Golden Canyon
Explore the vibrant, sculpted landscape of Golden Canyon, a filming site for Star Wars and home to the stunning Red Cathedral.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Golden Canyon
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the vibrant, sculpted landscape of Golden Canyon, a filming site for Star Wars and home to the stunning Red Cathedral.
"Exceptional trail for a morning hike with beautiful canyon colors and striking formations."
💧 Hydration is Key!
Always bring more water than you think you'll need. The desert heat is no joke!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven. Comfortable hiking boots or shoes are essential for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Canyon Trail
Main canyon floor
Hike through a vibrant, sculpted canyon with striking colors. An easy out-and-back trail with rewarding views.
Red Cathedral
End of Golden Canyon Trail
A breathtaking natural amphitheater with intensely red rock formations. A must-see geological wonder.
Star Wars Filming Site
Golden Canyon
Explore the landscape where R2-D2 was captured by Jawas in 'A New Hope'. A unique spot for film buffs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Star Wars Filming Location
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Hydration is Key!
Always bring more water than you think you'll need. The desert heat is no joke!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven. Comfortable hiking boots or shoes are essential for exploring.
☀️ Protect Yourself from Sun
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must. The desert sun is intense, even in cooler months.
📸 Capture the Colors
The canyon walls have incredible hues. Visit during golden hour for the most dramatic photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Hydration is Key!
Always bring more water than you think you'll need. The desert heat is no joke!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven. Comfortable hiking boots or shoes are essential for exploring.
☀️ Protect Yourself from Sun
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must. The desert sun is intense, even in cooler months.
📸 Capture the Colors
The canyon walls have incredible hues. Visit during golden hour for the most dramatic photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Golden Canyon's striking colors and unique geological formations, calling it an exceptional trail for hiking. The Red Cathedral is a particular highlight, offering breathtaking views. Some note the need for ample water due to the desert heat.
"Exceptional trail for a morning hike in the winter or spring, maybe three miles out and back. Beautiful canyon with striking colors. Red cathedral is beautiful. Easy enough for most people to manage."
David Murphy
"Hot bring water"
that1dude 650
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Golden Canyon is located off Badwater Road in Death Valley National Park. There's a parking area directly at the trailhead. It's a popular spot, so arriving early is recommended, especially during peak season.
Yes, you can drive directly to the Golden Canyon trailhead. The road leading to the parking area is paved.
From Furnace Creek, head south on Badwater Road for about 3 miles. The turnoff for Golden Canyon will be on your left.
Currently, there are no official shuttle services directly to Golden Canyon. It's best to drive your own vehicle.
Absolutely! Golden Canyon is easily accessible by personal vehicle. Just be mindful of the desert conditions and ensure your car is in good condition.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Golden Canyon is within Death Valley National Park, which requires an entrance fee. You can purchase a pass at the park entrance stations or online.
Golden Canyon is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, hiking is best during daylight hours, especially to avoid extreme temperatures.
The hike itself is free, but you will need to pay the Death Valley National Park entrance fee to access the area.
Park entrance passes can be purchased in advance online or at park entrance stations. There are no specific tickets for Golden Canyon itself.
The entrance fee for Death Valley National Park is typically per vehicle and valid for 7 days. Check the official NPS website for current pricing.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The most popular hike is the out-and-back trail into the canyon, leading to the stunning Red Cathedral. You can extend this by looping with Gower Gulch for a longer trek.
A moderate out-and-back hike to the Red Cathedral and back can take 1-2 hours, depending on your pace and how much you stop. The full loop with Gower Gulch is about 6.5 miles and takes longer.
The main canyon trail is relatively easy and suitable for most fitness levels. The Red Cathedral is a great turnaround point for beginners.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe hiking shoes, lightweight clothing, a hat, and sunglasses. Layers are recommended as temperatures can change.
There are vault toilets available at the Golden Canyon trailhead parking area.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire canyon offers incredible photographic opportunities. Focus on the sculpted walls, unique rock formations, and the vibrant colors, especially at sunrise and sunset. The Red Cathedral is a prime spot.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most dramatic lighting and brings out the rich colors of the canyon walls.
Yes, you can definitely take photos at the spots where Star Wars scenes were filmed in Golden Canyon. It's a fun way to connect with the cinematic history.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the canyon. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating interesting rock formations. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance colors and reduce glare.
Drone usage is restricted in Death Valley National Park to protect wildlife and preserve the visitor experience. Always check the latest NPS regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a shorter adventure by turning back whenever the kids start to tire. The vibrant colors and unique shapes of the canyon are sure to capture their imagination, making it a memorable part of your Death Valley visit. Sun protection is crucial for everyone.
🎬 Star Wars Fans
While there aren't specific markers, the entire canyon evokes the feeling of Tatooine. It's a fantastic opportunity to combine your love for the galaxy far, far away with the breathtaking reality of Death Valley's natural wonders. Don't forget your camera to capture your own cinematic moments!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking the Golden Canyon Trail
For those seeking a longer adventure, the Golden Canyon-Gower Gulch Loop offers a more challenging 6.5-mile trek. This loop provides a comprehensive exploration of the area's unique geology and is often hiked counter-clockwise, starting from Zabriskie Point for panoramic views. Regardless of the route chosen, sturdy hiking shoes and ample water are essential.
Pro Tip: The canyon walls are particularly beautiful during the 'golden hour' – the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset. The low-angled light accentuates the textures and vibrant colors, making for spectacular photography.
A Touch of Hollywood: Star Wars in Golden Canyon
Visiting Golden Canyon offers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of cinematic history. Imagine the scenes unfolding as you explore the very rocks and formations that appeared on screen. It adds an extra layer of magic to an already awe-inspiring natural setting, making it a must-visit for any film enthusiast.
While the park doesn't have specific markers for every filming spot, the general atmosphere of the canyon strongly evokes the Star Wars universe. It's a fun element to discover as you hike and appreciate the natural beauty of Death Valley.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit