History at Harmony Borax Works

The old 20 Mule Team wagons at the Harmony Borax Works, Death Valley National Park, California — The old 20 Mule Team wagons at the Harmony Borax Works

The Harmony Borax Works is one of the classic stops in Death Valley National Park. I like them because they offer both great history and a good view of the surrounding area. The 20 Mule Team, made famous by the borax company that took on that name, hauled the semi-refined borax ore from here out to Mojave or Daggett, California (the closest rail lines). Today, you’ll get to see part of the refinery, learn about the borax mining/refining process, and stand beside two of the original 20 Mule Team borax wagons, plus a tank wagon that carried water for the mules and drivers.

Quick Stats

Round Trip Length: 0.4 miles Trail Type: Lollipop loop Elevation Gain: 71ft. Pets: No Fees: $30/vehicle

The Harmony Borax Works Trailhead, Death Valley National Park, California — The Harmony Borax Works Trailhead

From the parking area just north of Furnace Creek, walk the hard-packed gravel path to where it splits. I like to turn left here, as it takes you up to the refinery first, but you’re welcome to go right to the borax wagons and do the loop counter-clockwise if you prefer.

One of the remaining walls of the Harmony Borax Works, Death Valley National Park, California — One of the remaining walls of the Harmony Borax Works

Turning left, the trail quickly climbs up above the refinery. Signs explain the history of borax mining in Death Valley and talk about the refining process.

The old boiler in the Harmony Borax Works, Death Valley National Park, California — The old boiler

There are several good views of various parts of the refinery along the trail as it drops back down to the level of the wagons.

Settling tanks and views up Death Valley at the Harmony Borax Works, Death Valley National Park, California — Settling tanks and views up Death Valley

The wagons (and tank wagon) are the real draw of Harmony Borax Works if you want to see something impressive (though the refinery is much better than I remember from previous visits when it was about 100F in the shade). They’re huge!

One of the 20 Mule Team borax wagons at the Harmony Borax Works, Death Valley National Park, California — One of the 20 Mule Team borax wagons

Signs here also talk about the 20 Mule Team and the surrounding history. It’s pretty interesting, though I’ll leave it for you to read instead of giving you all of the details before you set foot in Death Valley.

One of the wagon wheels along with the water tank wagon at the Harmony Borax Works, Death Valley National Park, California — One of the wagon wheels along with the water tank wagon

When you’ve finished taking pictures and reading the signs, head back to the parking area. From here, you can go back to the main road the way you drove in or you can continue along the one-way section of road through Mustard Canyon (usually ok for most vehicles, including low clearance). I recommend doing that at least once just for the experience. Along the way, you’ll pass by a couple of old structures on the right – I believe these were homes or offices for the workers at the Harmony Borax Works.

Driving toward one of the ruins of the buildings near the Harmony Borax Works, Death Valley National Park, California — Driving toward one of the ruins of the buildings near the Harmony Borax Works

The road passes by some nice views out toward the Panamint Mountains (on the the left) before entering Mustard Canyon.

The Panamint Mountains while driving the Mustard Canyon Road, Death Valley National Park, California — The Panamint Mountains while driving the Mustard Canyon Road

It’s not hard to figure out how Mustard Canyon received its name!

A mustard-colored hill in Mustard Canyon, Death Valley National Park, California — A mustard-colored hill

The road twists and turns through the yellow walls for a bit…

Driving through Mustard Canyon, Death Valley National Park, California — Driving through Mustard Canyon

…then exits the canyon into a rough area of hills with views toward the Funeral Mountains.

The Funeral Mountains outside of Mustard Canyon, Death Valley National Park, California — The Funeral Mountains outside of Mustard Canyon

Before you know it, you’re back at the main highway through Death Valley (CA-190). In total, the Mustard Canyon Drive is only 1.5 miles long (including the access road to Harmony Borax Works) – so it’s not like this is a long detour, though there is some nice scenery along the way!

Driving to the end of the Mustard Canyon Scenic Drive, Death Valley National Park, California — Driving to the end of the Mustard Canyon Scenic Drive

Round Trip Trail Length: 0.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 71ft. (-250ft. to -216ft.)

Facilities: None

Fees: $30/vehicle, valid 7 days. America the Beautiful National Parks & Federal Public Lands Passes and Death Valley Annual Passes are accepted.

The 20 Mule Team Wagons from near the Harmony Borax Works, Death Valley National Park, California — The 20 Mule Team Wagons from near the refinery

Trail Notes: This is a nice little stroll, and it’s even wheelchair-friendly (though there are some grades, so use caution). I seem to always visit at noon, which isn’t so bad in November but is scorching hot in May.

Looking back at the Harmony Borax Works refinery, Death Valley National Park, California — Looking back at the refinery

Trail

Road

Signs

Scenery

Would I go 100 miles out of my way for this?

Overall Rating:

Another view down on the 20 Mule Team borax wagons at the Harmony Borax Works, Death Valley National Park, California — Another view down on the 20 Mule Team borax wagons

GPS Coordinates for the Harmony Borax Works

TH: 36.480014°, -116.873361° (36°28.80084′, -116°52.40166′ / 36°28’48.0504″, -116°52’24.0996″) (-246ft.) (0.0)

Refinery: 36.479748°, -116.875567° (36°28.78488′, -116°52.53402′ / 36°28’47.0928″, -116°52’32.0412″) (-216ft.) (0.15)

Closeup of the refinery from below the Harmony Borax Works, Death Valley National Park, California — Closeup of the refinery from below

Borax Wagons: 36.479966°, -116.875404° (36°28.79796′, -116°52.52424′ / 36°28’47.8776″, -116°52’31.4544″) (-237ft.) (0.35)

Return to the TH: 36.480014°, -116.873361° (36°28.80084′, -116°52.40166′ / 36°28’48.0504″, -116°52’24.0996″) (-246ft.) (0.4)

Driving along the Mustard Canyon Road, Death Valley National Park, California — Driving along the Mustard Canyon Road

The gpx file for Harmony Borax Works can be downloaded – please note that this and the GPS Coordinates are for reference only and should not be used as a sole resource when hiking this trail.

Download GPX File size: 5.8 KB Downloaded 2 times

(Note: I do my best to ensure that all downloads, the webpage, etc. are virus-free and accurate; however, I cannot be held responsible for any damage that might result, including but not limited to loss of data, damages to hardware, harm to users, from use of files, information, etc. from this website. Thanks!)

Yellow canyon walls in Mustard Canyon, Death Valley National Park, California — Yellow canyon walls

Getting to Harmony Borax Works

From Furnace Creek, drive north 1.3 miles from the visitor center on CA-190. Turn left onto the road marked for the Harmony Borax Works for 0.2 miles to the parking area. The turn onto the access road is also 9.5 miles south of the Beatty Cutoff.

Visual trail map for the Harmony Borax Works. Death Valley National Park, California — Visual trail map for the Harmony Borax Works

More Hikes in Death Valley!

Read about the history of Death Valley’s mines along with discovering hikes and exploration opportunities. Showcasing almost 300 different driving and hiking destinations, it’s a great resource for visiting Death Valley. Buy your copy here.