Zabriskie Point

The rock at Zabriskie Point is made of sediments laid down in ancient lakes millions of years ago, then uplifted, tilted, and carved by erosion into a labyrinth of ridges and gullies. Rising from the middle is Manly Beacon, a golden pinnacle that anchors the classic view.

From the overlook, the badlands seem almost fluid, folding and rippling in every direction. Hardy visitors can descend into them on trails that wind through the Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch area below, but even from the viewpoint the scene is unforgettable.

Zabriskie Point is famous for its light. At sunrise, the sun rises behind the viewer and floods the badlands with warm gold, while at sunset the colors deepen to rose and amber, and both times draw photographers from around the world.

The overlook is reached by a short paved path that climbs a modest hill from the parking area, easy for most visitors. Because Death Valley is punishingly hot in summer, the cooler months and the edges of the day are the best and safest times to visit, and carrying water is always wise.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

Zabriskie Point is a famous overlook in Death Valley National Park, California, a short walk from the parking area to a viewpoint above a maze of golden, wildly eroded badlands. The rippling ridges of mudstone, crowned by the sharp spire of Manly Beacon, stretch toward the valley and the distant mountains, forming a widely recognized, often-photographed landscape in the American desert. The rock was laid down in ancient lakes and later uplifted and carved by erosion into its sculpted folds. Especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset, when low light brings out its gold and rose tones, Zabriskie is an easy, must-see stop that captures the strange beauty of Death Valley.

The best times to visit Zabriskie Point are sunrise and sunset, when low-angle light rakes across the badlands and brings out their glowing gold, brown, and rose colors, making for spectacular views and photography. Sunrise is a particular favorite, since the sun rises behind the overlook and floods the folded ridges with warm light. Seasonally, the cooler months from late fall through early spring are the most comfortable, as Death Valley summers are dangerously hot, often exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do visit in summer, go at dawn or dusk, avoid the midday heat, and carry plenty of water. Any time of year, the edges of the day offer the best light and the smallest crowds.

Reaching the Zabriskie Point overlook itself is a short, easy walk of a few minutes on a paved path that climbs a modest hill from the parking area, suitable for most visitors. For those wanting more, Zabriskie is also a gateway to longer hikes down into the badlands: trails lead from here into Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch, and around Manly Beacon, letting you walk among the golden ridges you see from above. These loops range from a couple of miles to longer treks and offer a completely different, immersive perspective. As always in Death Valley, carry ample water, wear sun protection, and avoid hiking in the extreme heat of summer or midday.

Manly Beacon is the striking golden pinnacle that rises from the center of the badlands seen from Zabriskie Point, and it is the anchor of the classic view. Named for William Manly, a member of the 1849 party of pioneers whose harrowing crossing gave Death Valley its name, the beacon is a pointed ridge of eroded mudstone that catches the light beautifully at sunrise and sunset. It is one of the most photographed features in the park. Hikers can get much closer to Manly Beacon on the trails that descend from Zabriskie into Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch, which wind right around its base through the sculpted golden hills.