Twenty Mule Team Canyon Death Valley - Image 1
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Twenty Mule Team Canyon Death Valley

4.7
·55 reviews·, United States

Drive through a dramatic, colorful badlands landscape, once vital for borax mining and a filming site for Star Wars.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter and Spring mornings

Escape the intense desert heat

CrowdLow
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Twenty Mule Team Canyon Death Valley - Image 1

Twenty Mule Team Canyon Death Valley

Best Time

Winter and Spring mornings

Escape the intense desert heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Drive through a dramatic, colorful badlands landscape, once vital for borax mining and a filming site for Star Wars.

4.7
(55 reviews)

"An incredible drive through this valley. Go to fast and you will miss the turn off. Fun hills to climb with great views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive Carefully on Dirt Road

Most cars can handle the 2.7-mile unpaved road, but go slow and be mindful of bumps.

💨 Prepare for Dust

The road is often dusty, so consider a car wash after your visit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dramatic Badlands Drive

Dramatic Badlands Drive

One-way loop road

Navigate a rugged, dusty 2.7-mile road through colorful, sculpted badlands. A truly otherworldly landscape.

Historic Borax Mining Area

Historic Borax Mining Area

Throughout the canyon

Explore the landscape where 20-mule teams once hauled precious borax ore. Learn about Death Valley's rich mining history.

Star Wars Filming Location

Star Wars Filming Location

Jabba the Hutt's Palace area

Discover the filming site for Jabba the Hutt's Palace from 'Return of the Jedi'. A must-see for Star Wars fans.

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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for Dust and Uneven Terrain

The 2.7-mile one-way road through Twenty Mule Team Canyon is unpaved and can be dusty. While most standard vehicles can handle it, be prepared for bumps and uneven surfaces. It's wise to check your vehicle's clearance and consider a car wash afterward. Reddit

Don't Miss the Turn-Off!

The entrance to Twenty Mule Team Canyon is easily missed if you're driving fast on the main road. Slow down and look for the signs to avoid passing this unique badlands experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Winter and Spring mornings
Why
Escape the intense desert heat
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light on the rocks
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I will be hyping up death valley forever!! Follow for more one day itineraries and lmk which park you want next. #deathvalley #deathvalleynationalpark #nationalpark #nationalparks #california #ca #californiaparks #hiketok #Hiking #hike #desert #badwater #optoutside #Outdoors #outdoorinfluencer
@katiejryder
19.4K likes • 295.4K views

🚗 Drive Carefully on Dirt Road

Most cars can handle the 2.7-mile unpaved road, but go slow and be mindful of bumps. Reddit

💨 Prepare for Dust

The road is often dusty, so consider a car wash after your visit. Reddit

7 iconic stops in Death Valley 🏜️ Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48! And it’s a great park to visit in winter and spring before the high summer heat sets in! Here are 7 of our top recommendations for a weekend exploring Death Valley ⤵️ 🧡 SEND this to a friend you’d love to road trip through Death Valley with! ✨ MOSAIC CANYON This is my favorite hike in Death Valley! This...
@gwynandami
3.3K likes • 71.6K views
Twenty Mule Team Canyon in Death Valley.
dirtyfreehub
58 likes • 932 views

🌟 Look for Star Wars Sites

Seek out the filming locations for Jabba the Hutt's Palace from 'Return of the Jedi'. TikTokInstagram

📸 Drone Photography Allowed

Capture stunning aerial views of the canyon with your drone. Instagram

360 drone shot from Twenty Mule Team Canyon capture by using DJI Mini 2 4k drone @djiglobal Twenty Mule Team Canyon is shallow ravine through typical, multicolored Death Valley badlands, viewable along a 2.7 mile unpaved, one-way road. Off-trail hiking reveals narrow tributary canyons, old mine shafts and extensive vistas down to the main valley. Season: All year if driving, assuming the road i...
krishhsome
132 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive Carefully on Dirt Road

Most cars can handle the 2.7-mile unpaved road, but go slow and be mindful of bumps. Reddit

💨 Prepare for Dust

The road is often dusty, so consider a car wash after your visit. Reddit

🌟 Look for Star Wars Sites

Seek out the filming locations for Jabba the Hutt's Palace from 'Return of the Jedi'. TikTokInstagram

📸 Drone Photography Allowed

Capture stunning aerial views of the canyon with your drone. Instagram

🗺️ Don't Miss the Turn

Slow down on the main road to spot the entrance; it's easy to drive past! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(55 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the otherworldly beauty and historical significance of Twenty Mule Team Canyon. The scenic drive through the colorful badlands is a highlight, offering a unique perspective on Death Valley's rugged landscape and mining past. While the unpaved road can be dusty and bumpy, most standard vehicles can handle it, and the experience is well worth the effort for its dramatic scenery and Star Wars filming location fame.

"Week one of our road trip found us leaving Las Vegas and heading into Death Valley and on the way to our hotel we had to pass Twenty Mule Team Canyon.

This is situated on a long fast road so if you’re not careful you’ll drive straight past it (like we did!!)

A quick turn around found us back at the entrance of this wonderful off road track. This 2 mile or so route is one way, rugged and full of lumps, bumps and ups and downs as you work your way around a historic borax mining location set within the Badlands of Death Valley.

Once you get into this track you are quickly out of sight from anyone. It’s hot and dusty and you must ensure your vehicle is suitable and capable of getting around this off road route. If you get stuck…. You’ll have to walk back to the main road and hope for help.

It would be so easy to drive past this track and carry on. I do t believe it’s one of the busiest tourist attractions as we saw absolutely nobody but that was great.

For the time we were driving around Twenty Mule Team Canyon it was all ours and we loved it.

When in Death Valley, call into here and experience a moment in life on an out of this world landscape."

John Gledhill

"An incredible drive through this valley. Go to fast and you will miss the turn off. Fun hills to climb with great views, fun one way drive and fascinating scenery."

c “cfl” lane

"Very cool drive on a dirt road worth doing the short drive. Cars are fine on this dirt road!"

Christina Van Dellen

What People Like

Otherworldly badlands scenery
Historic borax mining area
Star Wars filming location

What People Dislike

Dusty road conditions
Easy to miss turn-off

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Twenty Mule Team Canyon is located off the main park road, near Zabriskie Point. Look for the unpaved, one-way road entrance. It's crucial to slow down and watch for the signs, as it's easy to miss if you're driving fast. InstagramReddit

Most standard vehicles, including 2WD cars, can navigate the 2.7-mile unpaved road. However, it's a dirt road with bumps and potential dust, so a vehicle with decent clearance is recommended. Reddit

Yes, the road through Twenty Mule Team Canyon is a one-way loop, making it easier to navigate and enjoy the scenery without oncoming traffic. InstagramReddit

The drive itself is about 2.7 miles and typically takes around 30-60 minutes, depending on how often you stop for photos and to explore. Instagram

While it's primarily a scenic drive, you can stop and take short walks or hikes off the main road to explore the narrow tributary canyons and unique rock formations. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Twenty Mule Team Canyon is within Death Valley National Park, so you will need a valid park entrance pass. Passes can be purchased at the park entrance stations or online. TikTok

No, there are no additional fees specifically for driving through Twenty Mule Team Canyon beyond the standard Death Valley National Park entrance fee. TikTok

Twenty Mule Team Canyon is accessible year-round during park operating hours. However, it's best visited during cooler months due to extreme summer temperatures. TikTok

It's generally less crowded than some of the park's more famous spots like Badwater Basin or Zabriskie Point, especially if you visit during off-peak hours or seasons. Reddit

While the park is open 24/7, driving the unpaved canyon road at night is not recommended due to poor visibility and potential hazards. Stick to daylight hours for safety. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography & Filming

The colorful badlands, unique rock formations, and the winding dirt road itself offer incredible photographic opportunities. The golden hour light is particularly stunning. Instagram+1

Yes, drone photography is permitted in Twenty Mule Team Canyon, offering unique aerial perspectives of the landscape. Ensure you follow all park regulations regarding drone usage. Instagram

While there aren't designated viewpoints, pull over safely along the road to capture the expansive vistas and intricate geological features. Instagram

Early morning and late afternoon (golden hour) provide the most dramatic lighting, highlighting the textures and colors of the badlands. Instagram

Commercial filming or photography may require a permit. Check with the National Park Service for specific regulations and application processes. Instagram

🎫 🌟 Unique Experiences

This canyon is named after the iconic 20-mule teams that hauled borax from the nearby Harmony Borax Works across the harsh desert. It's a key site in Death Valley's mining history. Instagram+1

Yes, it's famously known as the filming location for Jabba the Hutt's Palace in 'Star Wars: Return of the Jedi'. Instagram+1

The canyon showcases typical Death Valley badlands, with multicolored, eroded hills and narrow tributary canyons, creating an otherworldly landscape. Instagram+1

There are no facilities within the canyon itself. You'll need to ensure you have plenty of water, snacks, and a full tank of gas before entering. TikTok

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain. Layers are recommended as temperatures can fluctuate. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is essential. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Twenty Mule Team Canyon offers a unique adventure for families. The one-way dirt road is exciting for kids, providing a sense of exploration. It's a great opportunity to talk about the history of the 20-mule teams and the challenges of desert travel. Instagram+1 Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities. The relatively short drive (about 30-60 minutes) makes it manageable for younger attention spans. TikTok

For Star Wars fans, pointing out the filming location for Jabba the Hutt's Palace can be a big hit. Instagram+1 Ensure children are supervised if you stop for short walks, as the terrain can be uneven. The dust can also be a factor, so consider bringing wipes or a bandana for little ones. Overall, it's a memorable and educational stop that adds a different dimension to a Death Valley visit.

🚗 Road Trippers & Car Enthusiasts

The drive through Twenty Mule Team Canyon is a must-do for anyone on a Death Valley road trip. The unpaved, one-way road offers a chance to experience your vehicle on a different terrain, though most standard cars are capable. Reddit Many visitors enjoy the drive so much they do it multiple times, appreciating the unique challenge and scenery. Instagram+1

This is a perfect spot to test your driving skills (safely, of course!) and capture some great photos of your vehicle in an epic landscape. The dust is a given, so be prepared for a potentially dirty car post-adventure. It’s a fantastic way to break up the longer drives between major park attractions and offers a distinct visual experience compared to the salt flats or sand dunes. TikTok

🎬 Film Buffs & Star Wars Fans

For fans of the Star Wars saga, Twenty Mule Team Canyon is a pilgrimage site. This dramatic badlands landscape served as the filming location for Jabba the Hutt's Palace in 'Star Wars: Return of the Jedi'. Instagram+1 Imagine Luke Skywalker navigating this very terrain as you drive through. Instagram

Beyond Star Wars, the canyon's rugged beauty has a cinematic quality that appeals to anyone who appreciates dramatic landscapes. The historical connection to the 20-mule teams also adds a layer of narrative to the experience, making it more than just a scenic drive. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Twenty Mule Team Canyon Road

The 2.7-mile unpaved, one-way road through Twenty Mule Team Canyon is a highlight for many visitors. While generally accessible to standard vehicles, it's important to be prepared for a rugged experience. The road is known for its bumps, dips, and dusty conditions, especially when it's dry. Travelers recommend driving slowly and cautiously to avoid damaging your vehicle and to fully appreciate the dramatic scenery. Some visitors have driven it in 2WD vehicles like a Honda CR-V with no issues, but always assess the road conditions upon arrival. Reddit

Many visitors find the drive so captivating that they go through it multiple times. Instagram+1 The unique landscape, often described as otherworldly, makes it a memorable part of any Death Valley itinerary. It's a fantastic opportunity for photography, with the winding road and sculpted badlands providing endless visual interest. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no services within the canyon. TikTok

For those interested in film history, the canyon is famously known as the filming location for Jabba the Hutt's Palace in 'Star Wars: Return of the Jedi'. Instagram+1 This adds an extra layer of intrigue for fans exploring the area. The historical significance of the 20-mule teams that once hauled borax across this challenging terrain also adds depth to the experience. Instagram+1

The Borax Mining Legacy

Twenty Mule Team Canyon is steeped in the history of Death Valley's borax mining boom. The canyon is named after the iconic 20-mule teams that were instrumental in transporting borax ore from remote mining sites, like the Harmony Borax Works, across the harsh desert landscape to the nearest railroad depot. This arduous journey was vital to the economic development of the region in the late 19th century. Instagram+1

The landscape itself tells a story of this past. As you drive or hike through the canyon, you're traversing the very terrain where these teams once labored. While the original mining operations are no longer active, the historical context enriches the visitor experience. The Borax Museum, located near Furnace Creek, even features a building that was originally part of the borax operations and stood in Twenty Mule Team Canyon. Instagram

Understanding this history adds a layer of appreciation for the resilience and ingenuity of the people who worked in Death Valley. It transforms the scenic drive into a journey through time, connecting you to the rugged spirit of the American West. Instagram