Titus Canyon (Death Valley National Park, California)

 

Winter in Reno, where I have lived for several years, is normally a time of few hikes and outdoor adventures due to most of the mountain passes being closed off. One destination that is an exception to this thinking is Death Valley. In fact, visiting this park in winter is the ideal season due to the incredibly high summer temperatures (exceeding 125 degrees at times). A gentlemen that I work with at my new job has spent a great deal of time in Death Valley over the years and suggested a couple of points of interest that I have not visited on my previous trips to the park.

The first of these was Titus Canyon, which I had always been curious about. The exit of the canyon is well signed driving from Scotty's Castle to Furnace Creek, but prior to planning this trip, I had not looked into where the canyon drive started. In fact, it begins outside of the park near the town of Beatty, NV. From Beatty, head east on hightway 374. After about five miles you will pass a right turn that leads to the ghost town of Rhyolite, and another three or so miles past this turn, you will encounter another turn of listed as Titus Canyon. The sign recommends a high clearance 4x4 for this road and I would agree with the assessment, as it is rocky, windy, and steep in some areas. It is also one way, heading west, into the park. The first several miles are relatively tame (though there are some sharp and steep turns) as you cross a small mountain range before entering Titus Canyon itself.

 

Once inside the canyon, you will drive down a wash, which presumably carved the canyon over the millenia, that has been somewhat leveled to serve as a loose gravel road. Passing through the narrow canyon, you will be in awe of the shear cliffs on either side. I wish it had been a bit warmer so I could have taken the top down on my jeep, but the sunlight in this narrow winding pass keeps the temperature pretty cool. No worries though, I only saw one other vehicle during the entire 27 mile drive and so, was able to take ample opportunities to get out of the vehicle and get some pictures. As the drive itself was pretty breathtaking, I decided to attempt to film some of it as well using the video feature on my camera.

http://youtu.be/9aqzyA5o1B8

I was also suprised to see a small petroglyph site about midway through the canyon. A sign on the right side of the road asks visitors to preserve the site. A bit further, and nearing the end of the canyon, it gets more narrow as it winds to and fro through the cliffsides. Finally, it releases the traveler to a gated parking lot where hikers can begin the trail through the canyon on foot.

 

This was a specacular drive and while not overly rough for my jeep, I'm reminded of how much I love rubicon. I would strongly recommend this drive to anyone with the appropriate vehicle. It's definitely worth it.