Scotty's Canyon and The Holdout

Tucked away in a little-visited canyon south of Death Valley’s main tourist routes, the hike through Scotty’s Canyon winds past the intriguing rock formations of the Amargosa Chaos and the sculpted conglomerate beds of the lower canyon. The trail culminates at a secluded grotto and a small, unexpected stream—once the site of a camp called Camp Hold Out, where the infamous Death Valley Scotty made his home.

Walter Edward Scott, better known as Death Valley Scotty, is most famously associated with the grandiose Scotty’s Castle, a Spanish Colonial-style mansion in the Grapevine Mountains funded by wealthy benefactors. However, his ties to Death Valley run far deeper, entangled with schemes, tall tales, and a flair for drama. Starting in 1902, Scotty duped investors with elaborate stories of a rich gold mine hidden in Death Valley. Armed with his charm, a knack for theatrics, and occasionally producing high-grade ore from other mines, he secured funding for his lavish lifestyle—albeit always fleeting.

To keep his backers away from discovering the truth, Scotty spun wild yarns about Death Valley’s brutal conditions, outlaws, and ambushes, even going so far as to stage some of these “attacks” himself. For over a decade, the ruse worked, earning Scotty fame and a lasting place in Death Valley lore. During this period, his desert base was Camp Hold Out in what is now known as Scotty’s Canyon. Eventually, the truth caught up with him; under pressure from disgruntled investors and legal scrutiny, Scotty confessed that his mine was a hoax.

There is some speculation that the Desert Hound Mine located 1 mile southeast of The Holdout might have been Scotty's mythical gold mine. It stands to reason that he prospected in this area given that made camp here frequently. Like many things related to Scotty, we'll likely never know for sure.

Despite his fall from grace, Scotty found lifelong friends in Albert and Bessie Johnson, the benefactors behind Scotty’s Castle. Their enduring relationship transformed his story from one of scandal to legend, with Scotty’s Castle standing as a tribute to his outsized personality and his role in the fascinating history of Death Valley.

From the Ashford Canyon parking lot (really it's just a dirt turnaround so make sure to leave room) head west down into the wash keeping an eye for a faint use trail.

Angle across the wash and after a few hundred you will encounter the Scotty's Canyon cutoff trail headed north out of the wash.

Follow the cutoff trail for about a half mile. It's easy to follow here. You'll eventually be funneled into a small cut in the wall of Scotty's Canyon. Take a good look around as you need to find this cut on the way out.

Exit the cut and turn east heading up canyon.

Once you see the first signs of water flow, follow it until you reach a large grotto. This is The Holdout where Scotty camped many nights. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the remaining artifacts (don't take them) left from that time period.

Once you've seen The Holdout you can go further up canyon to Scotty's Spring. To this, backtrack a few hundred feet and find the ramp on the south side of the canyon that take you up and past the unclimbable dryfall at The Holdout.

As you re-enter the canyon from the bypass your progress will be blocked by a large mesquite. There is a bouldery bypass (you'll get a few thorns) on the left side of the tree. The grotto behind it is worth getting pricked.

From here, turn back the way you came and enjoy the views headed down canyon.