DISCOVER THE FUNERAL MOUNTAINS OF DEATH VALLEY

RUGGED, JAGGED, FUNERAL MOUNTAINS OF DEATH VALLEY

By Del Albright

Discover the Funeral Mountains in Death Valley National Park — a rugged, remote range rich with history and haunting beauty. From towering limestone ridges to eerie old mining roads, this lesser-known range offers breathtaking views and deep pioneer lore. Don’t miss Daylight Pass, Hell’s Gate, and the stark solitude of Funeral Peak.

The Funeral Mountains form a rugged and dramatic eastern boundary of Death Valley National Park, rising sharply from the floor of the valley near Furnace Creek and stretching southeast into Nevada. Though not as well-known as other Death Valley ranges like the Panamints, the Funeral Mountains offer unique geology, stark beauty, and a rich human history.

Funeral Mountains Highlights

Location & Landscape

Stretch from Daylight Pass (near Beatty, NV) down toward Ash Meadows and Amargosa Valley
Form part of the Amargosa Range, separating Death Valley from Nevada
Composed of rugged limestone and dolomite ridges, deeply eroded canyons, and jagged peaks
Elevations range up to around 6,700 ft at Funeral Peak

Scenic Highlights

Daylight Pass Road (CA-374): Stunning drive from Beatty into Death Valley, offering views of both the Funeral and Black Mountains
Hells Gate Viewpoint: On Daylight Pass Road — dramatic views over Death Valley, particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset
Funeral Peak: A remote hike with sweeping views of the Badwater Basin and Black Mountains
Boundary Canyon: A lesser-known but geologically rich canyon near the NV/CA line

Ecological Notes

Higher elevations support Joshua trees, pinyon pines, and desert scrub.
Home to bighorn sheep, coyotes, and desert reptiles — though far less traversed by visitors than other ranges.
Geology features ancient Precambrian rocks and Cambrian limestone, giving rise to deep washes and colorful strata.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: Fall through spring — summer heat is extreme
Access: Best approached via Daylight Pass Road (paved) or 4×4 trails from Amargosa/Beatty side
Hiking: Remote and rugged — bring GPS, water, and navigation tools
Camping: Primitive camping allowed in many areas, but no developed campgrounds

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