Miles: ~7, options for additional explorations along the way in Gower Gulch, Gold Canyon, and Red Cathedral. You can also take the shorter, easier Badlands Loop (2.5 miles) for a quick immersion. If you’re not up for a hike, you can take the ¼ mile walk up a hill on a paved path to the lookout.
Elevation gain: 827 ft
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on your fitness level. The trail is “runnable” when crowds are light.
Rated # 3 top hike in Death Valley National Park.
Among the most photographed spots in Death Valley National Park, Zabriskie Point boasts expansive views of yellow and brown striped hills, the badlands and salt flats beyond, and the Eastern Sierras in the far distance. Great for sunrise and sunset pics! I got there just before sunset so made it a fast zoom around. I’ve explored Golden Gulch before that’s worth it too!
The dance of light and shadow on the stark dramatic landscape is compelling in color and black and white. It’s obvious why this area was one of Ansel Adam’s favorite photography playgrounds.
If you look closely at the picture on the right above, you can see the trail tracing its way up to the ridge.
Fun Fact: Death Valley is the hottest place on earth and the lowest, driest place in North America.
Getting there: The Zabriskie Point lookout and trailhead parking lot for both Badlands and the Zabriskie loop is a 15-minute drive East on Highway 190 from Furnace Creek Visitor Center.
Happy Trails!
