Mosaic Canyon Ultimate Hiker’s Guide | Death Valley National Park

Mosaic Canyon is one of the most impressive hikes in Death Valley National Park.  This slot canyon is best known for its mosaic-like rock walls.  Smooth colored rocks are embedded in the walls of the canyon, with sandy “grout” in between.  But the canyon has many other striking rock formations throughout, that makes it exciting from start to finish.

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Stats For Mosaic Canyon Hike

Distance: 3.5miles

Elevation: 1066ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Type: Out & Back

Fee/Permit: $30/vehicle Natl. Park Fee

Bathroom: No

Dogs: No

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Getting To The Mosaic Canyon Trailhead

The Mosaic Canyon Trailhead is a short 2.5-mile drive up the hill from Stovepipe Wells Village (one of the main way-stations in Death Valley for supplies, gas, campground, etc).  The road is a rocky dirt road, but it is typically passable with 2wd vehicles.  However, there is no bathroom at the trailhead, so stop at Stovepipe Wells before heading out.

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Start Of The hike

Luckily this hike doesn’t waste any time, and within the first ¼ miles you are already thrust into some of the coolest sections of Mosaic Canyon.  You quickly start to see some of the mosaic walls that the canyon is named after.  The winding slot sections make their way up the canyon, revealing new sights around each corner.

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Middle Portion Of Mosaic Canyon

After the initial slot canyon, the trail opens up to a wide canyon wash surrounded by colored mountains.  The hues of purple, brown, beige, and salmon are layered throughout, a look that is common in Death Valley.  But my favorite part of this middle section is the web of trails through a ridge along the right side of the wash.

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Upper Slot Canyon Of Mosaic Canyon

The final portion of this hike includes another slot canyon section.  Here you are treated to more really cool mosaic rock walls.  There are some pour-offs that require a bit of climbing on your hands and knees over slippery rocks.  We think its worth the effort to make it to this second slot section of Mosaic Canyon.

If you stay on the canyon floor you will eventually come to a large dryfall.  The dryfall itself is nothing too spectacular, but a worthy spot to serve as the “end” of the hike.

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Continuing On

If you want to continue further up the canyon there is a path on the right that climbs the ridge up and around the dryfall.  We went up to the top of the dryfall, but after seeing a long straightaway, we decided to turn around.

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Flash Flood & Extreme Heat Danger

Slot Canyons are prone to flash flooding if there is rain.  This hike should be avoided if rain is in the forecast.  Check Alerts and Conditions Here.  You can always check with a Park Ranger if you are unsure.

And Death Valley National Park is known for being one of the hottest places in the US.  Avoid this hike during the hotter months of the year.  And hike in the morning to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

Check out the Top 10 Tips For Hiking and Camping In Desert Climates.

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Takeaway | Mosaic Canyon Trail

Mosaic Canyon Trail is one of the best hikes in Death Valley National Park.  The mosaic rock textures in the canyon are like nothing I’ve ever seen.  It’s truly a geological wonder that shouldn’t be missed if you are in Death Valley.  And if you are short on time, you can get a good experience even from just the first ½ mile of the trail.

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