Death Valley National Park in Inyo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Desolation Canyon
"A Magnificent Natural Amphitheatre"
| | Death Valley 49ers 75th Anniversary | |
Photographed by Death Valley 49ers
1. Desolation Canyon Marker
In 1949, the government of California hosted several statehood centennial celebrations across the state. One such event was hosted here at the mouth of Desolation Canyon in what was then Death Valley National Monument. The gathering commemorated the "Death Valley '49ers," a group of settlers in 1849 who caravanned through Death Valley in search of a shortcut to California's famed gold deposits. After a challenging journey, and one settler fatality, the 49ers' experience in Death Valley caused them to give the valley its current name.
The 1949 Death Valley Centennial Celebration was a true Western spectacle, with reenactors, wagon trains, and a chance to camp under the stars similar to the settlers a century before. Attendees were treated to performances by the Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra and a 200-person choir.
More than 60,000 people flocked to Death Valley to experience the 1949 celebration. The event was so popular that the organizers created a non-profit organization called Death Valley '49ers Inc., and have continued to host similar annual events in Death Valley for over
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3.6mi (5.8km) round trip:
Moderate with over 600 feet in elevation gain. There is no marked trail, follow the canyon. Scrambling over 6ft to 8ft high (1.8m to 2.4m) dryfalls is required after one mile.
Check the weather and road conditions prior to your trip. There is no cellular coverage in Desolation Canyon. Carry water at all times. Bring a map or GPS device to assist with navigation.
Sign Dedication, November 9, 2024, in honor of the Death Valley 49ers 75th Anniversary.
Death Valley National Park Service, Death Valley 49ers Board and Membership, Death Valley Conservancy.
Erected 2025 by Death Valley National Park, and Death Valley 49ers.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Exploration • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1949.
Location. 36° 23.75′ N, 116° 50.296′ W. Marker is in Death Valley National Park, California, in Inyo County. It can be reached from Desolation Canyon Road half a mile east of Badwater Road. Located at the Desolation Canyon Trailhead.
Photographed by Death Valley 49ers, June 9, 2025
2. Desolation Canyon Marker
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Golden Canyon Trail (approx. 1.8 miles away); West Side Road (approx. 2.1 miles away); Zabriskie Point (approx. 2.2 miles away); Death Valley 49ers Gateway (approx. 3.7 miles away); Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley (approx. 4½ miles away); Borax Museum (approx. 4½ miles away); 20 Mule Team Wagon Train (approx. 4½ miles away); Old Dinah (approx. 4½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Death Valley National Park.
Another marker is no longer nearby. 20 Mule Team Barn (was approx. 4½ miles away but has been permanently removed).
courtesy Death Valley 49ers
3. Grandstands in Desolation Canyon - 1949
This photo is featured on the interpretive sign.
Regarding Desolation Canyon. The classic Twilight Zone episode "The Lonely" (Season 1, Episode 7), about a man serving a 50-year solitary confinement sentence on a distant asteroid, was filmed in Desolation Canyon.
Also see . . . Death Valley 49ers. The all-volunteer organization has been instrumental in preserving the history of one of natures most awe-inspiring wild places for more than 75 years. The Death Valley 49ers sponsor the Annual Encampment each November to celebrate the pioneer spirit and this special place called Death Valley. The organization is primarily supported by membership dues. (Submitted on June 17, 2025.)
courtesy Death Valley 49ers
4. Desolation Canyon and Death Valley
Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 168 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 17, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
