Place · 1 mi away
Overview
Sidewinder Canyon is a rugged, slot‑canyon adventure off Badwater Road in the park’s southern wilderness. Expect roughly 5 miles total, out and back, though your distance varies with how many side slots you explore. Elevation gain is substantial for Death Valley—around 1,580 feet—thanks to the steady climb up the alluvial fan and short, steep scrambles in the slots. This is an unmarked, unmaintained route that rewards prepared hikers who like exploration more than signage.
What you’ll see
The main wash funnels you to a series of narrow side canyons—some only about 1.5 feet wide—where you’ll squeeze, duck, and scramble past chockstones and dryfall ledges 6–10 feet high. Slot walls tower roughly 40–75 feet overhead, and the interplay of shadow and sun creates moody, evolving light for photography. One slot even opens into a “lobby”-like chamber after a crawl-through. It’s less polished than headline hikes, but the labyrinth of side slots is the draw.
Trail experience
From the gravel lot, head directly south/uphill across the fan to the first big canyon mouth—there are no signs, and smaller canyons near the lot can mislead. The first stretch up the wide, rocky wash is a grind; once the canyon narrows, watch for side slots branching off, many on the right as you go in. Route-finding is part of the fun, and some side slots are easy to miss without a map or GPS. Expect hands-and-feet scrambling, tight squeezes, and occasional crawling. Despite the adventurous feel and common solitude, you may still see other hikers in peak season.
Best time to hike
Go in the cool months—winter through spring—ideally November to April. Start early for cooler temps and softer light in the slots. Avoid summer: there’s little shade outside the narrows, no water, and the heat is brutal.
Tips
Bring more water than you think you’ll need; there are no facilities or water sources at the trailhead. Wear shoes with excellent traction. Download/print a map or GPS track in advance—there are no trail signs. Cell service is unlikely; tell someone your plan and consider a satellite communicator. If you’re after colorful, more immediately scenic canyon walls, Mosaic Canyon or Golden Canyon may satisfy more; if you want raw exploration with multiple slot detours, Sidewinder is the better pick.
Pros
- Multiple side slots with distinct characters to explore
- Dramatic light and shadow in tall, twisting narrows
- Often quieter than the park’s headline canyon hikes
Cons
- Unmarked start and no signs; side slots are easy to miss
- Long, loose-wash approach before the narrows gets good
- Tight squeezes and short climbs (6–10 ft) not for everyone
Parking
Unmarked gravel spur off Badwater Road between mile markers 31–32; short drive (<0.5 mi) to a large gravel lot shared with Willow Canyon. From the lot, head directly south/uphill to the first large canyon opening.
Caution
Trail-less route with no signs; expect hands-and-feet scrambling, tight squeezes, and short climbs. No water or restrooms; extreme heat outside of winter/spring; little shade; cell service unlikely—carry plenty of water and navigation tools.
