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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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36.61882°N / 117.33058°W |
Season:
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Winter |
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Overview
Swaney Loop is a 15-mile loop trail located near Teakettle Junction, Cottonwood and Marble Canyons, Death Valley National Park. HIke will take the whole day with 4,500' of elevation gain. This hike offers a day hike filled with class 3 scrambling, scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and scrambling. It can also be an overnight backpacking route. It is best used from December until March.Getting There
The road to the trailhead starts from the Stovewell Pipe Campgrounds. When you turn to Stovewell Camp Grounds, stay on the road an go west. It will be about 25 miles ride on a dirt road. Most vehicles will like have no problem but the high clearance vehicles are recommended.Route
Most of the hikes in Death Valley are in and out. This is a beautiful loop day hike. It is not for beginners and it involves some scrambling. Anyone with some scrambling experience will likely have no problem getting through a few section will be fun obstacles. There are beautiful rock formations, narrows and expansive views of the Sierras and the Death Valley once you are on the ridge.
This hike has been named after Scott Swaney. He has explored Death Valley more than anyone else. As of 2017, he has descended/explored about 300 canyons for the first time.