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Willow Creek Canyon - Death
Valley National Park
| Summary: |
A short hike to a very scenic
canyon that takes some climbing ability to
explore sufficiently. The canyon is located in
the southern half of the park off of Badwater
Road. |
| Directions: |
Willow Creek is located on
Badwater Road, south of the salt flats. The
parking area for the hike is at the end of a
short spur road located 1.5 miles north of the
signpost for blah. |
| Road Conditions: |
Passenger Car |
| Navigation: |
Moderate |
| Length: |
2 miles |
| Date Hiked: |
November 2004 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Pleasant and sunny |
|
Required Skills: |
None |
| Hike Description: |
From the parking area, walk
to the northeast, skirting a dirt escarpment
towards GPS point UTM 522724mE, 3991454mN. Bend
right (east) and begin walking up the prominent
wide, rocky wash towards the mountain in the
distance. Its an easy, if uninspiring, trudge
towards the entry to the canyon at UTM 523608mE,
3991726mN. The canyon soon forms scenic narrows
before reaching a 2 stage dry fall. The first
(and tallest) part of the fall can be easily
climbed just to the right (facing up canyon) of
the main watercourse. The second stage can be
climbed, with somewhat more difficulty, just to
the left of the watercourse. There are some very
nice narrows above the falls, followed soon
thereafter by a gurgling stream. The next
challenge is a 12 foot chute (climb straight
up), followed by a 25 foot, 2-stage falls
(bypass on the left facing up canyon). Just
beyond is a waterfall that can not be climbed.
When ready, return the way you came. |
| Rating (1-5 stars): |
 
The author and his wife
hiked up Willow Creek as far as they were able
and back in 2.5 hours. |
|
Maps: |
Trails Illustrated - Death
Valley National Park |
| Photos: |
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