Corkscrew Peak
A challenging, unmaintained trail in Death Valley National Park leading to a summit with breathtaking 360-degree views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the desert heat
Corkscrew Peak
Best Time
Beat the desert heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging, unmaintained trail in Death Valley National Park leading to a summit with breathtaking 360-degree views.
"The views from the top will cause Hiker's Amnesia; you won't remember the struggle, just the reward."
🎯 Start West of Sign
Skip the official sign; start a few hundred yards west at a pullout for a more direct route.
🥾 Trekking Poles Recommended
Essential for the steep, loose terrain during both ascent and descent.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Corkscrew Peak Summit
Summit (5,804 ft)
Conquer the challenging ascent for unparalleled 360-degree views of Death Valley's vast landscapes.
+1Steep Canyon Climb
Ascent from the wash
Experience a demanding, unmaintained trail with a significant elevation gain, testing your endurance.
Panoramic Valley Views
Various points on the trail
Witness breathtaking vistas of the valley floor, salt flats, and surrounding mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trailhead Navigation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Start West of Sign
Skip the official sign; start a few hundred yards west at a pullout for a more direct route. +1
🥾 Trekking Poles Recommended
Essential for the steep, loose terrain during both ascent and descent.
💧 Hydration is Key
Carry plenty of water; this is a strenuous hike in an arid environment.
⚠️ Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of your surroundings; rattlesnakes have been spotted on the trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Start West of Sign
Skip the official sign; start a few hundred yards west at a pullout for a more direct route. +1
🥾 Trekking Poles Recommended
Essential for the steep, loose terrain during both ascent and descent.
💧 Hydration is Key
Carry plenty of water; this is a strenuous hike in an arid environment.
⚠️ Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of your surroundings; rattlesnakes have been spotted on the trail.
⬆️ Exit Wash Early
Find the cairns to exit the wash and begin the steep climb out of the canyon.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Corkscrew Peak is a highly rewarding but very strenuous hike offering spectacular panoramic views of Death Valley. Hikers praise the incredible summit vistas and the sense of accomplishment. However, the trail is steep, unmaintained, and requires significant physical exertion, with some finding the initial approach confusing.
"Corkscrew Peak
3-13-22, started at 1000, overcast & 55 degrees, 2 cars at trail head. The trail head sign area only has 1 spot for a vehicle, park about 100 yards to the west.
Go up the small hill and you walk the moraine to the original trail. Trail is visible and disappears in spots but you will hike up the wash for about 1.8 miles.
1018 junction of moraine and trail to road.
At 1040 and 1.5 miles, area has larger bushes and two people passed us.
At 1040 and at 1.6 miles we entered the mouth of the canyon.
At 1.9 miles, there are Cairns to start the trail upward out of the wash.
1115 stopped for break at 2.6 miles, trail is all on an incline.
1230 the first couple that passed us passed us on their way down.
1242 summited peak at 3.9 miles. 2 hours and 50 min. Corkscrew Peak is 5804 feet and a guest register is in an ammo can.
One person at the peak and another couple from Iowa arrived and at
1340 we started down.
Exited the steep hill and entered the greenish moraine at 1455.
1515 back in river wash.
1541 junction to the original TH and parking area on top of moraine. Huge pile of rocks.
1600 back at car. This was an awesome hike with tremendous views, thanks to Chris for pointing out you can see the lowest and highest points in the lower 48 on a clear day!"
Gerard Ellis
"As what others have said, it’s a steep hike. The first mile thru a wash isn’t bad, but once you get out of the wash and work your way up the slopes, it’s steep. There is a good use trail so no significant risk of a fall. The only trick is to find the right place to exit the wash to connect with the use trail.
Bring your poles, as the climb and descent are steep plus the surface is a bit loose. Having the poles was especially nice on the descent."
Tom Jacopi
"It's a real shame the tree huggers hijacked this national park with they're no dog policy. I had a great hike here with mine on this trail with awesome panoramic views. It's probably why I saw no one else on this trail. They will eventually change they're policy when one considers the demographics/loss of revenue as the other national parks are doing. Beginning of trail is sketchy....if you head for the peak, you will meet up with it though."
Erol Arkan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located within Death Valley National Park. While there's an official sign, many recommend starting a few hundred yards west at a pullout for a more efficient approach. Access requires driving within the park, which has its own entrance fees.
The roads within Death Valley National Park leading to the general area of Corkscrew Peak are mostly paved, but the final approach to the trailhead might be on unpaved or rougher surfaces, requiring a vehicle capable of handling such conditions.
From Furnace Creek, you'll typically drive west towards the main park road and then head towards the area of the Racetrack Playa. Corkscrew Peak is a prominent feature visible from various points. Consult a park map for precise directions.
No, there are no public shuttle services that go directly to the Corkscrew Peak trailhead. Visitors must drive their own vehicles or arrange private transportation.
Corkscrew Peak is located in Death Valley National Park, which is approximately a 2-3 hour drive from Las Vegas, Nevada.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Corkscrew Peak is located within Death Valley National Park, which requires an entrance fee. You'll need to pay the park's admission fee to access the area.
Death Valley National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, visitor centers have specific operating hours, and it's crucial to plan your hike during daylight.
The entrance fee for Death Valley National Park is typically around $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, but it's always best to check the official National Park Service website for the most current pricing.
While you can technically hike Corkscrew Peak year-round, it's highly recommended to visit during the cooler months of fall, winter, and spring to avoid extreme heat. Summer temperatures can be dangerously high. +1
No specific permit is required for day hiking Corkscrew Peak itself, beyond the general park entrance fee. However, if you plan on any overnight backcountry camping, permits would be necessary.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to Corkscrew Peak is approximately 7.2 miles roundtrip with a significant elevation gain of over 3,000 feet. It typically takes 4-6 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level and pace.
Corkscrew Peak is considered a strenuous and challenging hike due to its steepness and elevation gain. It's rated as a Class 3 climb by some, meaning scrambling may be involved.
The trail to Corkscrew Peak is largely unmaintained. While a use trail is visible, it can disappear in spots, and the initial part involves hiking up a wash. Cairns mark the start of the upward trail out of the wash.
The summit offers spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of Death Valley, including the valley floor, salt flats, sand dunes, and surrounding mountain ranges. Some say you can see the lowest and highest points in the lower 48 from the top on a clear day.
There are no facilities such as restrooms or water sources at the Corkscrew Peak trailhead. Be prepared to be self-sufficient.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The summit views are stunning at sunrise and sunset.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. Consider a telephoto lens for distant mountain details. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing the vastness.
The entire hike offers incredible photo opportunities. The summit provides the most dramatic panoramic shots. Look for interesting rock formations and the changing light on the desert floor as you ascend.
Drone usage is restricted in all US National Parks, including Death Valley. You cannot fly drones over Corkscrew Peak or any other areas within the park.
Include foreground elements like rocks or yourself in the frame to give a sense of scale. Shooting during golden hour can enhance the dramatic lighting and shadows across the vast landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families visiting Death Valley, consider exploring more accessible and less demanding attractions within the park. Options like Badwater Basin Salt Flats, Zabriskie Point, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes offer incredible scenery and are much more manageable for all ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during the off-peak season (fall, winter, spring) when temperatures are more moderate, allowing for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience without the extreme heat.
⛰️ Experienced Hikers & Peak Baggers
+1 The unmaintained trail and steep ascent provide a good test of endurance and navigation skills. For those seeking more challenging adventures, Death Valley offers numerous other off-trail canyons and peaks that are less frequented.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenge of Corkscrew Peak
Finding the correct path out of the wash to connect with the use trail is a key part of the challenge. Look for cairns that mark the ascent.
The summit of Corkscrew Peak, at 5,804 feet, offers what many describe as 'hiker's amnesia' – the struggle of the climb is forgotten the moment you take in the breathtaking views.
+1Navigating the Trailhead and Route
From the recommended starting point, you'll typically walk up a moraine to connect with the original trail. The first approximately 1.8 miles involve hiking up a wash.
Once on the main ascent, the trail becomes consistently steep. It's a good use trail, meaning it's generally discernible, but it can disappear in spots.
The Unique Environment of Death Valley
The park is also famous for its geological wonders, such as the Racetrack Playa and its mysterious moving 'sailing stones,' a phenomenon that was once a great mystery but is now better understood through scientific observation.
When visiting Corkscrew Peak and Death Valley, it's crucial to be prepared for the desert environment. This includes carrying ample water, wearing appropriate sun protection, and being aware of the potential for extreme heat.
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