Twenty Mule Team Canyon: Badlands, Borax, and the Art of Desert Light
A short scenic loop of sculpted badlands and borax-era history under expansive desert skies.
The road narrows to a ribbon of packed dirt and, as you drop into the loop, the canyon seems to fold in on itself—ridges like knuckles, gullies like veins, every surface stripped down to raw, layered color. Wind has been the longtime sculptor here: it lashes the soft mudstone and silt into ridges, then leaves them bright and sudden against an endless desert sky. This is Twenty Mule Team Canyon, a short, cinematic run of badlands in Death Valley National Park that reads like a geological palimpsest—old floodplain, ancient lakebed, and 19th-century industry overlain with a wash of painterly mineral tones.
Trail Wisdom
Time your visit for early morning or late afternoon
Light is everything—colors pop and temperatures are manageable in the hours around sunrise and sunset.
Carry at least 2 liters of water per person
Shade is rare and temperatures can rise quickly; dehydration is the most common risk.
Protect camera gear from dust
Bring a protective cover and lens cloth—wind and road dust are persistent and abrasive to sensors and lenses.
Stay on designated roads and avoid trampling surfaces
Cryptobiotic soil and fragile crusts take decades to recover; keep vehicles on roads and boots to established paths.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Walk a short spur above the loop’s eastern curve for a less-photographed sunset perspective
- •Combine the stop with a brief visit to nearby Zabriskie Point for both wide views and close badlands detail
Wildlife
Desert bighorn sheep, Kit fox (primarily crepuscular)
Conservation Note
The badlands’ thin crust and cryptobiotic soils recover slowly from disturbance—stick to roads and designated paths, and do not collect mineral samples or artifacts.
The canyon’s name honors the late-19th-century borax hauling teams—iron-rigged wagon trains of mules and oxen moved borax from local deposits to the railheads that connected to national markets.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: wildflower displays in wetter years, mild temperatures, photography at golden hour
Challenges: occasional muddy conditions after storms, more visitors during spring break, sudden strong winds
Spring brings the best balance of mild weather and colorful displays; storms can make dirt roads slick, so check conditions.
summer
Best for: desert solitude if prepared, dramatic high-contrast light, stargazing at night
Challenges: extreme heat (often 110–120°F+), limited water availability, short windows of safe daytime activity
Summer is extremely hot—plan activities for before dawn and after dusk, and treat daytime travel as risky without experience.
fall
Best for: comfortable day temperatures, longer golden hours for photography, less crowded trails than spring
Challenges: cooler nights, occasional wind storms, variable early-season closures
Fall is generally ideal: pleasant days, crisp air, and rich late-afternoon color on the badlands.
winter
Best for: crisp, clear mornings, minimal heat stress, good visibility for distant panoramas
Challenges: cold nights and isolated roadside conditions, possible light frost, shorter daylight hours
Winters are cool and clear—excellent for daytime exploration but expect brisk mornings and short evenings.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
2–3 liters of waterEssential
Hydration is non-negotiable in Death Valley’s dry climate.
Wide-angle and mid-range lensEssential
Capture sweeping badlands panoramas and closer textural details.
Sun protection (hat, SPF 30+, sunglasses)Essential
Direct sun and reflective surfaces increase UV exposure substantially.
Sturdy hiking shoes and gaiters
Good traction and dust protection make short exploratory walks more comfortable.
Common Questions
How long does it take to visit Twenty Mule Team Canyon?
Allow 1–3 hours depending on whether you drive the loop only or stop to walk and photograph; an early morning or late afternoon visit is ideal.
Is the loop road passable in a regular car?
Generally yes in dry conditions—it's a well-graded dirt one-way road—but check current park conditions; after storms it can be muddy and require higher clearance or AWD.
Do I need a permit or entrance fee?
Death Valley National Park charges an entrance fee (per vehicle or per person); guided tours usually include park entry fees in the package.
Can I visit as part of a day trip from Las Vegas?
Yes; many private day tours and multi-stop excursions run from Las Vegas and include Twenty Mule Team Canyon along with other park highlights.
Are there restroom or water refill facilities nearby?
Facilities are limited near the canyon—use services at Furnace Creek or visitor centers before arrival and bring sufficient water for your group.
Is the area dog-friendly and wheelchair accessible?
Dogs are restricted on most trails and in the park are generally not permitted off-road; the canyon’s uneven surfaces limit wheelchair accessibility—contact the park for the latest accessibility options.
What to Pack
Water (2–3L per person), sun protection (hat + SPF), sturdy shoes for uneven terrain, camera with dust protection—essential for comfort and safety.
Did You Know
Twenty Mule Team Canyon is named after borax wagons—twenty-mule teams hauled borax from Death Valley mining sites to the railroad in the late 1880s, making borax an early export that helped define the region’s industrial history.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Start before sunrise to beat heat and crowds; 2) Fill up water and fuel in Furnace Creek or Beatty; 3) Check NPS road conditions for closures after storms; 4) Leave no trace—pack out all trash and avoid collecting minerals.
Local Flavor
Furnace Creek, the nearest service hub, pairs ranch-style accommodations with a small interpretive center—try regional comfort food at local inns and read up on borax history at park exhibits to connect the landscape with its industrial past.
Logistics Snapshot
Location: Death Valley NP near Furnace Creek | Access: One-way 2-mile dirt loop (mostly passenger car accessible in dry conditions) | Fees: Park entrance fee required | Best time: sunrise/sunset in spring or fall | Services: limited—fill water and fuel before arrival.
Sustainability Note
Stay on established roads and designated viewpoints to protect fragile soils; bring reusable water bottles to reduce single-use plastics and follow park guidance on vehicle access to avoid creating new tracks through sensitive terrain.