Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Moose-Wilson Road
At the southern extreme of the park, these hikes are more likely to offer solitude.
Death Canyon
Duration
5 hours
Distance
8-10 miles
Difficulty
Moderate
Elevation Change
1360ft
Start/Finish
Death Canyon Trailhead (
Click here
)
Nearest Junction
Moose Junction
Summary
Lesser-known Death Canyon offers moderate hiking up an ethereal river valley
flanked by granite climbing walls.
To reach the Death Canyon Trailhead, take the turnoff 3 miles south of Moose on
Moose-Wilson Rd. Go right 1.6 miles down a narrow dirt track, which is in poor condi-
tion. The small parking area is often crowded with climbers' and backpackers' vehicles.
Nearby, the
White Grass Ranger Station
was once an outfitters' cabin.
The trail climbs 0.9 miles to
Phelps Lake Overlook
(7200ft) and then descends 0.7
miles through lovely aspen forest to a junction; go right here. As you enter the towering
gorge, the ascent kicks in - a relentless uphill over rocky switchbacks that quickly joins
the river, which cascades over large boulders. After a hard slog of about 1.5 miles the path
flattens out. Devoid of the river's roar, the valley seems impressively serene.
The trail hits a junction by an old patrol cabin, 3.7 miles from the trailhead. The right
branch climbs steeply to
Static Divide
; if you have the energy, switchback up the trail to
the treeline for great views of the peaks and plains (a two-hour detour). Or continue
straight on the main trail up
Death Canyon
, through riverside willows in prime moose
habitat. The trail crosses a log bridge and enters a lush forest filled with berries, which in-
dicate bear territory. The campsites of the Death Canyon Camping Area pop up occasion-
ally, as do views of the
Death Canyon Shelf
, an impressive layer of sedimentary rock
atop harder granites and gneiss. You can continue along this trail as long as you wish, per-
