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.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 45 reviews
Type
Off Roading Area
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
"CLOSED FROM FLOODING UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 10/16/2025 is when we drove 2.5 hours to find out Death Valley is BROKEN for the most part. South exit, closed, Scotty's castle closed. Only 2 ways to ingress and exit. Sad, however nature is our host and we are but it's observers. Many roads and attractions closed. Please check before driving or paying for a tour. Dante's peak and Zabriskie point are functional and satisfying. Death Valley may never recover fully as a just a 17 mile stretch just to Badwater Basin is impassable by severe landslides that stretches as far as the eye can see and beyond. And there are other impassable roads all through the park. Empathy for the park rangers and other employees. A comical scene was when we did make it to the visitor center, the ranger gave us a black and white map and I jokingly said "oh we can throw darts at it as we drove 2.5 hours. Though we should have checked". She then said "in that case let me give you a color one". Hilarious come back, didn't get her name. In any case, check before you go about the places you want to see at Death Valley. There's still open areas."
Fred Dombski
"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
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit