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Fall Canyon

Inyo · Managed by Death Valley National Park (NPS) · Region: Death Valley National Park
Difficulty 22/100 · Moderateout and back#slot-canyon#desert#narrows#titus-canyon-alternative
Distance
12 mi
Total gain
2,460 ft
Net gain
2,460 ft
Net loss
2,460 ft
Elevation
3,271–3,520 ft
Days
1–2
Permit
Not required
Campfires
Campfires prohibited

Overview

Fall Canyon is Titus Canyon without the road: a narrow-walled wash that climbs 6 miles past two dry falls, with the second requiring a scramble. The NPS rates it moderately strenuous — a classic quiet alternative to the park's busiest canyon.

Highlights

  • High narrows walls echoing Titus Canyon without the crowds
  • Two dry falls that keep casual hikers out
  • Easy access from the Titus Canyon parking area
  • Classic desert-wash walking

How hard is Fall Canyon?

CaliPeaks rates this route 22/100 (Moderate). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 2,460 ft puts this trip at 21% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 12 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 3,520 ft; route technicality 10% (mix of trail and off-trail travel); and trip length 10% at 2 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Titus Canyon Road (west end) (3,520 ft) · parking: Parking area at the mouth of Titus Canyon; walk north 0.5 mi along the range base to the wash
  • Water: None — carry all water.
  • Resupply: None; Stovepipe Wells has services.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Stove required: yes — no fires possible on this route

Permits

No wilderness permit is required for this route (per Death Valley National Park (NPS)).

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires prohibited. Campfires are not allowed in the Death Valley backcountry. Use a camp stove. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: October, November, March, April.

Snow: Year-round; avoid summer heat.

Heat: Extreme in summer — cool-season only.

Bugs: Minimal.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • No water anywhere — carry it all
  • The second dry fall needs a moderate scramble
  • No campfires in the backcountry — stoves only
  • Day use is heavy below the first dry fall; camp beyond

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Elevation sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Backpacking — Death Valley National Park. National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Fall Canyon route (3 mi to the first dry fall, 6 mi to the second, 2,460 ft gain, moderately strenuous), access from the Titus Canyon parking area, and backcountry rules.
  3. Backcountry permit gateway. Recreation.gov / National Park Service. https://www.recreation.gov/gateways/2662. Accessed 2026-09-10. Permit information for Death Valley backcountry travel.
  4. Death Valley National Park conditions. National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/conditions.htm. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Current road and backcountry conditions.