Discover the Hidden Beauty of Willow Creek in Death Valley
If you’ve explored the popular destinations of Death Valley National Park, you may be ready for the less traveled destination. Michel Digonnet’s guide Hiking Death Valley: A Guide to its Natural Wonders and Mining Past describes Willow Canyon, which features a rare yet seasonal waterfall. Yes, you can find a waterfall in one of the hottest and driest places on the planet.
Willow Creek is found in the southern section of Death Valley, where the creek flows through a 3-mile canyon section. The creek flows from the Black Mountains to the valley’s edge. The stream is most active during winter and spring. During the hot summer, the water in this part of the canyon dries up for the most part.
West of Willow Creek, the mountains rise from the lowest point of the continental United States. You can see the landmark points, including Telescope Peak and Manly Peak.
This destination shares the same trailhead as the more popular Sidewinder Canyon trail.
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Willow Creek
The creek’s flow varies with the seasons, sometimes emerging above ground while, at points, retreating under the stone-covered valley floor.
Depending on which other sources you refer to for this area, you may find it referred to as Willow Creek, Willow Canyon, and Willow Creek Canyon.
Parking for Willow Canyon Trailhead
Willow Creek trailhead is about 45 minutes south of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.
The parking area for the trailhead is a gravel section located off the paved road a bit over 14 miles south of Badwater. There is no signage to provide directions during your drive; it is not an official trail.
A faint path heads north from the parking gravel pit area along the base of small hills.
Trail Difficulty
The out-and-back hike is relatively short, spanning two miles in each direction. There is little to no rock scrambling required along the way.
The last quarter mile is the most scenic of the hike as you approach the falls area. The canyon begins to narrow here, and the cliffs around you feature unique formations carved over thousands of years.
Hike Description
- Hike Length: 4.4 miles out-and-back
- Difficulty: Moderately challenging
- Elevation gain: Apx. 600+ feet
- Time to complete: 2.5 hours
This trail is a good hiking option in Death Valley for adventurous hikers. You will probably not encounter many other people while exploring.
Willow Creek is a great hiking trail. Most hikers will experience this area in solitude as it is not a crowded trail.
Most of the hike takes place over a rocky surface. You’ll see views of Death Valley from the canyon opening. As with many places in Death Valley, the morning sun provides lovely lighting for the surrounding mountains.
You can start your hike towards the left of the parking area. Walk towards the north section, where a large wash emerges from the mountains.
You’ll come upon a slot canyon about a mile from the trailhead. Watch out for a split on the trail. At this point, stay towards the left, keeping in the wash section, which makes its way into the canyon and ultimately to the waterfall area.
Continue hiking to the narrow section into the mountains, where you’ll see canyon walls rise above you. It is close to this area where you may hear the sound of flowing water.
You’ve reached the trail’s end upon reaching the cascading 50-foot tall waterfall descending over the cliff wall.
Take some time to admire this section of the park. It’s a great spot to enjoy your lunch or snack before turning back for your return trip.
Top Tips – Willow Creek Hike
- Load an offline version of the trail onto your smartphone before venturing on this hike. This is not an official trail, and navigating the route can be disorienting for some hikers.
- There is NO cellphone coverage throughout most of Death Valley. Be prepared for this fact.
- Bring sunscreen and plenty of water. You’ll be exposed to full sun on this hike.
Getting to Willow Canyon Trailhead
1. Start from Las Vegas and take Hwy 95 North towards Beatty, Nevada.
2. In Beatty, Nevada, take Hwy 394 (Daylight Pass Road) heading towards Death Valley National Park.
3. After about 10 miles of driving, you’ll reach a split. Take the left split towards Furnace Creek Ranch.
4. Keep going until you reach a “T” intersection with Hwy 190. Take a left turn at the intersection.
5. Continue past Furnace Creek Ranch and drive for a couple more miles until you reach The Oasis in Death Valley.
6. At The Oasis, turn right onto Badwater Road.
7. Drive about 15 miles past Badwater Basin and then turn left (East) onto an unmarked unpaved road. The road can be somewhat rough and some sections are best suited with a 4WD vehicle.
8. Continue for approximately 0.5 miles on this road until you reach a small parking area.
9. The Willow Canyon Trailhead can be found on the left, while Sidewinder Canyon is located on the right.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Plan for a relatively easy hike of under 3 hours.
The best time to hike the Willow Creek trail in Death Valley is November through April.
Dogs are not allowed on this trail. It’s best to leave your furry friends at home as you’ll not want to leave them in the Death Valley heat if you step away for hiking adventures without them.
Death Valley National Park – Know Before You Go
✈️ Closest Airport: Las Vegas McCarren (LAS)
⏰ Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (GMT-8)
Gas Stations: Refer to our Death Valley Gas Stations Guide
Willow Creek Trail – Closing Thoughts
This Death Valley hike is a good hiking option. Contrary to the trail name, don’t expect to see any willow trees at Willow Creek Canyon Death Valley.
If you can do this hike shortly after rainfall occurs in the area, you may be in for an extra special treat at the waterfall section.
For more waterfall excursions in this part of the desert, consider Darwin Falls, located about two hours west of Willow Canyon Trailhead.
Death Valley National Park is one of the great natural treasures in the state of California.
Enjoy the adventure. Happy hiking!
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