Hike Red Peak and Amphitheater Peak Death Valley National Park, CA

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Feb 5, 2026 — Red Peak and Amphitheater Peak are two minor summits between the colossal Pyramid Peak and the striped beauty Schwab Peak. I drove the well-graded Hole-in-the-Wall Road to its terminus and set out through a rocky wash to the base of the peaks. Schwab Peak soon came into view, but rather than take the wider valley, I decided to head up the more interesting-looking canyon that drains from between my two objectives.

Besides some occasional light boulder hopping, there were no serious obstacles. Along the way, Amphitheater Peak appeared on the right and later Red Peak on the left. I reached my turnoff for Red Peak via a southeastern gully. A bit rocky at first, it progressively steepened into a scree slope that I was able to mostly avoid with a little forethought. There are some small cliffs at the top of this scree slope, which I was able to get through with a Class 2+ move, though you could probably find routes of varying difficulty. Alternatively, instead of heading up the scree, you could move over to the tiny gray ridgeline on the right and ascend that way. I came down this way on my descent and found both options to be comparable.

Above this cliffy layer was the base of the summit, protected by a substantial face that wraps around it entirely. The first cliff band can be bypassed on the right, allowing easy access to the southeastern end. From there, a short, blocky, and barely Class 3 scramble leads to the high point. It was clear from the summit that no other aspect of the peak would have offered an easier route.

I backtracked into my approach canyon and continued upward, taking a right to ascend another gully that leads to Amphitheater Peak. The views were again excellent, though the ascent itself was fairly uneventful. Rather than return through the same canyon, I decided to head southwest along Amphitheater Peak’s ridgeline. On the topo map it looked mellow enough, and I figured I likely wouldn’t run into any cliffs. It turned out to be more direct and efficient, so I think it was a good choice. I left the ridgeline at the first gap I found and dropped into the main wash, which led me back to the trailhead.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Red Peak

4560 ft

320 rise

Amphitheater Peak

4765 ft

365 rise

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At the end of Hole-in-the-Wall Road, I started east into the wide wash.

Schwab Peak seen far left. I headed into the canyon right of center.

Within the canyon that drains between my two peaks.

A gigantic wall within the canyon.

Short section of wannabe narrows.

Amphitheater Peak seen ahead.

At another bend, Red Peak came into view (right of center).

Amazing curved face at the base of Amphitheater Peak.

My ascent gully for Red Peak, the summit seen ahead.

View back down into my approach canyon, Amphitheater Peak top right.

At the base of the scree slope I took on my ascent, leading up to the first cliff band (Class 2+). You can alternatively use the gray ridge on the right here. I used both and they were similar.

View back down the scree slope.

At the base of Red Peak. I wrapped to the right, then gained its southeast ridge.

Low Class 3.

View back down at the Class 3 to Red Peak.

Red Peak summit, view west. You can see my approach canyon on the left.

Red Peak, view north toward Schwab Peak (left).

View toward Amphitheater Peak, Pyramid Peak seen behind it.

I descended back into the wash, then headed up toward Amphitheater Peak. This is looking back toward Red Peak (top left) as I ascend my Class 2 gully choice.

Easy terrain to the summit once out of the gully.

Amphitheater Peak summit, view west. I headed down the ridgeline. There were a couple of short Class 2 sections and some minor cliffs to avoid, but it was a straightforward descent. I dropped south eventually off the ridgeline, then continued back to my car via a wide wash.

Looking north as I descend.

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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!