A narrow trail meanders between the colorful rocks and marble planes of Mosaic Canyon, one of the wonders of Death Valley National Park. The canyon takes its name from the so-called mosaic breccia in the rock face. Fragments of rock are embedded in sand or clay resulting in a mosaic that looks like it might have been created by an artist. Admire the gleaming shine of the natural walls that have been polished by many years of rainwater, wind and sand abrasion.
In your plans to walk the Mosaic Canyon Trail, ensure you bring enough water and sunscreen to last your time here. The trail loop is a 4-mile (6-kilometer) round trip, although you can make a shorter circuit using diverging trails.
Let your kids touch the smooth surface of the walls in the Lower Mosaic Canyon. After hiking for about 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers), you’ll reach the vast gravel wash area. Ascend a steep ridge to reach the top of the rocks and enjoy the stunning views of Mosaic Canyon from this vantage point.
Inspect the gorgeous colors adorning the walls of the gorge. At the end of the hike, you’ll be rewarded with a view of a dry waterfall that is 20 feet (66 meters) high. Climb up the dry chute and continue on your trek. Loop back around to get back to the lower part of the gorge.
Purchase tickets to have access to the entirety of the park. Note that this is one of the most popular parts of Death Valley and can get quite busy. The weather is arid and hot on summer afternoons.
Mosaic Canyon is in the northern part of Death Valley National Park. Drive here and leave your car in the parking lot near Lower Mosaic Canyon. After your trek, visit other nearby sights including the Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Grotto Canyon.
