Pros & cons
PROS
- Short, one-way dirt drive with fun roller-coaster hills
- Vivid yellow badlands and photogenic vistas
- Usually suitable for standard cars when conditions are good
CONS
- No restrooms, water, shade, or other services
- Narrow dirt road not ideal for large RVs or trailers
Overview
A quick hit of classic Death Valley badlands, Twenty Mule Team Canyon is a 2.5–3 mile one-way dirt road just east of Zabriskie Point. It weaves through rolling, multicolored hills with a few tight, hilly turns that give the drive a roller-coaster feel. Expect striking bands of yellow, cream, white, brown, and black terrain—and very little company.
Why it’s worth your time
If you want maximum scenery for minimal effort, this is an easy win. The drive takes 15–30 minutes, and you can step out at wide spots to wander short distances onto low ridges for sweeping views. It’s also a pop-culture favorite—scenes from a certain galaxy far, far away were filmed in these badlands.
What you’ll see
- Badlands in vivid layers and twisting ravines
- Open vistas toward the valley floor and salt flats in places
- Occasional remnants of historic borax and gypsum mining
Road and conditions
The road is unpaved, one-way, and usually passable for most two-wheel-drive cars with decent clearance. It’s narrow and winding, so skip it with large RVs or trailers. After storms, ruts can develop—check current conditions at Furnace Creek Visitor Center if you’re unsure.
History & geology
The canyon’s name nods to the famed Twenty Mule Teams that hauled borax in the 1880s. The hills belong to the Furnace Creek Formation—ancient lakebed sediments colored by minerals like borates and gypsum. Rare but intense rains carve the sharp gullies and ridgelines you’ll be driving through.
Wildlife
Sightings here are uncommon; the landscape is harsh and open. Don’t plan your stop around wildlife viewing.
Best time to visit
Go at sunrise or late afternoon for softer light that makes the colors pop. Midday is harsh and hot, and shade is nonexistent. It’s typically quieter than high-profile viewpoints nearby any day of the week.
Good to know
There are no facilities—no restrooms, water, or picnic spots—and no camping or overnight parking. Cell service is hit-or-miss. Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes if you plan to scramble onto the low hills.
Where it is
36.4091, -116.7953Tips for Twenty Mule Team Canyon
- 01The signed turnoff east of Zabriskie Point is easy to miss—slow down on CA-190.
- 02Stop at wide spots and climb short ridges for the best panoramic views.
- 03Avoid with large RVs or trailers; the one-way dirt road is narrow and hilly.
- 04After rain, check conditions at Furnace Creek Visitor Center before driving.
- 05Bring all the water you’ll need—there are no services or shade along the route.
Amenities
Near Twenty Mule Team Canyon
All places →All trails →
1.2 mi awayZabriskie PointSignature badlands vista that lights up at sunriseTrailhead · Restroom
1.2 mi awayZabriskie Point Overlook TrailA quick paved stroll to Death Valley’s most photogenic badlands.Easy · 0.3 mi · 8 min
1.2 mi awayManly Beacon LoopBadlands loop around Manly Beacon via Golden Canyon and Gower GulchModerate · 5.7 mi · 4 hr
1.2 mi awayZabriskie Point to Golden CanyonIconic badlands loop linking Zabriskie Point and Golden CanyonModerate · 6 mi · 3.5 hr
1.2 mi awayBadlands Loop (Zabriskie Point)Short, vivid badlands sampler below the iconic Zabriskie Point.Moderate · 2.7 mi · 1.2 hr
2 mi awayManly BeaconA sharp badlands spire near Zabriskie Point’s trailsTrailhead · Restroom
2.3 mi awayRed CathedralFluted crimson walls capping Golden Canyon with a fun scrambleScenic Viewpoint
2.3 mi awayDesolation CanyonColorful, quiet badlands hike with late-afternoon glow and big viewsTrailhead · Parking
