Overview

Mosaic Canyon Road is a graded dirt road that runs south from Highway 190 for 2-1/4 miles to Mosaic Canyon Trailhead. There are no turnoffs and only one destination: Mosaic Canyon Trailhead. People can stop, for example to photograph the flowers during spring, but be sure to pick a safe spot and pull to the right as far as possible. Two vehicles can safely pass on the road, but it is tight.

At about 0.7 miles out, Mosaic Canyon Road enters a corridor of non-wilderness that penetrates the Death Valley Wilderness Area. From there on, lands on both sides of the road are in the Death Valley Wilderness Area, so this is as close as it gets to driving in a designated wilderness area.

Mosaic Canyon Road provides access to the Mosaic Canyon Trail.

Link to map.

Watch Out

Other than the standard warnings about driving in the desert, ... Mosaic Canyon Road is entirely safe in appropriate vehicles. The road is graded dirt with a firm base that normally is passable in sedans to Mosaic Canyon Trailhead. The road is rockier and bumpier than it looks, so drive slowly and carefully watching for sharp rocks.

Be sure that your vehicle is in good working condition, carry plenty of water (radiator and drinking), pack a lunch, and drive slowly and carefully. Time changes road conditions, so always use your own good judgment.

While out, please respect the land and the other people out there, and try to Leave No Trace of your passage. This road goes into remote areas, so be sure to bring the 10 Essentials.

Getting to Mosaic Canyon Road

Mosaic Canyon Road is located in the central part of Death Valley National Park, about 2.5 hours northwest of Las Vegas.

From town, drive out to Death Valley. From the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, drive north and then west on Highway 190 for 24.4 miles to Stovepipe Wells. From Stovepipe Wells, continue west on Highway 190 another few yards to a dirt road on the left just past the hotel parking lot. This is Mosaic Canyon Road, as announced on a sign on the north side of Highway 190.

The Road

From the pavement (Table 1; Site 0750), Mosaic Canyon Road runs south and up the bajada toward the base of Tucki Mountain. Leaving the Stovepipe Wells Hotel area, the road passes water treatment infrastructure and continues into the desert.

The road gets a fair bit of use, so it gets badly washboarded between gradings. The bumps are uncomfortable, but keeping up a moderate speed usually makes them feel better.

At about 0.7 miles out, the road enters the Death Valley Wilderness Area running up a narrow corridor of non-wilderness land. For many people, this is their chance to "drive in a wilderness area." Enjoy the scenery.

Continuing, at about 2.3 miles out, Mosaic Canyon Road arrives at Mosaic Canyon Trailhead parking. Mosaic Canyon Trail continues south in the same direction as the road.