Hike Death Valley's Hidden Gems 2026

Death Valley is vast and awesome. But, Death Valley is also more, so much more, than you initially see - it's a landscape filled with "hidden" gems. Some gems may be found up one of Death Valley's many side canyons; some gems are the side canyon; some gems are "hidden" in plain sight.

January is an ideal time to explore the lower elevations of Death Valley: the temperatures are cooler and the low sun angle makes for wonderful photos.

So grab your hiking boots and camera, and come join DVI hike leaders for one, two, or three full days of adventures: making new friends while hiking and rambling through some of Death Valley's easier to access hidden gems.

Relaxed-pace, easy to moderate level, hiking adventures.

Featured Gems

• SAT: Sidewinder & Willow Canyons
• SUN: Twenty Mule Team Canyon
• MON: Johnny Cyty's 3-stamp mill & Kit Fox Hills

Come prepared for adventure:

• Shifting, uneven, unstable substrate (sand, gravel, cobbles)
• Ascents and descents; stepping up and stepping down
• All types of weather: heat, cold, wind, rain

DVNHA members save 15% on base ticket price. Become a member today.

• Be sure to use your member Promo Code during purchase.

Single Day Ticket Member Price: $65 (plus $6.21 Eventbrite fee)

3-Day Combo Ticket Member Price: $165 (plus $12.90 Eventbrite fee)

Save with Combo Ticket

Limit 12 participants per day.

NOTE: It may become necessary to replace an advertised hike with something similar in level and equally awe inspiring due to circumstances beyond our control such as weather, changes in road conditions, road closure, etc.

It is Death Valley – Always be prepared for the Unexpected!

These hikes are provided by the Death Valley Institute (DVI), the educational division of the Death Valley Natural History Association (DVNHA).

Participants may wish to SECURE LODGING BEFORE registering for this program. Lodging is limited in Death Valley – and it's a holiday weekend. Area hotel info provided near bottom of page.

Each participant is required to sign a Participant Agreement . Please fill-in program title and program date.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Participants gather at 8:30 AM each morning at the Furnace Creek Visitor flagpole.

• Please bring your filled-in and signed Participant Agreement to meet-up on first day of program: Saturday at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.
• All hikes and rambles are easy-to-moderate. Most are over unstable, uneven ground, and include at least a small elevation gain.
• Participants caravan in their own private vehicles.
• Driving is on paved roads, with only short stints on well-maintained dirt roads.
• Some parking alongside road or in dirt parking areas on the maintained dirt roads.
• Group returns mid afternoon.
• Each day may include some additional short scenic stop if time allows.
• There are no restaurant stops and bathrooms are limited.
• Sturdy closed-toed shoes with good traction, and at least 4 liters of water each day required.
• Deserts can be hot, cold, windy, even rain. Come prepared for a variety of conditions. Dressing in layers of comfortable clothing is recommended.
• Participants are responsible for their own water, lunches, and snacks.
• Program ends mid-afternoon on Monday.

NOTES

A day's agenda, or a featured gem, might change due to weather or unexpected events.

By registering for this event, you agree to DVNHA's terms and conditions, and safety protocols.

DVNHA reserves the right to deny tour access if participant does not have proper equipment and supplies.

**Please note that participants are still responsible for paying the park entrance fee upon arrival.

Price of this event does not include any meals or lodging accommodations.

Area Hotels/Towns (with times from Furnace Creek Visitor Center*)

• The Ranch & The Inn at Death Valley (aka The Oasis) are at Furnace Creek – 3 minutes or less to Visitor Center
• Stovepipe Wells Hotel (in Death Valley National Park) – 30 min
• Amargosa Hotel & Opera House – 30 min
• The Longstreet – 40 min
• Beatty, NV – 50 min
• Panamint Springs Resort (in Death Valley National Park) – 60 min
• Shoshone, CA – 60 min
• Pahrump, NV – 65 min
• Tecopa, CA – 70 min

* Travel times taken from Google Maps

General FAQs

Find more DVI Programs.

Proceeds support DVNHA’s mission of preserving and interpreting the natural and cultural resources of the Death Valley region in cooperation with our government partners: Death Valley National Park and Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.

Please contact the DVI team at events@dvnha.org, if:

• You have additional questions
• Are experiencing any technological difficulties
• Or are interested in an a la carte ticket that has fill-up – the Eventbrite waitlist system handles the combo ticket option