Zabriskie Point is the view that sums up Death Valley for many visitors: a sea of eroded, golden-brown hills with sharp ridges and deep gullies, rolling away toward the salt flats and the far mountains. A short paved path climbs from the parking area to a lookout, taking only a few minutes. From the top you see the badlands of the Furnace Creek Formation, layers of mud, silt and volcanic ash laid down in ancient lakes, then sculpted by rain over millions of years. The pointed peak at the center is Manly Beacon, named for a man who helped rescue stranded travelers in the 1849 gold rush. The point itself honors an executive of the borax company that once operated here. At sunrise the badlands glow in shades of amber, orange and pink, and it is one of the best places in the park for photography.
The geology
The hills look like a pile of crumpled cloth because the soft sediments erode quickly. Colors come from minerals and volcanic material in the layers, and they change through the day. The bare, plant-free slopes are sometimes called badlands because they are hard to cross and useless for farming, but photographers prize them. In the middle of the day the contrast is flat; in early morning and near sunset the low sun gives them depth and warmth.
How to visit
Zabriskie Point is on the main highway, roughly five miles from Furnace Creek, and the walk from the lot to the viewpoint is short and mostly paved, although the slope can feel steep in the heat. The view is from above, with no hiking required, so the stop suits almost everyone. From the lookout, trails descend into the badlands, including a loop that links with Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch.
This longer hike takes a few hours and should only be attempted in cooler weather with plenty of water. Sunrise draws crowds in the cool months, so arrive before first light for a good spot, and bring a jacket since dawn can be cold.
Making the most of it
Pair a sunrise visit with a late breakfast at Furnace Creek, or come back at sunset for the opposite mood. Photographers should bring a tripod and a wide-angle lens, and a zoom to pick out details on Manly Beacon. The point is also a fine place to see how rainstorms in the mountains can send flash floods through the gullies, so respect any closure signs.
Check with the park service for current conditions on trails and roads. Most day tours include a stop here because it is so reliably beautiful and so easy to reach.
Extra tips
The viewpoint has a modest parking area that fills quickly at sunrise on weekends in spring, so arrive early or consider a weekday. The railings and paved path make it accessible for many visitors, though the slope can be steep for those with limited mobility. Tripod legs and drones are subject to park rules, so be considerate of other visitors.
If the crowd is large, walk a short way along the ridge for a quieter angle. Photographers often return at sunset, when the light from the opposite direction brings out different tones in the same hills, and the badlands look completely different.
What to expect
The experience
A short paved walk from a roadside lot to a viewpoint over golden badlands, with trails leading down into the hills.
Best time
Sunrise for glowing color; late afternoon for long shadows.
How long
Thirty to forty-five minutes for the viewpoint.
Tips
Arrive before sunrise in the cool months, bring a jacket and a wide-angle lens, and stay on marked trails.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Photographers and anyone who wants the park's signature view.
- Families
- Easy short walk; the slope can be steep in heat.
- Couples
- Sunrise here is one of the park's most romantic moments.
- Pair with
- Golden Canyon, Dante's View and breakfast at Furnace Creek.
- Time needed
- Up to an hour.
Good questions
What is the best time for Zabriskie Point?+
Sunrise is the favorite, when the badlands glow gold and pink. Late afternoon is a good second choice.
Is it a long walk?+
No, it is a short paved climb from the parking area to the lookout.
What is the peak in the middle?+
Manly Beacon, named for a man who helped rescue stranded travelers in the 1849 gold rush.
Can I hike from here?+
Yes, trails lead into the badlands, including a loop toward Golden Canyon. Attempt it only in cool weather with plenty of water.
Is there a fee?+
The park entry fee applies, but there is no separate charge for the viewpoint.