Are dogs allowed on Swaney Loop?

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

Do I need a permit to hike Swaney Loop?

No, Swaney Loop 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 Swaney Loop?

Swaney Loop is rated expert. It is 14.2 miles long with 4,390 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.

What is the best season to hike Swaney Loop?

Swaney Loop is best hiked in fall, winter, and spring. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

Is Swaney Loop suitable for kids?

Swaney Loop is not typically recommended for young children due to length, exposure, or technical terrain. Older kids with hiking experience may be fine — use your judgment based on your family's comfort level.

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

ExpertLoop

Death Valley National Park/California

Swaney Loop

Death Valley, California

14.2 mi

Distance

4,390 ft

Elev. Gain

6h 13m

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Swaney Loop is a challenging 14.2-mile loop trail located in Death Valley National Park, renowned for its formidable terrain and significant elevation changes. With an elevation gain of 4,390 feet, the trail offers an intense workout suited for experienced hikers. The terrain is primarily dirt and features significant elevation shifts from a minimum of 564 meters to a maximum of 1,352 meters. This trail is best suited for those prepared for its expert difficulty level.

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.

Hazards & Warnings

steep elevation gainextreme weather conditionsremote location

Elevation Profile

Min:564 ft

Max:1,352 ft

1,338 ft

Trail Details

Dogs on leash

Route Type: Loop
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

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Highlights

desert landscapeelevated vistas

Reviews

No reviews yet

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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