This is a short but strenuous scramble (there is no maintained trail) to the two prominent hills at the foot of the Grapevine Mountains. The views are among the best in Death Valley.

The route to the summits of Death Valley Buttes, two prominent peaks lying at the foot of the Grapevine Mountains, consists of a steep scramble. (There is no maintained trail.) The route begins at the Hell's Gate parking area at the junction of Daylight Pass Road and Highway 374. From Hell's Gate, walk southwestward 0.5 miles toward the buttes. Follow the eastern ridge of the buttes to the summit. The elevation gain to the first butte is approximately 490 feet. From this vantage point you can decide whether you want to attempt next summit.

The second butte is a more difficult climb. To reach it descend carefully down the ridge 300 feet, then climb the narrow ridge to butte number two. Extreme care should be used when climbing the buttes. Ridges are narrow and exposed with steep drops. Windy days make this effect quite dramatic. The views are among the best in Death Valley.

Directions: From Furnace Creek, The trail starts 22 miles northeast of Furnace Creek, at the Hell's Gate parking area.

Elevation: 2,295 feet

Elevation Gain: 650 feet

Distance: 1.8 miles

Difficulty: Strenuous

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