Golden Canyon Trail Death Valley California
Hike through colorful badlands and discover Star Wars filming locations in Death Valley's stunning Golden Canyon.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the desert heat
Golden Canyon Trail Death Valley California
Best Time
Escape the desert heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through colorful badlands and discover Star Wars filming locations in Death Valley's stunning Golden Canyon.
"Feels like you're in a different world, with stunning geology and a touch of Star Wars magic."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Hiking boots can cause blisters on this terrain. Tennis shoes might be better. Beware of dust!
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Death Valley is extremely hot. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Red Cathedral
Golden Canyon Trail
A stunning slot canyon-like area with visually appealing, towering walls. Perfect for a short, rewarding hike.
Star Wars Filming Locations
Golden Canyon Trail
Explore iconic spots used to film Tatooine scenes in 'Star Wars: A New Hope'.
Manly Beacon
Golden Canyon Trail
A prominent geological feature offering rewarding views after a climb, part of the longer loop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Star Wars & Geology Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Hiking boots can cause blisters on this terrain. Tennis shoes might be better. Beware of dust!
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Death Valley is extremely hot. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
🗺️ Trail Navigation
The trail can be poorly marked. Consider using an app like AllTrails for navigation. 
☀️ Avoid Summer Heat
Summer temperatures are extreme. Estimate your fitness carefully if hiking in heat.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Hiking boots can cause blisters on this terrain. Tennis shoes might be better. Beware of dust!
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Death Valley is extremely hot. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
🗺️ Trail Navigation
The trail can be poorly marked. Consider using an app like AllTrails for navigation.
☀️ Avoid Summer Heat
Summer temperatures are extreme. Estimate your fitness carefully if hiking in heat.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The colorful canyon walls and geological formations are incredibly photogenic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, otherworldly scenery of Golden Canyon, often comparing it to being on another planet. The Red Cathedral and Star Wars filming locations are particular highlights. However, some find the trail poorly marked and the terrain challenging, leading to blisters if the wrong footwear is worn.
"Great route for trail run, can be done with zabroskie point and red cathedral at once. In summer quite hot so estimate your fitness correctly 🙂 views are amazing!"
kstroj
"Beautiful to walk through, feels like you’re in a different world. Not crowded. However terrain killed my feet in hiking boots, got huge blister. After that wore tennis shoes and those worked much better. Beware dust will blow in your eyes."
Vickie Parry
"We really enjoyed this trail and continued to some overlooks at Red Cathedral. At Red Cathedral you get into almost a slot canyon type area, which is super fun to hike and visually appealing. We took our time and stopped at Red Cathedral to enjoy the view for maybe 10mins. Took us 1.5hrs total, as a pretty chill pace. Highly recommend! This was better and actually easier than Natural Bridge trial, which is much shorter but has deeper gravel the entire way, which is a bit more challenging. Also, know dogs are not allowed on the N.P. trails."
patricia tanis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Golden Canyon Trailhead is located off Badwater Road, about 2.5 miles south of Zabriskie Point. It's a well-known stop within Death Valley National Park.
Yes, the road leading to the Golden Canyon Trailhead is paved. However, the trail itself involves walking on varied terrain.
Yes, a regular car can easily access the Golden Canyon Trailhead. High clearance vehicles are not required for this specific trail access.
There is a spur trail that connects Golden Canyon to Zabriskie Point, allowing for a combined hike or visit.
The nearest services are typically at Furnace Creek, which has a visitor center, lodging, and dining options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Death Valley National Park requires an entrance fee. You can purchase passes at the park entrance stations or online.
No, there is no separate fee for hiking the Golden Canyon Trail. The park entrance fee covers access to all trails within the park.
Golden Canyon is accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, extreme heat in summer can make it dangerous to hike.
While not as common as for other attractions, some local tour operators may offer guided hikes. It's best to check with visitor centers or local tour companies.
Dogs are not allowed on trails within Death Valley National Park. Be prepared for extreme weather conditions, especially in summer.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The trail offers options from a short stroll to a four-mile loop. The loop is considered moderate, with some rock climbing and uneven terrain.
A short stroll can take less than an hour, while the four-mile loop, including exploring Red Cathedral, can take 1.5 to 6 hours depending on pace and stops. +1
The trail can be poorly marked in places, especially on the loop. Using a navigation app like AllTrails is recommended.
Expect towering, colorful canyon walls, unique geological formations, and a landscape that feels otherworldly.
There are no restrooms directly at the Golden Canyon Trailhead. The nearest facilities are typically at Zabriskie Point or Furnace Creek.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with golden hour casting beautiful shadows and colors on the canyon walls.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the canyons. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
The Red Cathedral area offers dramatic slot canyon-like views. The higher points on the loop provide panoramic vistas.
Protect your camera lens with a lens hood and consider using a UV filter. Clean your gear regularly, especially after windy conditions.
Drone usage is restricted in Death Valley National Park. Check the official NPS website for current regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as amenities are scarce. Visiting in the cooler morning or late afternoon hours is crucial to keep children comfortable and safe from the desert heat. The 'Star Wars' connection can also add an extra layer of excitement for young fans, making the hike feel like an intergalactic expedition.
+1📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1For capturing the vastness, a wide-angle lens is ideal. Consider bringing a tripod for low-light conditions or to experiment with long exposures. Be mindful of dust and wind, which can affect your gear; a lens hood and regular cleaning are essential.
🎬 Star Wars Fans
+1While specific filming spots might require a keen eye, the overall atmosphere of the canyon perfectly captures the essence of Tatooine. The rugged terrain and alien-like rock formations make it easy to feel like you're part of the Star Wars universe.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Geological Wonders of Golden Canyon
The Red Cathedral is a highlight, a narrow, slot-canyon-like area where the walls rise steeply, creating an intimate and awe-inspiring experience. The vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow are particularly striking when illuminated by the sun. Keep an eye out for Manly Beacon, a prominent rock formation that offers a rewarding climb and panoramic views for those venturing further on the loop trail.
This area showcases the power of erosion in an arid environment. The soft sedimentary rocks are easily sculpted by flash floods and wind, creating the intricate patterns and towering formations. It's a living geology lesson, offering a glimpse into the forces that shaped Death Valley.
Star Wars Filming Locations
+1While the exact spots can be elusive, many believe that the scenes where R2-D2 is captured by Jawas were filmed within or near Golden Canyon. The iconic canyon walls and barren terrain evoke the feeling of being on another planet, making it a must-visit for Star Wars enthusiasts.
+1Exploring Golden Canyon offers a unique opportunity to connect with cinematic history while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Death Valley. Imagine the film crews working in this dramatic setting as you walk through the same landscapes seen on screen.
+1Hiking the Golden Canyon Loop
Be prepared for varied terrain. While some sections are relatively flat, others involve scrambling over rocks and navigating uneven surfaces. Many visitors recommend wearing sturdy tennis shoes or hiking boots, as the rocky and dusty ground can be tough on feet.
Navigation can be tricky, as the trail is not always clearly marked. Using a hiking app like AllTrails with a downloaded map is highly recommended to ensure you stay on track, especially if you plan to complete the full loop.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit