Hike Mount Perry from Dante's Ridge

9 miles - Moderate Effort
4-5 Hours (Total)
Not Often Hiked
2,100 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 5,716 feet
No Dogs Allowed

The hike to Mount Perry along Dante's Ridge is easily the most underrated in Death Valley National Park. The easy-to-follow trail follows a ridge along the Black Mountains, offering jaw-dropping views into Badwater Basin and as far as Mt Whitney and the Sierras.

In this Guide:

Mount Perry Hike Directions
Where to Park
Insider Tips & Recommendations

Quick Links:
Parks Pass - Park Website - Weather Forecast - My Apr 2024 Gear

Where is Dante's Ridge?

Hike Mount Perry Location — Dante's View is about 30 minutes from Furnace Creek, the central location in Death Valley National Park where you'll find lodging and the Visitor Center.

To get to the start of hike, drive to Dante's View, which is an incredible viewpoint on its own. Use this trailhead address:
Dante's View, Death Valley National Park, Dantes View Rd, California 92328

Gear Recommendations

Hike Mount Perry Talus — There's a short section of scree to hike over, but other than that, is just a walk on a rocky track. I find trail runners work great here.

This is a rugged and fairly remote hike. Don't expect to see others and prepare for the conditions, which are often windy and exposed.

Even though it's cooler at this altitude than lower in Badwater Basin, it can still get extremely hot here. In the winter it can be freezing but don't expect snow. In the summer, temperatures can be deadly. Checking the weather and conditions before you do this hike is critical.
Bring at least 3L of water when it's warm out.
The trail is rocky and overall in good condition. Trail runners are a good choice for footwear.
There is intermittent cellular service along the route but nothing dependable. If you have a satellite messenger, I'd bring it.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2If you are out of cellphone range the Mini 2 will reliably allow you to hit SOS via satellite. You can see my review here.

HOKA Speedgoat 5These are a great balance of comfort and performance. The high stack height leaves my feet feeling great after a hike.

Check out the complete list here.

Mount Perry Trail Maps

Hike Mount Perry Trail — Although there are no official trail signs, the path is often easy to spot in front of you in the rocky and barren terrain.

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

Elevation Profile

Hike Mount Perry Elevation — This is the ONE WAY profile to Mount Perry. You have a long and easy downhill, and then a steep climb past the false summits to the actual summit of Mount Perry. On the way back, you do this in reverse, so save energy for the climb.

3D Map

Hike Mount Perry 3d — The trail follows Dante's Ridge along the spine of the Black Mountains, 5000 feet above Badwater Basin.

Mount Perry Hike Directions

Mount Perry Hike Directions 3 — You'll be up above Badwater Basin, below to your left.

Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America at -282 feet. During the last Ice Age there was a massive lake there called Lake Manly. The water dried up about 10,000 years ago but occasionally heavy rains will create mini-lakes in the basin.

Mount Perry Hike Directions 4 — You'll crest a small climb and then Mount Perry will come into view in the distance. From this vantage point you can also see the false summits before the true summit.

Mount Perry Hike Directions 5 — After the last crest, you have a nice long downhill with some minor ups and downs.

Mount Perry Hike Directions 6 — Once you do the final push towards the false and actual summits, there are some minor (and easy) scrambles uphill. There's nothing that's dangerous, it's just uphill.

Mount Perry Hike Directions 7 — The first false summit looks narrow and intimidating. When you get closer you'll see it's not as scary as it seems from below.

Mount Perry Hike Directions 8 — You'll scramble up the right hand side of the false summit.

Mount Perry Hike Directions 9 — Once you crest that first false summit, simply continue to the final bump, which is Mount Perry.

Mount Perry Hike Directions 10 — Once you're at Mount Perry, enjoy the views and head back the way you came.

Need More Info?

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.