Hikes in California

The 2-mile round trip hike up Natural Bridge Canyon is a great trek for those interested in learning about the geological history of Death Valley National Park. Also, the natural bridge is just cool to walk under. A panel at the trailhead provides illustrations of the various geological features visible in the canyon, making it easy for hikers to spot the faults, chutes, and mud drippings along the way. ...Read more.

Badwater Basin is a must-stop on any first trip to Death Valley National Park. The elevation here is -282 feet, making this the lowest locale in North America. A wooden Sea Level plaque 282 feet over Badwater Basin lets visitors know just how low they've come. Badwater Basin Being able to brag about how far below sea level you've been is not the only reason to stop at Badwater Basin. ...Read more.

Dante's View is the primary overlook in Death Valley National Park because it offers premier panoramic views. Below Dante's View is Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. Across the valley rises Telescope Peak, the highest in the park. Under the morning light, the views are breathtaking in every direction. It feels like cheating to be able to drive right up to such amazing views. ...Read more.

Take a 00.25-mile walk around a Harmony Borax Plant to see a window into the mining past of Death Valley National Park. The Harmony Borax Site is considered to be an outdoor museum because the natural atmosphere in Death Valley preserves artifacts so well. The Harmony Borax plant and wagon cart are left right out in the open for visitors to come see. ...Read more.

Salt Creek Interpretive Trail is a level, 1-mile long boardwalk loop along what would be considered a pitiful creek anywhere outside of Death Valley National Park. Here it is extraordinary! The salinated stream is home to the Salt Creek Pupfish, a unique and bizarre creature that can survive in these harsh conditions. The small fish is most visible in these waters in the spring. ...Read more.

More than a hike, Grotto Canyon in an adventure. The unmarked road leading up the canyon does not show up on park maps, and the canyon itself has an undeveloped feeling of discovery. Rock obstacles in narrow sections of the canyon require some technical climbing, so this is not a stroll for beginners (nearby Mosaic Canyon is more appropriate for those hikers). ...Read more.

The most visible (but not the largest) sand dunes in Death Valley National Park are the Mesquite Flat Dunes. A small parking lot located off Highway 190, two miles south of Stove Pipe Wells offers a great starting point for a trek out to the dunes. There is no formal trail to follow, just strike out for the high sands, which are reachable within a half mile. ...Read more.

Walled with both mosaic conglomerates and smooth marbleized rocks, Mosaic Canyon is a fine specimen the geology of Death Valley National Park. Marble Canyon Trail travels up the canyon bottom past all the interesting features for an outing of 1 to 4 miles round trip. Mosaic Canyon From the parking lot at the mouth of the canyon, it is just a short walk into Lower Mosaic Canyon. ...Read more.

Ubehebe Crater is located in the north end of Death Valley National Park near the Eureka Dunes and Scotty's Castle. A parking lot along the rim provides a great view of the crater, and three trails offer even more. The Science Ubehebe Crater is a maar volcano that was created by a phreatic eruption two to seven thousand years ago. Hot magma converted groundwater into steam, which created an intense pressure and an intense explosion. ...Read more.

The only campground in the city of Avalon on Catalina Island is Hermit Gulch. The campground is located a mile from the center of town on Avalon Canyon Road just before the Botanical Gardens. For hikers, the adjacent Hermit Gulch Trail provides a single-track ascent to the Trans-Catalina Trail on the ridgeline above Avalon. The campground is made up of 43 sites, each with its own picnic table. ...Read more.