Hiking the Golden Canyon-Gower Gulch Loop in Death Valley

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One of our favorite things to do in any national park is to hike. We prefer moderately strenuous trails with epic views or unique destinations. In Death Valley National Park, the Golden Canyon-Gower Gulch Loop provides that.

In fact, this hike has quickly worked its way to one of our favorite hikes of all time. 

So, what was it that we loved about the Golden Canyon-Gower Gulch Loop Trail? First, it was the narrow golden canyon walls, then the rolling streaked badlands, followed by nearly complete solitude and, finally a bit of rock scrambling.

In this article, I’ll help you prepare for this hike so that you, too, can experience one of the best areas of Death Valley National Park.

Hiking the Golden Canyon Trail in Death Valley
On the Golden Canyon Trail in Death Valley National Park

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Golden Canyon Trailhead

The Golden Canyon trailhead is located just a few miles south of Furnace Creek, on Badwater Road. The parking area is not huge, especially based on the popularity of this trail. The first few times we drove by, it was completely packed with cars also parking on the side of the road.

Note: if parking on the side of the road, make sure you pull completely onto the shoulder so that you are not impeding road traffic.

Sea Level Elevation marker
It was always fun to drive up to sea level in Death Valley.

From the Golden Canyon trailhead, you have several hiking options of varying lengths:

  • Golden Canyon (out and back) – 2 miles
  • Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral (out and back) – 3 miles
  • Golden Canyon-Gower Gulch Loop – 4.3 miles
  • Golden Canyon-Badlands-Gower Gulch Loop – 5.4 miles
  • Complete circuit with spur to Zabriskie Point – 7.8 miles

As noted on the “complete circuit” above, the network of trails here connects to Zabriskie Point, which is located off Hwy 190.

Golden Canyon-Gower Gulch Loop

When we started our hike, we weren’t sure how far we wanted to go, mostly because of the time of day. (We started about 2:00 pm on a late December afternoon, with sunset around 4:45 pm.) We figured we’d hike Golden Canyon and then decide if we wanted to turn around or keep going on the loop.

Hiking the Golden Canyon Trail in Death Valley National Park
Selfie on the Golden Canyon Trail

Continuing around the loop was definitely the right decision! Additionally, if you know you are going to do a loop, I strongly suggest hiking up Golden Canyon (from the parking lot), then down Gower Gulch (towards the parking lot).

Golden Canyon Trail

The hike up through Golden Canyon was nice. It has a fairly gradual incline, so it isn’t too strenuous. Yes, you are hiking through a wash but it wasn’t too sandy or difficult.

As the name suggests, golden canyon walls rise up on either side of the trail. The canyon walls are fairly narrow in some areas and wider in other parts. 

This is also where you will run into the most crowds. Honestly, that was one aspect that inspired us to continue onto the loop – we were looking to find some solitude! But we did manage to get some pictures without people.

After a mile, you can turn around, continue on a 0.5-mile spur trail to Red Cathedral, or turn right to continue to Badlands Loop or Gower Gulch. We chose to not continue to Red Cathedral this time around but if you have time, I’m sure it would be worth it.

Golden Canyon-Badlands Loop Connector Trail 

Immediately after turning off the Golden Canyon trail, we left the majority of the people behind. There was only one solo hiker ahead of us. 

This was also the most scenic part of the hike. In fact, this was one of the most scenic areas in all of Death Valley National Park. 

Golden Canyon Trail in Death Valley National Park.
On the Golden Canyon Trail in Death Valley National Park

Seriously, we just couldn’t get over all the golden rolling hills and badlands. 

Of course, what made it scenic also made it somewhat strenuous as we ascended up a ridge. I won’t lie, we both had to stop to rest a few times. But that also gave us time to just take in the view. 

The layers upon layers of badlands were simply breathtaking (we’ll blame the views, not the uphill climb).

The uphill part was only about half a mile, though. From there, we followed along the ridge for a while before beginning a gradual descent.

Badlands Loop Trail

About 0.8 miles from the Golden Canyon turnoff, you’ll intersect the Badlands Loop. 

If you have the time, you could take the long way around the loop. From the east side of the loop, you could even take a spur trail to Zabriskie Point, which is a popular sunset spot. 

I’m confident we’ll return to Death Valley National Park one day and hike this full circuit.

Time time, though, we turned west towards Gower Gulch to begin the trek back to the parking lot. 

This is the one time the trail wasn’t super easy to follow. We did not see any signage at all here. A quick look at the map helped us to know which way to go, though. Just be careful to not make your hike longer than you intend.

Please, please, please make sure you have a map of some sort. And not just on your phone, because batteries can die. 

Yes, we use AllTrails and take pictures of maps quite a bit. But we also try to have a paper copy just in case. Since my phone was low on battery before the end of our hike, I was very thankful for that paper map. (There is a trail map of this entire area in the park Visitor Guide/newspaper.)

After 0.3 miles, you’ll connect with the Gower Gulch Trail.

Check out our 10 essentials for hiking here.

Gower Gulch Trail

As the name implies, the Gower Gulch Trail takes you through a washed-out ravine with rocky canyon walls on both sides. 

It’s interesting to see how the water has shaped the canyon walls and valley floor in different ways. 

Most of the trail is very easy to hike, with just a gradual decline. But there are few spots where the canyon walls narrow and you have to scramble down a rocky dry waterfall of about four feet.

The rock scrambles weren’t too difficult but they did challenge us a little bit. You definitely need to have a little flexibility and strength to get down them. 

But that little challenge was something we enjoyed. Just assess your skills before starting this part of the hike.

As you near the end of the hike, the trail skirts a 25-foot dry fall. Be careful here as I initially thought it was another rock scramble! Thankfully, it didn’t take me long to realize that it was taller than the others and then see the trail off to the side.

Once around that part, you’ll follow the base of the hills parallel to the road back to the parking lot. Thankfully, you are far enough away from the road for it to not be too annoying. 

What to Consider Before Hiking the Golden Canyon-Gower Gulch Loop

Before setting out on your hike, decide how far you might want to go. You’ll want to make sure you have enough water, snacks and daylight to make it through your hike.

Of course, we always recommend carrying the 10 Essentials when hiking, especially if you are off the beaten path. 

Hiking the Golden Canyon-Gower Gulch Loop Trail
Bonnie and Grant on the Golden Canyon Trail carrying backpacks with the 10 Essentials.

Since Death Valley is incredibly hot in the summer, I hope that you will be planning your hike for a cooler time of year. Unfortunately, that also means fewer hours of daylight. Just plan accordingly because the rock scrambles will not be easier in the dark! (We always keep a headlamp in our pack just in case but that doesn’t mean I want to be in a position to use it.)

If you aren’t sure about getting through the rock scrambles, then I would suggest just doing the Golden Canyon hike. Continue to Red Cathedral if you have time. You could even turn off as if you were doing the loop but turn around once you reach the top of the ridge. 

Zabriskie Point at Death Valley National Park is perfect for sunset or sunrise.
Sunset at Zabriskie Point

For those with more time, I’d strongly consider doing the full circuit all the way up to Zabriskie Point. That’s what I really want to do on our next trip to Death Valley National Park.

Honestly, I think if you pack a lunch and plan to take your time and just enjoy the solitude, that would be just about the perfect day in Death Valley.

You can even start the hike from Zabriskie Point and time it so that you finish up around sunset. Or start early in the day after enjoying the sunrise. Both are great times for admiring the view at Zabriskie Point. 

Final Thoughts on the Golden Canyon-Gower Gulch Loop

When we wrote our book, USA RV Adventures, we allowed two days of the “California’s Desert Parks” route to Death Valley National Park. And we only recommended the out-and-back Golden Canyon Trail. 

Gower Gulch Trail in Death Valley National Park
The Gower Gulch Trail

But we had a little more time for our trip. So, we extended the hike and are we glad we did!

Check out our three-day itinerary for Death Valley National Park.

The Golden Canyon-Gower Gulch Loop in Death Valley National Park ended up being a highlight of our three days in the park. If you enjoy hiking, I strongly recommend that you do at least part of this trail. 

With narrow canyons, scenic views atop the badlands and some adventurous rock scrambles, this hike has it all. It’s not too strenuous but offers enough difficulty to be interesting.

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