Trail Description

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Zabriskie Point stands above a complex network of meticulously carved canyons and badlands on the eastern edge of Death Valley. A winding course through varied, geologically intriguing terrain climbs to remarkable panoramas of this captivating area, a large swath of Death Valley proper and distant Panamint Mountains.

Enter Golden Canyon and follow the gravel wash on a steady uphill grade. Numbered markers in the wash correspond to the Golden Canyon Interpretive Trail pamphlet available for purchase at the trailhead and visitor center. Notable in this first section are multiple layers of sediment ranging in size from boulders to fine-grained sand and silt. Pressure from periodic burials fused once loose material into solid conglomerates; subsequent uplifts and erosion have exposed the distinct and diverse deposits before you.

The canyon-trail forks right in .7 miles, steepening to Interpretive Sign #10 (right side) and the turnoff for Zabriskie Point (1 mile : 157’). Here you’ll bear right, climb out of Golden Canyon and begin a wondrous, circuitous trek through the multi-hued badlands of Zabriskie Point. Before turning off, those with time may consider continuing up-canyon for .25 miles on an unmarked path to viewpoints directly beneath the Red Cathedral. The Cathedral’s imposing cliffs are comprised of conglomerate material similar to that exposed near the mouth of Golden Canyon, once the loose debris of an alluvial fan. Oxidation has given these walls a distinct crimson color, a sharp contrast to the lighter hues of badland formations directly below.

The main trail leaves Golden Canyon and rises quickly with improving views and perspective. The trail crests beneath Manly Beacon and bends south (1.45 miles : 510’), dropping through uneven terrain to the first of two marked connections with Gower Gulch (1.85 miles : 370’). Follow signs left (uphill) toward Zabriskie Point. Just beyond this turn the trail negotiates a narrow gully, which partly obscures an important steep left turn out of it (2 miles : 405’). Once above the gully, the trail levels momentarily atop a high bench (2.2 miles : 560’) with sensational views of the Red Cathedral, Manly Beacon and intricate labyrinth of washes and gullies through which you’ve risen.

A few quick turns drop back to a second marked connection with Gower Gulch (2.35 miles : 495’). The junction itself lies in Gower Gulch; bear immediately left up a side wash that joins it for the final push to Zabriskie Point. The trail crests and slips through a notch (2.9 miles : 660’) that spills into the Zabriskie Point parking area off of Highway 190. An informal path bends around to the maintained overlook (3.05 miles : 725’) with astonishing westerly views across the badlands, Death Valley and Panamint Mountains.

Those with time should consider returning via Gower Gulch, which adds nominal distance but tremendous scenic variation to the roundtrip experience.

GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84

• N36 25.238 W116 50.795 - Golden Canyon Trailhead

• N36 25.385 W116 50.372 - .5 miles : Continue up canyon

• N36 25.478 W116 49.916 - 1 mile : Red Cathedral - Zabriskie Pt split; bear right

• N36 25.355 W116 49.580 - 1.45 miles : Trail crests below Manly Beacon; bear right

• N36 25.159 W116 49.344 - 1.85 miles : Gower Gulch junction #1; bear left

• N36 25.208 W116 49.076 - 2.2 miles : Level off on high badland bench

• N36 25.177 W116 48.945 - 2.4 miles : Gower Gulch junction #2; bear left

• N36 25.311 W116 48.682 - 2.9 miles : Trail squeezes through slot to parking area

• N36 25.202 W116 48.743 - 3.05 miles : Zabriskie Point

Worth Noting

• The trail to Zabriskie Point is crossed by innumerable washes, gullies and side canyons, many tempting but potentially precarious. Even minor deviations can quickly lead to major navigational challenges. Keep your bearings and remain on-trail at all times.



• Canyon walls and badlands – soft mudstone conglomerates – are inherently unstable and not suitable for climbing. Flash floods are infrequent but can be devastating. Monitor incoming weather carefully. Rain can soften the trail, create mudslides and further destabilize cliff edges.



• This trail is highly exposed to sun, heat and wind. Extra water and full sun protection are year-round musts.



• The point is named for Christian Brevoort Zabriskie, vice-president and general manager of the Pacific Coast Borax Company in the early 20th century.

Directions to Trailhead

The Golden Canyon Trailhead is located on the east side of Badwater Road, 2 miles south of the Badwater Road - Highway 190 intersection.

Contact Information

Death Valley National Park
P.O. Box 579
Death Valley, CA 92328

Visitor Information:
760.786.3200

Commercial Permits:
760.786.3241