatively well trafficked. If you are a complete novice, renting a Jeep, or have a cross-over type of vehicle, this is an ideal route. NOTE - this route does flood and can be closed by NPS.
History
This road aligns with the historic pathways forged by the '49er families seeking a shortcut to California. The route features Bennett's Long Camp, where the Bennett-Arcane party of forty-niners remained stranded for a month in 1850. It also passes the gravesites of local pioneers Jim Dayton and Shorty Harris, alongside the historic Eagle Borax Works site and Ashford Mill Ruins.
Access Description
West Side Road is managed by the National Park Service and requires a valid Death Valley National Park pass or entrance fee. Due to its position on the valley floor, the road is highly susceptible to flooding and muddy washouts. Check current road conditions and weather advisories at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center or on the official park website before starting the drive.
