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Ascend a desert classic on a pleasant route, with great views and interesting features along the way.


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Map Key

3.7

Miles

6.0

KM

Point to Point

5,776' 1,761 m

High

2,575' 785 m

Low

3,201' 976 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

16%

Avg Grade (9°)

63%

Max Grade (32°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers

This trail is in a U.S. National Park and all the usual federal park regulations and restrictions apply here. There may also be additional park-specific restrictions in force; check with the visitor center at Furnace Creek if in doubt. Practice Leave No Trace (LNT) backcountry skills and ethics.

Description

Corkscrew Peak is a popular and enjoyable peak hike in Death Valley National Park that features grand views overlooking Mesquite Flat, the Grapevine Mountains, the contorted strata of the Funeral Range, and central Death Valley. While this hike is recommended by the park service, there is no "official" trail. But, the increasing popularity of this hike means that there is now a very obvious use trail to follow once you leave the wash.

Start your hike at the sign on Daylight Pass Road informing travelers of a kiosk ahead where one should stop and pay the park fee. Park in the turnout by this sign and look for a use trail. The uniquely-shaped Corkscrew Peak will be visible directly to the north. Follow the use trail (there may be more than one) and cairns up the wash, bearing left toward the peak after about 1.3 miles from the road.

At about 1.9 miles from the road, in a narrow wash, you'll come to a place where the use trail leaves the wash to the left (northwest) and starts up a ridge toward the peak. This turn-off is well-marked with rocks and cairns. From this point, follow the use trail as it climbs to the summit. The last half of the climb up the ridge is the steepest part, but it is never more than Class 1. Keep an eye out for the bighorn sheep that live in this area.

After this last bit of climbing, you'll reach the summit ridge, pass "Hole-in-the-Rock", and soon be on the summit with its expansive views in all directions.

This hike can be done at any time of the year, weather permitting, but hiking in the cooler months is easier. In the warmer months, an early start is recommended to avoid hiking in the heat of the day. Regardless of when you do this hike, carry plenty of water (there are no water sources on this route) and protection from the sun (sunscreen and clothing).

Contacts

Shared By:

BK Hope

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 2 votes

#13141

Overall
  4.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#1,332

in California

#13,141

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21 Views Last Month
1,064 Since Jan 22, 2018
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Photos

Hole-in-the-Rock near the summit.
Jan 22, 2018 near Badwater, CA
Corkscrew Peak from Daylight Pass Road.
Jan 22, 2018 near Badwater, CA
The lower part of the ridge, with trail to the right.
Jan 22, 2018 near Badwater, CA
Climbing the higher, steeper, part of the ridge.
Jan 22, 2018 near Badwater, CA
Contorted strata from the summit of Corkscrew.
Jan 22, 2018 near Badwater, CA
Peak at sunrise.
Jun 4, 2024 near Badwater, CA

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Feb 15, 2022
Valerie Norton
https://valhikes.blogspot.com/2022/02/corkscrew-peak.html
Oct 31, 2021
Evan Griffiths
Great hike, last 2 miles is hardest. Trail looks harder than it is. — 4h 00m
May 23, 2019
Brittany Allison
12h 00m
Mar 17, 2019
Aaron Fagerwick
7.5mi — 3h 37m
Mar 16, 2019
Aaron Fagerwick
7.5mi — 3h 37m
Apr 20, 2018
Bill W
8mi
Mar 19, 2011
BK Hope
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