A rustic dirt road meanders through the narrow openings of spectacular Titus Canyon. It is known as one of the most picturesque and popular valleys in the region for passing through in your car. Drive along the twists and turns of the gorge, noticing the variety of rock formations and colors to your left and right.
Begin on the one-way dirt road from the town of Beatty in Nevada. Take care as you follow through the extremely narrow bends and pass between the sides of this exceptional canyon. At times, you’ll be veering close to the edge of a ridge with vertigo-inducing views.
As you move back into the heart of the valley, consider the sheer size of the immense walls crowding your vehicle. Slow down or get out of the car to inspect the petroglyphs marking the rock face.
Admire some of the plants and flowers that survive in these arid parts. These include the Mojave suncup and the sacred datura. You may also see bighorn sheep. Investigate the fossil marks in the stone and climb to the viewpoint at the border of Titanothere Canyon for a stunning vista of the colorful valley.
While you’ll remain in Death Valley National Park, the canyon includes the Grapevine Mountains and the Mojave Desert. Visit the nearby ghost town of Leadfield to see its abandoned wooden mines, cabins and buildings. The town was set up with the lure of lead ore but never developed into a successful mining project. Some say investors were fooled into investing.
Note that the road is accessible only from east to west and runs for 27 miles (43 kilometers). Not far from the Nevada border, Titus Canyon is in the northeastern part of Death Valley National Park. Rent a car for the 25-mile (40-kilometer) journey north from Stovepipe Wells to reach the canyon in just over half an hour. While you’re in the region, stop off at Grapevine Peak, Tin Mountain and Teakettle Junction.