
Twenty Mule Team Canyon Death Valley
Drive through a dramatic, colorful badlands landscape, once vital for borax mining and a filming site for Star Wars.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the intense desert heat

Twenty Mule Team Canyon Death Valley
Best Time
Escape the intense desert heat

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Drive through a dramatic, colorful badlands landscape, once vital for borax mining and a filming site for Star Wars.
"An incredible drive through this valley. Go to fast and you will miss the turn off. Fun hills to climb with great views."

🚗 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Dust and Uneven Terrain
Don't Miss the Turn-Off!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
🌟 Look for Star Wars Sites
Seek out the filming locations for Jabba the Hutt's Palace from 'Return of the Jedi'.
📸 Drone Photography Allowed
Capture stunning aerial views of the canyon with your drone.
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.
💨 Prepare for Dust
The road is often dusty, so consider a car wash after your visit.
🌟 Look for Star Wars Sites
Seek out the filming locations for Jabba the Hutt's Palace from 'Return of the Jedi'.
📸 Drone Photography Allowed
Capture stunning aerial views of the canyon with your drone.
🗺️ Don't Miss the Turn
Slow down on the main road to spot the entrance; it's easy to drive past!
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
No, there are no additional fees specifically for driving through Twenty Mule Team Canyon beyond the standard Death Valley National Park entrance fee.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
While there aren't designated viewpoints, pull over safely along the road to capture the expansive vistas and intricate geological features.
Early morning and late afternoon (golden hour) provide the most dramatic lighting, highlighting the textures and colors of the badlands.
Commercial filming or photography may require a permit. Check with the National Park Service for specific regulations and application processes.
🎫 🌟 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.
Yes, it's famously known as the filming location for Jabba the Hutt's Palace in 'Star Wars: Return of the Jedi'.
The canyon showcases typical Death Valley badlands, with multicolored, eroded hills and narrow tributary canyons, creating an otherworldly landscape.
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.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain. Layers are recommended as temperatures can fluctuate. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is essential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For Star Wars fans, pointing out the filming location for Jabba the Hutt's Palace can be a big hit. 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
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.
🎬 Film Buffs & Star Wars Fans
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Twenty Mule Team Canyon Road
Many visitors find the drive so captivating that they go through it multiple times. 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.
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'. 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.
The Borax Mining Legacy
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit