Mosaic Canyon, CA

Overview: Mosaic Canyon is just southwest of Stovepipe Wells, CA. It is listed in the Death Valley National Park Visitor Guide as a Slot Canyon. It is, but just barely. Mostly, it is a wide canyon wash with some pretty good views from the side trails which stem from the broadest section of the canyon.


Hike: From the parking area, proceed up the wash. The first "slot canyon" section may have a good number of people in it and it is the most impressive section of the hike. Once past that area, the canyon widens out and becomes a large dry wash for the next half mile or so. For the most part this hike is easy, however there will be some sections which require a little scrambling, but nothing should be too difficult and you are off route if it is. The wash will narrow and come to a small dry fall about 2/3 of the way up the trail. This fall is only 25 feet high, or so. Just before the canyon narrows to this fall, there will be cairns for a side trail which takes you around this feature. Continuing up the canyon you will pass a few other obstacles and eventually you will come to a large dry fall with no way around it. This is the end of the official hike. The fall is high, about 75 feet or so and would be impressive when flowing heavily. I wonder how often it does? Return the way you came and watch for the side trail to get you around the first dry wash.

Side excursions: There are numerous side trail which break off from the main trail in the middle section of the canyon where is is a broad dry wash. These take you to some pretty nice overlooks and are worth the time. Be careful on the lose dry scree that some of them are on.

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2011-02-18 Jim_H