Dante's Ridge to Mount Perry

Overview

This is Death Valley’s classic ridge ramble: an exposed, unofficial user path from the north end of Dante’s View parking to the 5,716‑foot summit of Mount Perry. Expect an out‑and‑back of roughly 8.4–9 miles total with sustained undulations and big‑sky views the entire way. The hike is widely considered strenuous thanks to exposure, length, and the constant little climbs and descents that add up.

What You’ll See

From the first steps you’re riding a skyline with unbroken panoramas over Badwater Basin’s bright salt flats and the wider Death Valley trough. On clear days the contrast is wild: you can look down toward the lowest point in North America while scanning to distant high country on the horizon. The route traces the Black Mountains, crossing ancient rock and offering a front‑row seat to the basin that once held Ice Age Lake Manly. Film buffs: the overlook at Dante’s View was used as a Star Wars filming location.

Route Notes

Start at the north end of the Dante’s View lot and follow the obvious ridgeline path. A quick, optional detour early on tags Dante’s Peak in minutes before you continue north. The tread is a user path—generally clear, sometimes marked by paint or cairns—and stays narrow in places with airy drop‑offs. You’ll lose and regain elevation repeatedly (sources put total gain roughly in the 1,100–2,100 ft range), including a notable saddle between Dante’s Peak and Mount Perry that you’ll re‑climb on the way back. Budget 4–6 hours depending on pace and photo stops.

Conditions & Difficulty

There is no shade, no water, and plenty of wind exposure on this treeless ridge. Underfoot it’s mostly dirt and rock with occasional scrambly or uneven sections where careful footing matters. The narrow, cliff‑side stretches can feel spicy if you’re sensitive to heights. The return is just as demanding as the approach—save gas for the way back.

Best Time to Hike

Go in the cool season: late fall through spring (roughly October–April). Avoid summer—heat and exposure make this dangerous and miserable. Start early for cooler temps and better light; winds can pick up on the ridge even on otherwise calm days.

Tips

Carry plenty of water (2–3 liters per person minimum), sun protection, and a wind layer. Download a track or map beforehand; while the ridgeline is straightforward, low visibility can make navigation tricky. Pets aren’t allowed on park trails here. Park at Dante’s View and begin at the lot’s north end.