Nature’s Own Art Gallery in Mosaic Canyon

Some Death Valley canyons deliver the scenery promised by their names--Golden, Red Wall and Corkscrew, to name a few.

Mosaic Canyon is another fine example of truth in labeling. The canyon, located near Stove Pipe Wells, displays mosaics of water-polished white, gray and black rock.

The canyon has an hourglass shape--a fairly wide head and mouth, with a deep, narrow gorge in between. During a storm, rainwater collects on the broad surface area at the head of the canyon, then funnels through the narrow canyon midsection at high velocity. Laden with rock debris, the water sculpts and polishes the rock walls.

Mosaic Canyon is an ideal family outing. Rangers lead interpretive walks through the canyon. Check at the main park visitors center in Furnace Creek or the small center at Stove Pipe Wells for schedules of guided walks.

Serious hikers can persevere several more miles up ever-steeper slopes toward the head of Mosaic Canyon, or enjoy the rock-climbing challenge afforded by rugged tributary canyons.

Directions to trail head: From the west end of Stove Pipe Wells Village, turn south on the signed dirt road for Mosaic Canyon. Follow the bumpy road (suitable for passenger cars with good ground clearance) 2 1/2 miles to its end at a parking lot.

The hike: Walk up the sand-and-gravel canyon bottom. In a short time, you’ll round a bend and enter a corridor of polished rock. At the next bend, you’ll climb a dry waterfall. The farther you go, the higher the walls get, exposing more and more of the mosaics that gave the canyon its name.

At three-fourths of a mile, the canyon opens up into a wider wash. As you hike along a couple of minor canyons join Mosaic on your right. These can be explored if you have the inclination.

The wash narrows again, and about two miles from the trail head, some hikers will get the feeling they’re doing more rock climbing than hiking. This is a good turnaround point; stop while you’re having a good time and before you exceed your abilities.

Death Valley National Monument Mosaic Canyon Trail Where: Stovepipe Wells area, Death Valley National Monument. Distance: 4 miles round trip through the “narrows.” Terrain: Narrow, twisting canyon. Highlights: Mosaics of colorful rock fragments decorating canyon walls. Degree of Difficulty: Easy-moderate Precautions: Carry plenty of water, get an early start, prepare for high temperatures. For More Information: Contact Superintendent, Death Valley National Monument, Death Valley, Calif. 92328, (619) 786-2331.