Salt Creek Interpretive Trail is a level, 1-mile long boardwalk loop along what would be considered a pitiful creek anywhere outside of Death Valley National Park. Here it is extraordinary! The salinated stream is home to the Salt Creek Pupfish, a unique and bizarre creature that can survive in these harsh conditions. The small fish is most visible in these waters in the spring.
This short easy stroll is suitable for visitors of all abilities. You won’t find trees lining the banks of Salt Creek, only low-lying brush that the boardwalk rises above. A quarter mile up the level and easy trail bordering Salt Creek, you will come to a split. Turn left or right to go through the trail’s loop. Stick to the boardwalk and you can’t get lost. Salt Creek Trail is a 1-mile long lollipop loop with minimal elevation change.
Death Valley National Park has an entrance fee, but no permit is required to hike Salt Creek Trail, so get out and enjoy!
To get to the trailhead: From Furnace Creek drive 13 miles northwest along Highway 190 and turn left down a marked dirt road for Salt Creek. Take this road for one mile until it ends at the trailhead.
Trailhead address: Unnamed Road off Highway 190, Death Valley National Park, CA 92328
Trailhead coordinates: 36.5906, -116.9906 (36° 35′ 26.2″N 116° 59′ 26.2″W)
You may also view a regional map of surrounding California Desert trails and campgrounds.
 | Harmony Borax The ¼ mile walk around the Harmony Borax plant offers a window into the mining past of Death Valley. |
 | Grotto Canyon This 2 to 4 mile hike requires a bit of climbing and is a lesser-visited trail in Death Valley. |
 | Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes This 1 + mile hike explores the most visible (but not the largest) sand dunes in Death Valley. |
 | Darwin Falls This 2-mile hike visits a refreshing year-round waterfall on the western edge of Death Valley. |
 | Death Valley Explore more destinations in Death Valley National Park. |
 | Death Valley Campgrounds Nine campgrounds are spread throughout this large park to facilitate your visit. |
Go the extra miles...
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