Mosaic Canyon is a really nice side canyon located at the west side of Death Valley close to Stovepipe Wells. The entrance to the canyon can be reached via a short unpaved road close to the village, leading to the foothills of Tucki Mountain.
Shortly after entering Mosaic Canyon, the gorge narrows to a channel just a few feet wide, framed by high cliffs on both sides. The channel twists through marble-like rocks mixed with areas of colorful stones (looking like an ancient mosaic), eroded by the floods that occasionally flow through the canyon. After a short walk of about 15 minutes, the gorge widens and the wash continues for about half a mile until the canyon narrows again.
At this point, the canyon is blocked by some large boulders, but they can be climbed if you have some practice and proper hiking shoes. After you have passed those boulders you will find some more nice sections ending at a steep cliff of about 20 feet. This cliff can be climbed like the boulders before or you can bypass it by following a small trail to your right. After having passed the cliff, the canyon is wider again for a while, but then it enters a third narrow section that ends at another, much higher cliff.
Directions
If you are starting at Furnace Creek, follow 190 North for about 24 miles until you reach Stovepipe Wells. Mosaic Canyon Road starts about half a mile after Stovepiple Wells to your left. Follow this unpaved road for about 2 miles until you reach the parking area at the entrance of Mosaic Canyon.
