Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,908.00 ft (581.56 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
12.10 mi (19.47 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Lemoigne Canyon Road takes you on a 12.1-mile out-and-back along a wide dirt road trail in Death Valley National Park. The starting point is located on the west side of Highway 190, north of Emigrant Campground. While it's open to 4x4s and high clearance vehicles, it's considered one of the most dangerous backcountry roads for driving and is more suitable for hiking. This is a moderate route across  rocky terrain with an overall elevation gain of 1,908 feet. 

Lemoigne Canyon is located within the southern part of the Cottonwood Mountains, which form part of the larger Panamint Range. There are fewer visitors to this area of the park (probably because of the dangerous driving conditions), which gives hikers a greater opportunity to enjoy solitude. 

The route begins in Death Valley (not just the park, but the valley itself) and traverses southwest, ascending into the canyon. It passes through a vast and dry desert landscape dotted with creosote and mesquite. There are distant mountain ranges surrounding the area, including more of the Panamint Mountains to the southwest and the Amargosa Range to the northeast. Within a mile, the route crosses into the Death Valley Wilderness Area, where dispersed camping is permitted provided visitors adhere to appropriate rules and regulations.

CAMPING AND PERMITS

Visitors who plan to stay overnight in the backcountry are asked to fill out  a free backcountry camping permit which are available at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center and the Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station.

  • Furnace Creek Visitor Center is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, daily. 

  • The Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station does not have regular operating hours. The hours and days they are open depend on the temperature and staffing. Call 1-760-786-3200 for current information and status.

WILDERNESS REGULATIONS

The following is a list of Wilderness specific regulations that are critical for the protection of this fragile environment. Please visit https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/management/rules-and-regulations.htm, for a more comprehensive list. 

  • Vehicles are not allowed to travel off-road.

  • Bicycles and other motorized vehicles are not permitted in designated Wilderness. 

  • Pets are not allowed in the wilderness or on trails. 

  • Hunting and trapping is prohibited. 

  • The use of drones is prohibited.

  • Theft and vandalism are prohibited. Visitors are not allowed to collect or disturb any natural materials such as rocks, plants, or animals. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Backcountry and Wilderness Map
Death Valley National Park Visitor Guide

Backcountry Camping General Information

NPS - Backcountry Camping Areas


 

 

 

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Solitude. Vast desert landscape.

Cons

Some vehicles may be on the trail.

Trailhead Elevation

1,285.00 ft (391.67 m)

Highest point

3,124.00 ft (952.20 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Historically significant
Geologically significant

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

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