Forget the intimidating treks and rugged climbs. Death Valley, with its otherworldly landscapes and dramatic vistas, offers a surprising abundance of beginner-friendly hikes. Embark on a journey through golden canyons, navigate mesmerizing salt flats, and be dwarfed by towering sand dunes – all without breaking a sweat! This ain’t your typical desert stroll, though. Each trail unlocks a unique facet of Death Valley’s stark beauty, leaving you breathless and begging for more. Lace up your boots, grab your water bottle, and prepare to be awestruck. Here’s your guide to conquering Death Valley , one easy hike at a time.

badwater basin
badwater basin

Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail: 

Easy, 0.5 miles, iconic salt flats with stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Mojave Desert by Brocken Inaglory

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trail

Easy, 0.5 – 2 miles, climb and explore the otherworldly sand dunes. This hike gets harder the further you decide to go, but each dune offering its own specific view and experience.

Zabriskie Point Death Valley
Zabriske Point

Zabriskie Point: 

Easy, 1 mile, panoramic views of Golden Canyon and Furnace Creek. Extend hike down into Golden Canyon for further discovery.

Golden Canyon Death Valley
Golden Canyon parking lot covered in flood caused debris.

Golden Canyon: 

Moderate, 3 miles, colorful landscape with towering rock formations. Connect with loops that bring you below Zabriske Point and next Reds Cathedral

Dantes View - Death Valley Badwater basin and Telescope peak
Dantes View – Death Valley Badwater basin and Telescope peak

Dante’s View:

Moderate, 1.5 miles, breathtaking vistas of Death Valley and surrounding mountains

Salt creek death Valley
Salt creek death Valley

Salt Creek Interpretive Trail

Easy, ,5 mile boardwark trail, Hike alongside the vibrant lifeblood of the desert at Salt Creek, home to the endangered pupfish. Flooding destroyed the boardwalk, restroom and parking area. Will not open before fall 2024.

Artist Palette death valley I
Artist Palette death valley I

Artist Palette

Who needs an easel when you can marvel at Nature’s own art gallery from the comfort of your car? Guest can take a short 1/4 mile walk into the middle of the Artist Palette landscape

Milky Way in death Valley
The Milky Way as seen from the historic Twenty Mule Team wagons at Harmony Borax Works. NPS

Harmony Borax Works

Visit the historical trail of Harmony Borax Works and short and easy .5 mile interpretive trail

Natural Bridge Death Valley
Natural Bridge Death Valley

Natural Bridge

Easy 1 mile hike that travels up a canton to the Natural bridge and then past for another 1/2 mile to a dry waterfall.

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