Hanaupah Canyon Road, situated in the southern Panamint Range within Death Valley National Park, is a rugged backcountry route that serves as both a 4×4 road and a hiking trail. This remote path offers adventurers a chance to explore a dramatic canyon with steep walls, alluvial fans, and potential wildlife sightings like bighorn sheep or kit foxes. It’s less visited than popular spots like Badwater Basin, providing solitude amid stark desert landscapes. The road starts from West Side Road and ascends into the canyon, passing mining relics and leading toward Hanaupah Spring in the South Fork. Beyond the spring, experienced hikers can continue cross-country to Telescope Peak, the park’s highest point at 11,049 feet, though that’s a grueling extension. Suitable for day hikes, backpacking, or off-road driving with proper vehicles, but preparation is essential due to extreme conditions and isolation.

Key Trail Statistics

Aspect	Details
Length	Full out-and-back: 18.7 miles; shorter options: 6 miles round-trip to Hanaupah Spring (3 miles one-way); extended to Telescope Peak: ~30 miles round-trip with off-trail sections.
Elevation Gain	~2,200 feet to the spring (starting ~200 feet below sea level); up to 11,600 feet if continuing to Telescope Peak.
Difficulty	Moderately strenuous for the road to spring; challenging to strenuous for full hikes due to rocky terrain, steep grades, and loose gravel. High-clearance 4×4 required for driving; hiking recommended beyond initial miles to avoid vehicle issues.
Time Required	3-5 hours round-trip to spring; 8-10 hours for full road out-and-back; multi-day for Telescope Peak extension.
Best Time to Visit	October to April to evade deadly summer heat (over 120°F possible); avoid monsoon season (July-September) for flash flood risks.
Access	Junction off West Side Road (via Badwater Road). Unmarked—use GPS or park maps. No day-use permit needed; free backcountry permits required for overnight (obtain at visitor centers or online). Dispersed camping allowed 1 mile from West Side Road.
Water and Amenities	No reliable water except at Hanaupah Spring (treat before drinking); carry 1+ gallon per person per day. No facilities; nearest at Furnace Creek (~25 miles away).

Trail Map

What to Expect on the Hike

The route begins on a gravelly, washboard road from West Side Road, traversable by high-clearance vehicles for the first few miles before becoming too rough and eroded for most. Hikers follow the old mining road through a wide wash, encountering boulder fields, narrow sections, and occasional steep climbs. The scenery showcases colorful rock layers from ancient geologic processes, vast valley views, and the massive Hanaupah alluvial fan. About 3 miles in, the South Fork leads to Hanaupah Spring, a lush oasis with cottonwoods and year-round water— a stark contrast to the arid surroundings. Remnants of historic mining, like Shorty Borden’s cabin and adits, add intrigue (detailed in history below).

For the ambitious, beyond the spring, the path fades into cross-country travel up steep ridges to Telescope Peak, offering panoramic vistas but demanding navigation skills and endurance. Flash floods can reshape the canyon, creating obstacles like deep sand or washouts. Wildlife is sparse but possible; watch for rattlesnakes. The trail’s remoteness means self-reliance is key—bring navigation tools, as cell service is absent.

Current Conditions (as of August 2025)

Hanaupah Canyon Road is open and accessible for hiking and 4×4 travel, following repairs after 2023-2024 storm damage to West Side Road and surrounding areas. Recent hiker reports from early August 2025 indicate good conditions on the lower road, with some rutted sections and loose rocks but no major blockages. West Side Road is fully open, though sandy spots near the southern end may challenge vehicles. Flash flood risks remain during summer storms, and extreme heat persists—temperatures hit 84°F in mid-August. Check the NPS website or Furnace Creek Visitor Center for real-time updates, as conditions can shift quickly. Tire damage is common on approach roads; carry spares and emergency supplies.

This low-traffic route is perfect for those craving desert isolation, but always hike with a buddy and share your itinerary.

History of the Region

History of Hanaupah Canyon

Hanaupah Canyon’s history centers on mining, mirroring Death Valley’s resource-driven past. Silver ore was first discovered in 1889 by W.C. Morton on Telescope Peak’s northeast slope, in a timbered canyon with a strong stream—likely Hanaupah’s South Fork—yielding samples up to $1,000 per ton. Early claims like the Gold Hill Quartz Mine (located 1889) focused on silver-lead deposits, but remote access and high costs limited development.

The canyon’s most notable figure was Alexander “Shorty” Borden, who arrived in the late 1920s seeking fortune. In 1932, at age 66, Shorty filed claims after finding silver ore and single-handedly built a 3-mile road into the canyon using dynamite and a mule team. He constructed a stone cabin near Hanaupah Spring and mined sporadically until the 1940s, producing minor silver yields amid the Great Depression. Shorty envisioned a tourist camp, but a devastating flash flood in 1941 destroyed much of his work, including roads and equipment. Post-flood, activity waned, though the area saw brief tungsten interest during World War II. Today, Shorty’s mine ruins—cabins, tunnels, and artifacts—remain as preserved historical sites, offering glimpses into solitary desert prospecting.

Geologically, the canyon’s springs and faults highlight ancient tectonic activity, with the alluvial fan evidencing millennia of erosion from the Panamints.

Broader History of Death Valley National Park

Death Valley’s story begins with Indigenous peoples, particularly the Timbisha Shoshone, who have lived here for over 1,000 years, adapting to the extremes through seasonal migrations, hunting, and gathering mesquite and pinyon. European-American history ignited in 1849 when the “Lost ’49ers”—gold rush pioneers from Utah—became stranded while seeking a shortcut to California. Their ordeal, marked by one death and tales of hardship, coined the name “Death Valley” as they escaped via Wingate Pass.

Mining booms followed: borax in the 1880s (iconic 20-mule teams), gold and silver in the 1900s (ghost towns like Rhyolite), and later talc, lead, and tungsten. Tourism grew in the 1920s with resorts like Furnace Creek. In 1933, President Herbert Hoover designated it a national monument to curb destructive mining, with the Civilian Conservation Corps building infrastructure in the 1930s. Expanded under the 1994 California Desert Protection Act, it became the largest national park in the contiguous U.S. at 3.4 million acres.

Now, it attracts over a million visitors yearly for its records—like the hottest temperature (134°F in 1913) and lowest point (-282 feet at Badwater)—while facing challenges like climate change and flood recovery.

Johnson Canyon Road, located in the southern Panamint Range of Death Valley National Park, is a remote backcountry route that functions as both a challenging 4×4 road and a hiking trail. This rugged path leads through a dramatic canyon with steep walls, alluvial fans, and lush oases, offering opportunities to explore historic mining sites, Native American heritage, and wildlife such as bighorn sheep or desert tortoises. Less crowded than frontcountry trails like Golden Canyon, it provides solitude and stunning views of the valley floor. The road starts from West Side Road and ascends into the canyon, with options for day hikes to Willow Spring or Hungry Bill’s Ranch, or longer backpacking trips. High-clearance 4×4 vehicles are required for driving, but hiking is often preferred to avoid damage from rough terrain. Note that while called a “road,” it becomes increasingly trail-like beyond the initial miles.

Key Trail Statistics

Aspect	Details
Length	Full out-and-back: ~20 miles (10 miles one-way to road’s end); shorter options: 6-8 miles round-trip to Willow Spring; add 2-4 miles for hike to Hungry Bill’s Ranch from road end. AllTrails lists it as 23.1 miles out-and-back for the full route.
Elevation Gain	~3,000-4,000 feet overall (starting ~200 feet below sea level, reaching ~5,000 feet at Hungry Bill’s Ranch); steady climb up the alluvial fan.
Difficulty	Moderately challenging to strenuous; rocky, eroded sections with loose gravel, steep inclines, and potential washouts. 4×4 high-clearance required for driving; hiking involves boulder-hopping and brushy areas.
Time Required	6-10 hours for full road out-and-back hike; 3-5 hours for shorter day hikes; multi-day for backpacking with explorations.
Best Time to Visit	October to April to avoid extreme heat (over 120°F in summer); year-round access, but flash floods possible July-September.
Access	Junction 7.7 miles from northern end of West Side Road (via Badwater Road). Unmarked—use GPS or park maps. No day-use permit; free backcountry permits for overnight (from visitor centers or online). Dispersed camping allowed 1 mile off West Side Road.
Water and Amenities	Willow Spring and upper canyon springs (treat water); carry 1+ gallon per person per day. No facilities; nearest at Furnace Creek (~30 miles away).

Trail Map

What to Expect on the Hike

The route begins on a gravelly road from West Side Road, climbing tediously up the alluvial fan with loose rocks and ruts—drivable with caution in 4×4 for the first 5-7 miles, but often hiked to preserve vehicles. The canyon narrows, revealing colorful geologic layers, narrow washes, and views of the Panamint Mountains. Around 3-4 miles in, Willow Spring offers a shaded oasis with cottonwoods and year-round water. Continuing, the road ends at a parking area (~10 miles), where a foot trail leads 1-2 miles to Hungry Bill’s Ranch—featuring historic stone walls, remnant orchards (apples, figs), and Shoshone village sites. Side explorations include old mining tunnels and talc prospects. The terrain includes brushy sections (watch for rattlesnakes) and steep scrambles, with profound desert silence and starry skies for campers. Flash floods can alter the path, creating sand traps or debris.

This low-use trail suits adventurers seeking history and isolation, but demands preparation—no cell service, and self-rescue may be necessary.

Current Conditions (as of August, 2025)

Johnson Canyon Road is open and accessible for hiking and 4×4 travel, following repairs to West Side Road after 2023-2024 floods. Recent reports from late 2024 indicate good conditions, with some rutted alluvial fan sections and brushy areas harboring rattlesnakes, but no major closures. West Side Road is fully open, though high-elevation roads elsewhere in the park reopened in April 2025 after historic flooding. Summer heat remains extreme (temperatures often exceed 110°F), and flash flood risks persist during monsoons—avoid during storms. Check the NPS website or Furnace Creek Visitor Center for updates, as conditions can change rapidly. Tire punctures are common on gravel approaches; carry spares and emergency gear.

History of the Region

History of Johnson Canyon

Johnson Canyon’s history intertwines Indigenous heritage, ranching, and mining, emblematic of Death Valley’s resource-rich but harsh landscape. The area was an ancestral village site for the Timbisha Shoshone (also known as Panamint Shoshone), who utilized its reliable springs and canyons for seasonal habitation, hunting, and gathering for centuries. In the late 1800s, Euro-American settlers arrived; rancher William Johnson established a homestead in the canyon around the 1870s, giving it his name, though he clashed with Native residents over land use.

A key figure was Hungry Bill (real name Bah-Vanda-Sada), a Timbisha Shoshone leader who filed a homestead claim in 1907 on 160 acres in upper Johnson Canyon, planting orchards with apples, figs, and grapes using traditional irrigation. He never received the patent due to bureaucratic hurdles, but his family maintained the ranch into the 1920s, producing crops amid the desert. Mining activity surged in the early 1900s, with gold, silver, and talc claims; prospectors and Natives alike filed claims, extracting minerals from tunnels and open pits. Operations were small-scale due to isolation, peaking during World War eras for strategic minerals like talc, but declined by mid-century as deposits dwindled.

Today, remnants include Hungry Bill’s stone walls, fruit trees, and mining ruins, preserved as cultural sites. The Timbisha gained federal recognition and land rights in the 1980s-2000s, including areas near Furnace Creek, marking a reclamation of ancestral lands.

Broader History of Death Valley National Park

Death Valley’s human history dates back over 10,000 years, with Native American groups like the Timbisha Shoshone inhabiting the region since at least 1000 CE, adapting to its extremes through migratory patterns and using resources like mesquite pods and pinyon nuts. European-American exploration began infamously in 1849, when the “Lost ’49ers”—a group of gold rush pioneers—became trapped en route to California, enduring hardships that inspired the name “Death Valley” despite most surviving.

Mining booms defined the late 19th and early 20th centuries: borax extraction in the 1880s (famous for 20-mule teams), gold and silver rushes around 1900 (birthing ghost towns like Rhyolite and Skidoo), and later talc, lead, and tungsten mining. Tourism emerged in the 1920s with resorts like Furnace Creek Inn. In 1933, President Herbert Hoover designated it a national monument to protect against unchecked exploitation, with the Civilian Conservation Corps building roads and facilities in the 1930s. Expanded dramatically under the 1994 California Desert Protection Act, it became the largest national park in the contiguous U.S., spanning 3.4 million acres.

The park now draws over a million visitors annually for its geologic wonders—like Badwater Basin (-282 feet, North America’s lowest point) and record heat (134°F in 1913)—while addressing modern challenges such as climate change, flash floods, and cultural preservation.

Queen of Sheba Mine Road, located in the southern part of Death Valley National Park near the Ibex Hills, is a rugged backcountry route that serves as both a 4×4 off-road trail and a hiking path. This remote trail leads to the historic Queen of Sheba Mine, offering explorers a chance to view mining ruins, ore bins, cabins, and artifacts from early 20th-century operations. It’s less visited than popular hikes like Zabriskie Point, providing solitude amid dramatic desert landscapes with views of the valley floor and surrounding mountains. The route follows an old haul road from West Side Road, ascending an alluvial fan into the hills. Suitable for day hikes, off-roading, or short backpacking, but high-clearance 4×4 vehicles are recommended for driving—hiking is often safer to avoid vehicle damage from rocks and washouts. Nearby, a short side hike leads to the related Carbonate Mine site.

Key Trail Statistics

Aspect	Details
Length	Approximately 3.8 miles one-way (7.6 miles round-trip); add 1-2 miles for side explorations to Carbonate Mine or mine spurs.
Elevation Gain	About 1,000-1,500 feet, starting near sea level and climbing to the mine site at around 1,000 feet.
Difficulty	Easy to moderate for 4×4 vehicles; moderate for hiking due to rocky terrain, loose gravel, and steep sections. High-clearance 4×4 required for driving; stock vehicles may struggle in washes.
Time Required	2-4 hours round-trip for hiking; 1-2 hours for driving with stops; allow extra for mine exploration.
Best Time to Visit	October to April to avoid extreme heat (over 120°F in summer); flash flood risks during monsoons (July-September).
Access	Junction off West Side Road (via Badwater Road, about 10 miles south of the Trail Canyon turnoff). Unmarked—use GPS or park maps. No day-use permit needed; free backcountry permits for overnight stays (from visitor centers or online). Dispersed camping allowed 1 mile from West Side Road.
Water and Amenities	No water sources; carry 1+ gallon per person per day. No facilities; nearest at Furnace Creek (~40 miles away).

Trail Map

What to Expect on the Hike

The trail starts as a gravelly road from West Side Road, crossing multiple washes and climbing steadily up an alluvial fan with rocky and rutted sections—passable for most stock 4×4 vehicles but challenging in spots. Hikers will encounter loose rocks, boulder fields, and occasional steep inclines, with scenery featuring barren hills, geologic formations, and distant valley views. About 3.8 miles in, the road ends at the Queen of Sheba Mine site, where remnants include ore bins, a water tank, cabins, tunnels, and a clarifier structure—do not enter mines for safety reasons (unstable shafts, toxic gases). From here, short spurs (0.5-1 mile) lead to additional ruins or the nearby Carbonite Mine, with old roads for further wandering. Wildlife may include bighorn sheep or coyotes, but sightings are rare. The area’s isolation means no cell service—bring navigation tools and watch for rattlesnakes in brushy spots.

This low-traffic route is ideal for history buffs and off-roaders, but flash floods can reshape washes, creating obstacles.

Current Conditions (as of August, 2025)

Queen of Sheba Mine Road is open and accessible for hiking and 4×4 travel, with West Side Road fully reopened after past flood repairs. Recent reports from late 2024 describe the road as rocky and bumpy in lower sections from washboard and gravel, but passable without major blockages—4WD low gear and lockers may be needed in steep, loose areas. No specific closures noted for 2025, though summer heat remains extreme (temperatures often over 110°F), and monsoon storms could cause flash floods or washouts. Check the NPS website or Furnace Creek Visitor Center for real-time updates, as conditions change quickly. Tire damage from sharp rocks is common; carry spares and emergency supplies.

History of the Region

History of Queen of Sheba Mine

The Queen of Sheba Mine’s history reflects Death Valley’s mining booms, focusing on lead, silver, gold, and copper extraction in a harsh environment. Discovered around 1907-1908 by Clarence E. Eddy as the Carbonate Mine, it quickly drew prospectors, leading to the short-lived town of Carbonite nearby. Jack Salsberry developed the site, building roads and using mule teams, then motor trucks and gasoline tractors, to transport ore to railheads despite logistical challenges. By 1915, mining began in earnest, with the Queen of Sheba extension organized in 1923-1924. Operations peaked in the 1930s-1940s, yielding an estimated 5 million pounds of lead, 100,000 ounces of silver, 1,500 ounces of gold, and 146,000 pounds of copper, shipped to smelters in Salt Lake City. A mill was built in 1947, but activity waned by the 1970s due to depleted ores and high costs.

Today, the site preserves cabins, ore chutes, tunnels, and machinery as cultural resources, highlighting adaptations to extreme conditions—no town ruins remain visible at Carbonite. It was one of the park’s most productive lead mines, outpacing others like Ubehebe.

Broader History of Death Valley National Park

Death Valley’s history spans thousands of years, starting with Indigenous peoples like the Timbisha Shoshone, who have inhabited the area for over 1,000 years, using its resources for survival through hunting, gathering, and seasonal movements. European-American involvement began in 1849 with the “Lost ’49ers,” gold rush pioneers trapped while seeking a shortcut to California; their ordeal named the valley, though most escaped.

Mining dominated the late 1800s-early 1900s: borax in the 1880s (famous 20-mule teams), gold and silver booms around 1900 (ghost towns like Rhyolite), and later lead, talc, and tungsten. Tourism grew in the 1920s with resorts like Furnace Creek Inn. Designated a national monument in 1933 by President Hoover to limit destructive mining, it saw Civilian Conservation Corps infrastructure development in the 1930s. Expanded to a national park in 1994 under the California Desert Protection Act, it now covers 3.4 million acres—the largest in the contiguous U.S.

The park attracts over a million visitors yearly for extremes like Badwater Basin (-282 feet) and record heat (134°F in 1913), while facing climate change and flood recovery.

Trail Canyon, located in the southern part of Death Valley National Park, is not one of the park’s more famous frontcountry hikes like Golden Canyon or Mosaic Canyon. Instead, it’s primarily a backcountry road that doubles as a rugged hiking and backpacking route, offering a remote, off-the-beaten-path experience through a narrow canyon in the Panamint Range. This area is ideal for those seeking solitude, with opportunities to explore old mining relics, geologic features, and expansive desert views. The route follows Trail Canyon Road, which starts off West Side Road and ascends into the canyon. It’s suitable for day hikes, overnight backpacking, or mountain biking, but requires preparation due to its isolation and rough terrain. Note that while it’s called a “road,” it’s often impassable for standard vehicles beyond the first few miles, making it effectively a trail for foot travel.

Key Trail Statistics

Aspect	Details
Length	Approximately 8 miles one-way (16 miles round-trip if hiking the full road); shorter out-and-back options available (e.g., 4-6 miles for a day hike to mining sites).
Elevation Gain	About 1,500-2,000 feet, starting at around 200 feet below sea level and climbing uphill into the canyon.
Difficulty	Moderate to strenuous for hiking; very difficult for biking. The terrain includes rocky spots, washouts, and steep inclines. 4×4 high-clearance vehicles are required for driving beyond mile 4, but hiking is recommended to avoid vehicle damage.
Time Required	4-8 hours for a full round-trip day hike; 1-2 days for backpacking with side explorations.
Best Time to Visit	Late fall to early spring (October-April) to avoid extreme heat; summer temperatures can exceed 120°F (49°C), making it dangerous.
Access	Start from West Side Road (accessible via Badwater Road). The junction is unmarked, so use a GPS or detailed map. No permit required for day hikes, but free backcountry permits are needed for overnight stays (available at visitor centers or online). Wild camping is allowed 1 mile off West Side Road in the canyon branches.
Water and Amenities	No water sources; carry at least 1 gallon per person per day. No facilities at the trailhead—nearest restrooms and water at Furnace Creek (about 20 miles away).

Trail Map

What to Expect on the Hike

The route begins on a relatively flat, gravelly road off West Side Road, winding through alluvial fans before entering the narrowing canyon. Early sections are drivable with caution in a high-clearance vehicle, but after about 4 miles, it becomes too rocky and eroded for most cars, transitioning into a hiking path. You’ll encounter loose gravel, boulder-strewn washes, and occasional steep scrambles. The scenery features colorful badlands, layered geologic formations (including fossil-bearing rocks from ancient seas), and views of the valley floor below. Wildlife sightings might include bighorn sheep, coyotes, or desert tortoises, but encounters are rare due to low visitor traffic.

Highlights include remnants of historic mining operations, such as old tunnels, cabins, and equipment from the early 1900s gold and antimony mines (more on this in the history section below). Side canyons branch off for exploration, like the South Fork where the Old Dependable Mine is located. The upper reaches offer panoramic vistas of Death Valley and the surrounding mountains. For backpackers, dispersed camping spots are plentiful in the canyon’s forks, providing starry night skies and profound silence.

Current Conditions (as of August 2025)

Based on recent reports, Trail Canyon Road is open and passable for hiking, following repairs after past flash floods. West Side Road, the access route, was reopened in 2024 up to the Trail Canyon Junction after storm damage. Conditions can change rapidly due to weather—flash floods are a risk during monsoons (July-September), creating washouts and mud. Recent visitor feedback notes some rutted sections and loose rocks, but no major obstacles for foot traffic. Always check the NPS website for updates before heading out, as roads in Death Valley are prone to closure. Carry extra water, sun protection, and navigation tools, as cell service is nonexistent. Flat tires are common on the approach roads, so be prepared for self-rescue.

This trail is low-use, making it a peaceful escape from crowded spots like Badwater Basin. However, its remoteness means help is far away—hike with a partner and inform someone of your plans.

History of the Region

History of Trail Canyon

Trail Canyon’s human history is deeply tied to mining, reflecting the broader boom-and-bust cycles of the American West. The earliest activity dates to around 1906-1907, coinciding with gold rushes in nearby areas like Harrisburg and Skidoo. At least three companies operated here: the Death Valley Wonder Mining & Milling Company (incorporated in 1906, with claims assaying up to $85 per ton in gold and silver), the Wild Rose Mining Company (active by 1906, sold for $300,000 in 1907), and the Trail Canyon Mining Company (incorporated in 1906 but failed due to the 1907 stock market crash). These operations involved tunnels, crosscuts, and small crews, but many folded amid economic downturns and challenging logistics.

By the 1930s-1940s, focus shifted to antimony at the Old Dependable Mine in the South Fork, producing over 2 million pounds, mostly during World Wars I and II for alloys in munitions. Operator Brinn W. Belyea invested heavily in infrastructure, employing up to 18 men, but production halted postwar due to market slumps and remote access. Tungsten mining surged during World War II and the 1950s, with sites like the Sheepshead-Victory Group and Tarantula Mine (later Broken Pick Mine) yielding high-grade ore. The 1950s saw a flurry of claims, road building, and camps, but by the 1970s, activity dwindled as ore bodies depleted. Today, remnants like corrugated metal cabins and adits dot the landscape, preserved as cultural resources within the park.

Geologically, the area holds fossils (e.g., crinoids and gastropods) from ancient marine environments, adding to its scientific value.

Broader History of Death Valley National Park

Death Valley’s history spans millennia, beginning with Indigenous peoples. The Timbisha Shoshone have inhabited the region for over 1,000 years, using the harsh landscape for hunting, gathering, and seasonal migrations. Their homeland was subsumed into park boundaries in 1933, but they gained federal recognition and land rights in later decades.

European-American contact began dramatically in 1849 when a group of gold rush pioneers, known as the “Jayhawkers” or “Lost ’49ers,” became trapped while seeking a shortcut from Utah to California. One member’s dying words reportedly named it “Death Valley,” though most survived after escaping via Wingate Pass. This event sparked interest in the area.

Mining booms followed: borax in the 1880s (famous “20-Mule Teams”), gold and silver in the early 1900s (towns like Rhyolite and Skidoo), and later talc, lead, and tungsten. Tourism emerged in the 1920s with resorts like the Furnace Creek Inn. President Herbert Hoover designated it a national monument in 1933 to protect it from unchecked mining, with significant development by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, building roads and facilities. It expanded and became a national park in 1994 under the California Desert Protection Act, now encompassing over 3.4 million acres—the largest national park in the contiguous U.S.

Today, Death Valley is renowned for extremes: the lowest point in North America (Badwater Basin at -282 feet), hottest recorded temperatures (134°F in 1913), and diverse geology from ancient faults to salt flats. It draws over a million visitors annually for its stark beauty and historical sites, while ongoing challenges include climate change, flash floods, and preserving cultural heritage.