This trail follows the drainage of Hanaupah Canyon west of Death Valley. Hiking opportunities include the northern and southern branches of the canyon.

Hanaupah Canyon Trail begins from Hanaupah Canyon Road, which leads up and into the Panamint Mountain Range from West Side Road. Visitors have a few options for hiking in Hanaupah Canyon. The northern branch of the canyon begins one and a half miles after the road drops into the wash (five miles from West Side Road) and is accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles only. Passing the northern fork of the canyon the road continues another one and a half miles through the southern fork.

From the canyon road the northern fork of Hanaupah Canyon is navigable for at least two miles. From the end of the road the southern fork climbs steeply for three miles on a closed road. This trail offers spectacular spring, forest and mountain views. It is not recommended for summer use due to extreme heat. Bring lots of drinking water.

Directions: From Furnace Creek, Drive south on Badwater Road past Mushroom Rock to West Side Road. Turn right on to West Side road and follow it to the second road on the right, which is Hanaupah Canyon Road. The first five miles is accessible via two-wheel drive and high clearance vehicles. Park at the five mile marker or continue with four-wheel drive vehicles only another three miles to the road end.

Elevation: 1,800 feet

Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet

Distance: 6 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

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