The Hype
STYX is a long, sweet canyon in the highest Death Valley tradition. Plenty of rappels, interesting rock layers, fun downclimbs and the full-on quad workout – Styx has it all.
There are a couple different ways of getting into Styx. This version starts near Dante View and drops into Coffin Canyon, then hikes up over a pass to get into the south fork of Styx.
You’ll need to spot a car at the bottom, 4.1 miles down the road from Badwater, near GPS point: (36.1834,-116.7695).
Getting There
After spotting a car at the bottom, drive toward Dante’s View. One half mile below the top, a bathroom and small parking area appear on the left – park here. From the bathroom, walk east toward the rising sun 0.1 miles (5 minutes) then turn south and descend into a shallow drainage. Follow this, Coffin Canyon, down about half an hour to where it narrows up and a rappel or two are necessary. Rap at least once and downclimb a couple times to where Coffin Canyon opens out into a broad canyon with a wide, rubble floor.
About one mile down the wide part of Coffin Canyon, a wash comes in from the right leading up to a shallow pass. Walk up this wash, taking the left fork where possible and hike over the pass into Styx Canyon – the south fork.
The Canyon
The canyon starts out fairly mellow and intensifies toward the end. Many, MANY rappels off Rock Cairns lead down the canyon, mixed with short downclimbs and walking in the talus. The final rappel is a dramatic rappel under or over a huge boulder that spans the canyon.
Skills required: Natural Anchor Building, Partner Sequencing, Downclimbing, Endurance
Rappels: 14 or more rappels, up to 100′
Water
Styx is a dry canyon, and does not hold any significant water. Take enough drinking water to get through the day, there is none on the route.
Natural Anchors
Death Valley is considered a “natural anchor” area. There is no need to add bolts to Death Valley routes. Please be competent with natural anchor evaluation and building skills, and plan accordingly.
Gear Recommendations
Technical Canyoneering Kit – including helmet, harness, rappel device, ascending gear
Rope – The longest drop is 100 feet.
Gloves
Flash Flood Danger: Low
The Exit
Walk down the alluvial fan to your car.
Red Tape
Death Valley National Park – regulations in limbo as of March, 2013.
