Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop
The Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop is the most popular backpacking route in Death Valley National Park.
Plan Around Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop Details
The Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop is the most popular backpacking route in Death Valley National Park, but also one of the most difficult. It's a 26-30 mile loop requiring an overnight stay, with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The hike will take you into Cottonwood Canyon then cross country to Deadhorse Canyon and Marble Canyon. The trailhead is 8-10 miles from Stovepipe Wells on Cottonwood Canyon Road. Off-roaders will need a high-clearance vehicle to the canyon mouth and 4x4 beyond that.
Difficulty
High
Distance
30 miles
Estimated time
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop
Compare nearby parks around Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop while the map context is still fresh.
1.2 mi away
Cottonwood Canyon
Cottonwood Canyon is the recommended first leg of the Cottonwood/Marble Canyon Loop Trail.
4.7 mi away
Deadhorse Canyon
Dead Horse Canyon is the middle link in the popular Cottonwood-Marble Canyon backpacking route
6.9 mi away
Golf Course
Possibly the most improbable sight in Death Valley is the 18-hole golf course at the Furnace Creek Resort.
7.8 mi away
Harris Hill
Harris Hill sits between Dead Horse Canyon and Ulida Flat.
8.5 mi away
Stovepipe Wells Campground
With 190 sites, including 28 tent only sites, it offers a wide open desert setting near Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and other central valley highlights.
