Miles

One of the classic views of Death Valley National Park, Zabriskie Point gives an expansive view over the badlands of Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch.  Best viewed at either sunrise (my personal favorite) or sunset, this hike, more of a short walk, is easily accessible to people of all ages and abilities and should definitely be on your Death Valley to-do-list.

Location: Death Valley National Park, California, USA

Trailhead: Signed parking lot located 5 miles east of Furnace Creek on Hwy 190; pit toilet

Length: .1 mile

Difficulty: Easy

Trail Type: Out and back

Warnings: Bring water as well as sun and eye protection.

The badlands around Zabriskie Point

Badlands, Manly Beacon and salt flats, oh my!  Zabriskie Point is a great visual introduction to what awaits you in Death Valley National Park.  As you look west, in the immediate foreground are the badlands of Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch with iconic Manly Beacon reaching toward the sky. In the middle ground, salt flats in Death Valley, just north of Badwater Basin, spread out before the eye, and in the background the Panamint Mountains loom with Telescope and Wildrose, the first and second highest peaks in the park, respectively.

Hikers coming our of the badlands near Zabriskie Point

If you do wake up to drink in the beautiful pink and purple hues of a sunrise or stay for a sunset, be ready for a small crowd of photographers.  However, there are views in every direction so you shouldn’t have a problem finding a spot you like.


Helpful Links:

Death Valley National Park campground information

Death Valley National Park

Things to do in the Furnace Creek area

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