Twenty Mule Team Canyon Death Valley
Drive through a rugged, colorful canyon, once vital for borax transport and now a Star Wars filming site.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the intense heat.
Twenty Mule Team Canyon Death Valley
Best Time
Escape the intense heat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Drive through a rugged, colorful canyon, once vital for borax transport and now a Star Wars filming site.
"A nice little touch of off-roading through scenic, dusty badlands."
🚗 Drive with Caution
The unpaved road is manageable for most cars, but go slow and be aware of rocks.
✨ Seek Solitude
Less crowded than other spots, offering a peaceful desert escape.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic One-Way Drive
The main canyon road
A 2.7-mile unpaved road winding through colorful badlands and unique geological formations.
Star Wars Filming Location
Jabba the Hutt's Palace
Explore the desolate landscape that served as Jabba the Hutt's Palace in 'Return of the Jedi'.
Off-Trail Exploration
Various turnoffs
Discover hidden tributary canyons and old mine shafts by venturing off the main road.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Dusty Adventure
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
The unpaved road is manageable for most cars, but go slow and be aware of rocks.
✨ Seek Solitude
Less crowded than other spots, offering a peaceful desert escape.
📸 Drone Photography
Capture stunning 360 views of the badlands with a drone.
🌌 Nighttime Adventure
Experience a unique, spooky vibe with incredible stargazing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
The unpaved road is manageable for most cars, but go slow and be aware of rocks.
✨ Seek Solitude
Less crowded than other spots, offering a peaceful desert escape.
📸 Drone Photography
Capture stunning 360 views of the badlands with a drone.
🌌 Nighttime Adventure
Experience a unique, spooky vibe with incredible stargazing.
🚶♀️ Park & Explore
Several turnoffs allow you to park and walk around; don't miss the best spots!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Twenty Mule Team Canyon a scenic and less crowded detour in Death Valley, appreciating its unique badlands and historical significance. While the unpaved road is manageable for most cars, some recommend higher clearance vehicles. It's a popular spot for photography and a nod to its Star Wars filming history.
"The drive itself is ok, it's a long loop road which is comprised of packed gravel, which should be fine for almost any car. Apparently some of the scenes in the original Star Wars was filmed in and around the area, and I can see why. Very desolate and dry, strange and interesting sand formations. It seemed far less crowded than other spots in DV, so it's a nice place to get off the main road and have some solitude if you want. We used it as a starting point for a hike into the Blue Mountains, which is high above Artist's Palette on the opposite side of these mountains. All off trail and tricky to find your way, but some of the best scenery in the park can be found here. If you're the adventurous type, this is a great area to hike."
Allan Ruyters
"Nicely maintained dirt road weaving its way through a scenic canyon full of undulating badlands. DEFINITELY worth a visit! You're fine even with a sedan.
There are several turnoffs where you can park, hop out and walk around. In my opinion the best one was about 3/4 through, right before the road gets all squiggly. The turnouts are small though so don't accidentally pass them all by."
Christopher Roman
"Sweet and short little drive over smooth dusty dirt. Pedaled my gravel bike and had a good time."
David Smeeth
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Twenty Mule Team Canyon is located off Badwater Road, near Furnace Creek. It's a 2.7-mile, one-way, unpaved road that branches off the main route. 
While many sedans can navigate the packed gravel road, a higher clearance vehicle or 4x4 is recommended for a smoother experience and to handle potential rocks.
No, it's a one-way road that takes you through the canyon. You'll rejoin the main road after completing the drive.
The drive itself is about 2.7 miles and can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes, depending on how often you stop to take photos or explore.
Yes, a regular car can make it through, but drive slowly and be mindful of the road's condition. Some visitors have found it perfectly fine in a sedan.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Twenty Mule Team Canyon is within Death Valley National Park, which requires an entrance fee. However, there are no separate tickets needed for the canyon itself once inside the park.
The canyon is accessible during park hours, which are typically dawn to dusk. It's also a popular spot for stargazing at night.
No, the drive through Twenty Mule Team Canyon is included with your Death Valley National Park entrance fee.
The cooler months of winter and spring are ideal to avoid extreme heat. Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography.
There are no specific facilities like restrooms or visitor centers directly within the canyon. Plan accordingly and use facilities at Furnace Creek before entering.
📸 📸 Photography & Scenery
Late afternoon offers the best light for capturing the colorful badlands and unique rock formations. Early morning is also beautiful.
Absolutely! Drone shots can capture the vastness and intricate patterns of the canyon, offering stunning 360-degree views.
Expect a desolate, dry landscape with undulating badlands, colorful sand formations, and a sense of raw, natural beauty.
While the entire drive is scenic, some visitors highlight specific turnoffs for exploration. It's also known as a filming location for Star Wars.
Yes, there are opportunities for off-trail hiking into tributary canyons and exploring old mine shafts for the adventurous.
🎫 🌟 Unique Experiences
Yes, due to its remote location and minimal light pollution, it's an excellent spot for stargazing, especially if you visit at night.
This area was historically used for hauling borax by 20-mule teams, a crucial part of Death Valley's mining past. The Borax Museum has artifacts from this era.
Indeed! It served as a filming location for Jabba the Hutt's Palace in 'Star Wars: Return of the Jedi'.
Yes, visiting at night offers a completely different, spooky vibe with incredible stargazing opportunities.
Nearby attractions include Zabriskie Point, Furnace Creek, Artist's Palette, and Badwater Basin, making it easy to combine into a day trip.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 It's a great way to see a different side of Death Valley without strenuous hiking. Key Advice: Pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities. Ensure kids wear hats and sunscreen, and consider bringing a small dust mask for the car if it's particularly windy. The drive is relatively short, making it manageable for younger attention spans.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
+1 The one-way drive provides a scenic break from paved roads and offers a taste of Death Valley's rugged interior. Recommendation: Allocate about 30-60 minutes for the drive and any brief stops. It's a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs, take photos, and experience a less-crowded part of the park. Combine it with other nearby attractions for a comprehensive Death Valley experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The muted, earthy color palette is a photographer's delight, especially during the golden hours. Tips: Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best light. Consider bringing a drone for unique aerial perspectives.
Don't overlook the details – the textures of the rocks and the patterns in the dust can make for compelling close-up shots. Night photography here is also exceptional due to the dark skies. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Unpaved Road
+1Be prepared for dust, especially if it's windy. It's advisable to check road conditions with the park service before your visit, though this road is generally well-maintained for its type.
Pro Tip: Many travelers suggest using this drive as a starting point for off-trail adventures. The turnoffs provide access to explore narrower canyons and remnants of old mining operations, offering a deeper dive into the area's history and geology.
A Glimpse into Death Valley's Past
This challenging work shaped the region's development and is a significant part of its heritage. The Borax Museum, located at Furnace Creek, houses artifacts and information about this period, including structures that were originally part of the Twenty Mule Team Canyon operations. Beyond borax, the canyon's desolate and dramatic landscapes have also captured the imagination of filmmakers. It famously served as the filming location for Jabba the Hutt's Palace in the original 'Star Wars' movie, 'Return of the Jedi.'
+1 This cinematic connection adds another layer of intrigue for visitors exploring the area, allowing them to walk through a landscape familiar from the big screen.Exploring Twenty Mule Team Canyon offers a tangible connection to both the industrial past and the cinematic present of Death Valley. The raw beauty of the badlands, combined with these historical and cultural touchpoints, makes for a memorable visit.
Photography Opportunities
For those with drones, the canyon provides incredible opportunities for sweeping aerial shots, capturing the vastness and intricate patterns of the landscape from a bird's-eye view.
Visitors can also find compelling compositions by focusing on the textures of the rock formations, the winding road, and the expansive desert sky. Remember to bring plenty of battery power and memory cards, as you'll likely find yourself stopping frequently to capture the scenery.Pro Tip: Consider visiting at night for astrophotography. The lack of light pollution in Death Valley makes for spectacular stargazing, and the canyon's unique formations can create dramatic foreground elements for your night shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit