Wood Canyon Road

Trail Overview

Wood Canyon Road is situated off Emigrant Canyon Road. It is an "out and back" trail; it is a rarely visited mining area, the Argenta mine is from the early mining area of Death Valley. Because of its remote location, many of the items were left behind by the miners. There are abandoned cars slowly rusting away in the desert environment. The remains of the main structure, the stone foundation, still exists. The main adit to the mine exists (be careful of entering mines). Camping here is considered backcountry roadside camping, requiring a spot at least 1 mile from paved roads and adhering to "leave no trace" principles. The road is generally for high-clearance 4x4 and licensed vehicles. The road starts out as a smooth "two-track" with some small ruts up to the mining camp. After the trail leads you into and out of the wash, it switches to a rocky trail depending on the previous weather conditions. At times, there can be more rocks; highly recommend airing down to reduce the potential tire damage. The trail meanders through the wide canyon with sagebrush on each side. As the trail climbs in elevation, the Pinyon trees make their appearance in abundance. Ignore the first "spur" road to the right, as it is marked with a small sign marking it as wilderness. A bit further, the trail splits left and right; the left leads to a nice secluded camping spot. There are remains of a campfire with partially burned logs. This is against NPS rules/polices; pack out all ash, and gathering wood is not allowed. Camp stoves and propane grills are allowed." Going the right trail will lead to the end of the trail will end at a great view spot and a camping spot; also, it can be used as a parking spot for hiking. There are two signs blocking the trail to indicate that it is a wilderness boundary. There is a trail that goes to the left; this is not a legal trail. Do not proceed any further; the wilderness boundary is about 50 feet from the parking/camping area.

Photos of Wood Canyon Road

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Difficulty

The road is for high-clearance 4x4 and licensed vehicles. The road starts out as a smooth "two-track" with some small ruts. The trail leads you into and out of the wash; it switches to a rocky trail depending on the previous weather conditions. At times, there can be more rocks; highly recommend airing down to reduce the potential tire damage. The trail does narrow as it goes through the Pinyon forest. There is one off-camber section about 100 yards from the end of the trail.

Technical Rating

Wood Canyon Road can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV