Double Canyon

Double Canyon is a backcountry out-and-back from the end of the Yucca Canyon access road. Follow Yucca Canyon about 5.5 miles to the Double Canyon junction, then continue about 1.9 miles on the mapped Double Canyon line; return the same way for roughly 14.8 miles total. The often-listed 3.7-mile figure covers the branch alone and leaves out the long approach. The park estimates 8.5 hours one way for the similarly long Yucca Canyon route, not this variant, so use about 17 hours as a cautious planning comparison rather than a guaranteed pace. This is a very long day or overnight outing; set a firm turnaround time.

The Yucca Canyon approach climbs quickly to the escarpment and crosses the plateau before the Double Canyon branch descends south toward the canyon. The route reaches roughly 6,150 feet at its high point, then drops to about 4,800 feet at the mapped end. The Double Canyon line follows an old jeep trail shown on historic maps; most backcountry routes here are unmarked, and the mapped endpoint has no confirmed overlook, waterfall, or built destination. Older descriptions of a short Double Canyon overlook and a separate canyon-floor trip from West Slaughter Canyon to Double Falls describe different variants, not this mapped route.

The walk starts at the end of the westbound dirt road where Slaughter Canyon Road crosses the park boundary; high clearance or four-wheel drive is recommended for that access road. All backcountry users need a free permit from the Visitor Center. There is no reliable water in the backcountry, so carry at least one gallon per person per day. Expect extreme summer heat, possible winter ice or snow, flash-flood risk, and limited cell reception. Bring and know how to use a topographic map with a compass or GPS, and do not rely on a phone for navigation or emergency help. Pets are not permitted in the backcountry.