Classic Death Valley Natl Park Hikes I Nov 30-Dec 1, 2015

Finally arrived in Death Valley National Park for the first time for a quick taste!


Nov 30th: Golden Canyon/Gower Gulch loop with sides of Manly Beacon 820' and Red Cathedral 980'.


I started with a Ranger geology talk and continued to finish the loop. the two summits are classics and probably the coolest peaks less than 1000 feet in elevation I have ever scrambled!

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Dec 1st: A fantastic scramble traverse of the three Death Valley Buttes. Some easy Class 3 but mostly fine easy scrambling. I did the loop clockwise on my map but would recommend counterclockwise.


I started up and over the east ridge of the East Butte and then on to the main Death Valley Butte. A touch of fun solid class 3 near the top.
Then I descended the west ridge of DVB's main summit to the valley floor. Some loose marbles up high but lots of good scrambling. Here is where I thought the opposite direction would be better.



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The West Death Valley Butte was a real treat! I ascended a Northeast trending rib of sorts, class 2 and 3. Test holds and take helmets for a big group. Then I did a more northerly rib down to the alluvium. This rib was steep Class 3/4 and awesome. Then it was time for the long alluvial walk behind the Buttes back to the car on the Hwy. Everyone needs to experience a few miles of Death Valley alluvial approach hiking!

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