Twenty Mule Team Canyon

Welcome to the entrance of Twenty Mule Team Canyon, an otherworldly labyrinth tucked into the highly eroded badlands just off California Highway one-nine-zero. As you stand at the precipice of this two-point-seven-mile, one-way…

As you navigate the first sweeping bends of the canyon, it is essential to address the fascinating misnomer of its title. The canyon is named in homage to the iconic twenty-mule teams that hauled enormous wagons of processed…

Pulling over to examine the canyon walls closely, we encounter a masterclass in sedimentary geology. The hills surrounding you are primarily composed of highly erodible mudstone and siltstone, laid down millions of years ago when…

As you walk along the base of the hills, observe the ground carefully. You will undoubtedly notice thick veins and patches of a powdery white substance leaching out of the soil. …

Continuing deeper into the canyon, we must acknowledge the profound impact this alien landscape has had on the cinematic imagination. Twenty Mule Team Canyon boasts a direct connection to one of the most beloved science fiction…

As we approach the exit of Twenty Mule Team Canyon, where the dirt road merges back onto the paved expanse of Highway one-nine-zero, take a final moment to reflect on the journey. This short, intensive drive or walk encapsulates…