Willow Canyon Trail

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2-3h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
7.1 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
269 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

A canyon lovers hike, the WIllow Canyon Trail has lots to offer. Rated as moderate due to its length and relatively large elevation incline, the WIllow Canyon Trail is an ideal route for the intermediate hiker. Boasting a number of small waterfalls - made even more impressive considering the harsh desert environment - the route should definitely be on your Death Valley National Park hiking list!

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Route Description for Willow Canyon Trail

The majority of Willow Canyon Trail is not on a designated Death Valley National Park path, and so care should be taken when attempting. We suggest bringing some sort of mapping tool along with you to help aid you in your navigation of the route.

With your vehicle parked, located the trailhead. Head north adjacent to the highground to your west, until you reach a saddle in the terrain. Take the saddle southeast along the terrain with a relatively steep incline. The saddle will begin to contort into a canyon, as cliff faces develop first to your south, and then to your north.

Once you are definitively in the canyon, you will arrive at a small waterfall to the south of the route. Having passed the first waterfall and traveling a few hundred feet, you will arrive at a second, slightly larger waterfall. After another few hundred feet, with the canyon walls gradually increasing in scale, you will arrive at the third and final waterfall. Having reached the final two-tiered waterfall, take the opportunity to rest and enjoy the scenery, before backtracking your steps towards the trailhead.

Getting to the Willow Canyon Trail Trailhead

The trailhead for Willow Canyon Trail is located off of Badwater Road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    November-April

  • Pets allowed

    No

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Willow Canyon Trail Elevation Graph

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