Salt Creek Boardwalk Interpretive Trail: A Guide to Death Valley’s Pupfish Sanctuary
Salt Creek Boardwalk Interpretive Trail is a short, accessible loop in the heart of Death Valley National Park that offers a rare look at one of the desert’s most remarkable survivors: the Salt Creek pupfish.
The elevated wooden boardwalk winds above a shallow, salty stream that flows through the valley floor, protecting a fragile ecosystem while giving visitors an up-close view of this unique habitat. Interpretive signs along the route explain the creek’s geology, hydrology, and wildlife.
Trail Details
| Trail Type | Boardwalk loop |
| Distance | ~0.5 mile |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Elevation Gain | Minimal |
| Time | 15–30 minutes |
| Trailhead Coordinates | 36.590690, -116.990374 |
| Best Season | Winter–Spring (peak pupfish activity Feb–April) |
| Dog Friendly | No (National Park regulations) |
Trail Overview
How to Get to the Trailhead
The Salt Creek Boardwalk is located about 13 miles west of Furnace Creek along CA-190. Look for clearly marked signs for “Salt Creek.” A paved parking area and vault toilets are available at the trailhead.
From Furnace Creek, drive west on CA-190 for approximately 10 minutes. Turn right at the Salt Creek sign and follow the short access road to the parking lot.
Trail Overview
Salt Creek flows year-round across the valley floor, sustained by underground springs that surface along an ancient fault line. Though shallow and often only a few inches deep, the water is highly saline—far saltier than most freshwater systems. That harsh chemistry has isolated a small population of pupfish that have adapted to survive in conditions that would kill most other species.
The boardwalk loop keeps visitors above the sensitive habitat. During spring, especially February through April, you can often spot the pupfish darting through the clear shallows. Males develop an iridescent blue sheen during breeding season, making them easier to identify against the pale creek bed.
Interpretive panels explain how Salt Creek is a remnant of prehistoric Lake Manly, which once filled much of Death Valley during wetter climatic periods. As the lake evaporated thousands of years ago, isolated pockets of water remained, and the pupfish evolved separately in each basin. Today, Salt Creek pupfish represent one of several subspecies that persist in the park.
Beyond the wildlife, the setting itself is striking. Snow-capped peaks of the Panamint Range often rise in the distance, contrasting with the stark, salt-crusted flats surrounding the creek. In winter and early spring, cooler temperatures make this one of the most pleasant short walks in the park.
What to Know Before You Go
- Check seasonal closures. Portions of the boardwalk may close during peak breeding season to protect the pupfish.
- Stay on the boardwalk. The habitat is extremely fragile.
- Go early in warm months. Even short walks can feel intense in Death Valley’s heat.
- Bring water. There is no potable water at the trailhead.
Nearby Stops
If you’re exploring this section of Death Valley, consider pairing Salt Creek with:
- Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – Expansive dune fields perfect for sunrise or sunset.
- Zabriskie Point – Iconic badlands views just east of Furnace Creek.
- Furnace Creek – The park’s main hub for services, fuel, and visitor information.
Salt Creek Boardwalk offers something rare in Death Valley: a gentle, accessible walk that reveals a story of survival against extreme odds. It’s a reminder that even in one of the harshest environments on Earth, life finds a way.
