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.
Where is Dante's Ridge?
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.
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.
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 Â Map
The trail follows Dante's Ridge along the spine of the Black Mountains, 5000 feet above Badwater Basin.
Mount Perry Hike Directions
Start the hike at the north end of the parking lot.The first half mile is full of small use trails where tourists from the parking lot go to take pictures. At the first big split, hike to the left.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.
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.After the last crest, you have a nice long downhill with some minor ups and downs.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.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.You'll scramble up the right hand side of the false summit.Once you crest that first false summit, simply continue to the final bump, which is Mount Perry.Once you're at Mount Perry, enjoy the views and head back the way you came.
