Are dogs allowed on Grotto Canyon?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Grotto Canyon but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Grotto Canyon?

No, Grotto Canyon does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Grotto Canyon?

Grotto Canyon is rated moderate. It is 2.1 miles long with 761 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See California trail conditions

ModerateOut and Back

Death Valley National Park/California

Grotto Canyon

Death Valley, California

2.1 mi

Distance

761 ft

Elev. Gain

1h 2m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

It's necessary for 4WD to go up to the parking area. This is a great hike with an immediate payoff and fun dry falls after less than a mile.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:239 ft

Max:450 ft

232 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:760-786-3200
Address:PO Box 579 · Death Valley, CA · 92328

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting unit

CA Unit X9c· X

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the California hunting page

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Grotto Canyon

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting unit

Nearby Trails

Little Bridge Canyon Trail

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trail

Mosaic Canyon Trail

Salt Creek Interpretive Trail

Lower Telephone Canyon

Marble Canyon Petroglyphs

Other trails in Death Valley National Park

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trail

Mosaic Canyon Trail

Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral

Gower Gulch Loop Trail

Zabriskie Point

Darwin Falls Trail via Old Toll Road

Campgrounds near this trail

Stovepipe Wells Village RV Park

Stovepipe Wells Campground

Emigrant Campground

Furnace Creek Campground

The Oasis at Death Valley Fiddlers' Campground

Lower Loop Texas Springs Campground

Similar trails in California

Ryan Mountain Trail

Skull Rock Nature Trail

Cowles Mountain Trail

Sturtevant Falls Trail

Icehouse Canyon to Cucamonga Peak Trail

Runyon Canyon Trail