Short Hikes in Death Valley National Park

Eureka Dunes

This area is approachable only from the remote north end of the park and by rutted dirt and gravel roads that are subject to washout, so travel to the area requires a sturdy vehicle. The magnificent dunes are the tallest in California. The whole family will enjoy hiking here, spotting dune grass and wildflowers or the tracks of lizards and rodents. (Tread lightly, because this area is home to endangered and threatened plant species.) The view from atop the highest dune (about 700 ft.) takes in the contrast of creamy sand against the layer-cake band of nearby rock, and small avalanches of sand create the trademark "singing" peculiar to such dunes.

5 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Eureka Valley, at the end of South Eureka Rd.

Golden Canyon Interpretive Trail

A good choice for a quick hike in just about any weather, Golden Canyon is convenient to Furnace Creek accommodations and offers an opportunity to get up close with an interesting rock formation. The fairly level trail twists and turns a mile up Golden Canyon, to the foot of the aptly named Red Cathedral. An interpretive trail guide is available for a small fee at the trail head, with signposts marking the trail side; the Red Cathedral is 1/4 mile past the last signpost.

2 miles RT. Easy. Access: 2 miles south of Calif. 190 on Badwater Rd.

Little Hebe Crater Trail

You get to the bleakly beautiful crater on a steep but plain trail that leads from the parking area, up to the crater's lip, around some of the contours, and past several lesser craters. Black cinders and volcanic fragments cover the countryside surrounding the apocalyptic-looking Ubehebe Crater, which erupted as recently as 300 years ago. Fierce winds can hamper your progress, but you'll get an exhilarating feeling, as though you're visiting another planet. High-top boots or shoes are recommended for the pebbly path. Adventurous types can also descend a short, steep trail to the crater floor, about 500 feet below the rim.

1.5 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Trail head leads up from parking area for Ubehebe Crater, 7 miles northwest of the Grapevine Ranger Station.

Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes

Although not as majestic as the remote Eureka Dunes in northern Death Valley, these golden mounds off U.S. 190 are easy to reach and fun to romp on. There's no formal trail -- simply explore to your heart's content. Kids especially will enjoy a barefoot romp on the fine sand dotted with stands of mesquite. Don't forget an adequate supply of water; in the midday sun, the dunes get very hot.

2 miles RT. Easy. Access: 2 miles east of Stovepipe Wells Village on Calif. 190.

Mosaic Canyon

This short stroll requires a bit of rock scrambling into a canyon where water has polished the marble into white, gray, and black mosaics. The first mile is easy, suitable for every skill level; children will love running their hands over the water-smoothed rock walls. More adventurous climbers can continue up a series of chutes and dry waterfalls in the latter half of the hike.

.5 to 4 miles RT. Moderate. Access: End of a short, graded dirt road just east of Stovepipe Wells on Calif. 190.

Natural Bridge Canyon

This short walk takes you into a colorful narrow canyon. The loose gravel underfoot makes for a tiring walk, but it's less than .5 mile to the distinctive formation that gives the canyon its name: a rock bridge overhead, formed when rushing waters cut through softer lower layers. If you wish to hike past the bridge, it's another .5 mile to the end of the canyon, making for a 2-mile hike.

1 mile RT. Moderate. Access: Take Badwater Rd. 15 miles south of Furnace Creek and continue 2 miles on unpaved spur road suitable for passenger vehicles.

Salt Creek Nature Trail

A leisurely hike on a wooden boardwalk leads you along the unique salt marshes, passing a few plants (including the unusual pickleweed) along the way. In the spring, watch for the amazingly adaptive Salt Creek pupfish flashing about in the shallow water.

.5 mile RT. Easy. Access: Take Calif. 190 14 miles north of Furnace Creek or 13 miles east of Stovepipe Wells, then follow 1-mile graded dirt spur road.

Titus Canyon Narrows

As you hike, watch for vehicle traffic coming one-way from the other direction. The canyon's rock walls are an amateur geologist's dream -- layers of orange, black, and blue-gray volcanic sediment streaked with threads of gleaming white calcite. Though you can augment this easy hike by continuing through the canyon, there's a broad pullout from the road at 1.5 miles; it's a good place to enjoy the view, and perhaps a picnic, before returning the way you came. More adventurous types can hike 5 miles more to walls bedecked with petroglyphs near Klare Springs.

3 miles RT. Easy. Access: Up a signed dirt road off Scotty's Castle Rd. (about 15 miles north of Calif. 190) that leads to the mouth of Titus Canyon, where it meets a one-way road for 4WD vehicles from Nev. 374; trail begins where the road becomes one-way coming toward you (from NV).