Corkscrew Peak Trail

Overview

Corkscrew Peak is a true desert summit adventure—no signed path, no shade, and a whole lot of payoff. Expect roughly 7.8 miles round trip with about 3,100–3,360 feet of climbing on loose, unmaintained terrain. This is a strenuous outing best suited for experienced hikers who are comfortable with route-finding and steep, slippery descents.

Route, Terrain, and What You’ll See

From a small roadside pullout on Daylight Pass Road, you’ll head into a broad, sandy wash that gradually narrows into a canyon. Cairns are intermittent; around two miles in, watch for markers guiding you up a side canyon/chute to gain the ridge. From there, the ascent spirals toward the 5,804-foot summit—hence the peak’s name—with sections of class 2 scrambling and plenty of “marbles” underfoot. Just below the top, a natural rock window frames the views—an ideal rest-and-photo spot.

The summit delivers 360-degree vistas over Death Valley and the Grapevine Mountains, and on clear days you may pick out distant high Sierra and Panamint giants. Along the way, you’ll traverse colorful sedimentary layers and eroded ridgelines—a crash course in the park’s tectonic uplift and relentless desert erosion.

Difficulty and Experience

There’s no maintained trail here—just a mix of wash-walking, canyon travel, faint use paths, and ridge scrambling. The upper slopes are steep and slick with loose gravel, which makes the descent slow and tiring. Navigation matters: choosing the wrong canyon can dead-end against cliffs, costing time and water. Trekking poles and shoes with excellent traction are worth their weight.

Best Time to Hike

Late fall through early spring (roughly November–April) is the safe season. Summer is dangerously hot and dry. Even in winter, expect full exposure to sun and wind, with a chance of cold gusts or light snow near the top. Start at sunrise for the coolest temps and most forgiving light.

Tips and Tricks

• Carry more water than you think you need—there’s no water on route and no shade.
• Save a GPS track or route map and pay close attention to the ridge turn-off; cairns can be sparse.
• Poles help on the marbly descent; some prefer hands free for stability—use what keeps you upright.
• If you’re chasing more rugged solitude, this is a gem. If you want a signed, groomed trail, pick something else. Strong parties sometimes link nearby Thimble Peak as a bigger day, but that’s an optional add-on with separate logistics.

Logistics

This is an out-and-back with limited roadside parking; return the way you came. No special permits are needed for day hiking, but standard park entrance fees apply. Pets are not allowed on park trails.