Hike Sidewinder Canyon Death Valley National Park, CA

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Sidewinder Canyon is a somewhat popular hike in Death Valley, but despite seeing multiple other parties, we really enjoyed its fun features, and it's definitely worth a visit. Sidewinder seems moreso like a series of conglomerate side canyons that drain into a major wash. I don't know which of the side canyons is actually Sidewinder Canyon, or if that's just a catch-all name for the complex of possible canyon options.

Matt and I checked out the first two (see map) shorter slots, which included some easy Class 3 scrambling to get to the ends, both blocked by dryfalls. Neither were particularly interesting. The real fun came from the next two we did, which ultimately made an interesting loop possible!

We started into the first canyon that would begin the loop, which was guarded by boulders that formed a crawl space. A little squeezing and we got into this canyon, following it for a while through gorgeous formations until it got dark enough we couldn't see. We used headlamps to get as far back as we could, thinking the canyon wouldn't continue, but it definitely did. A little persistence and we located a 10-foot Class 3 dryfall within the darkness, which we climbed. A couple more short scrambles and winding around in the dark and we emerged into daylight. The canyon continued farther up and we followed it to its head. Some steep scree scrambling (Class 2+) led to a ridge with incredible sunset views. I continued up to a high point I've labeled Sidewinder Canyon Peak, noting another canyon that could be a possible descent. We weren't sure if the canyon was nontechnical, but it went through great! A steep slope leads down to the northwest from Sidewinder Canyon Peak into the canyon, where a couple of Class 3 dryfall obstacles drop through more incredibly cool conglomerate features. There was even a natural arch within the canyon. Some hairpin turns and more great narrows and we emerged back into the main wash. We didn't have time to do the third major canyon farther up, but I'll definitely be back one day to get it. This was a great little canyon complex.

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

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Sidewinder Canyon Peak

1130 ft

120 rise

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Heading into Sidewinder Canyon along an obvious social trail.

Mouth of the Sidewinder Canyon main drainage.

First narrow slot, which was pretty.

Nice lighting in the conglomerate slot.

Back in the wash after checking out a couple of the minor side-canyons.

Approaching the first long canyon that would make our loop route.

Heading toward what initially appeared to be a blockade. However, there's a way to squeeze through the boulders.

Entering through the boulders into the first long canyon.

Gorgeous dark section. There was a Class 3 dryfall up-climb, but it was too dark for photos.

Looking back into the dark section as we emerged back into the sunlight.

Continuing up the canyon.

Looking back as we near the head of the first canyon.

Looking back as we exited the canyon complex to head up to Sidewinder Canyon Peak.

Sidewinder Canyon Peak, view toward Badwater Basin.

Heading down into the second canyon (eastern section of the loop, see map).

Cool hoodoos in this canyon.

And also some nice hairpin turns.

Really cool natural arch.

Another shot of the natural arch.

Some minor obstacles within the canyon.

Cool hairpin turns.

Back in the main wash. This is looking farther up the main wash leading to the side canyons of Sidewinder Canyon. There is at least one more major conglomerate slot farther up that we didn't have time to go check out.

Hire me or show me some love!

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!