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Zabriskie Point Trails

4.7
·118 reviews·DEATH VALLEY, United States

Experience surreal, colorful badlands and golden ridges that feel like standing on another planet. A must-see vista in Death Valley.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Escape the intense heat

CrowdLow
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Sunrise

Zabriskie Point Trails

Best Time

Early morning

Escape the intense heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience surreal, colorful badlands and golden ridges that feel like standing on another planet. A must-see vista in Death Valley.

4.7
(118 reviews)

"The photos don't do it justice; definitely stop and walk up the ramp. It's worth it."

Vertical photo
TIP

💧 Carry Plenty of Water

Essential for any visit, especially during warmer months. Stay hydrated!

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must. The desert sun is intense.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 127 reviews

Type

Parking Lot

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Otherworldly Badlands

Otherworldly Badlands

Zabriskie Point Viewpoint

Experience surreal, colorful badlands and golden ridges that feel like another planet. A must-see vista.

Instagram
Sunrise and Sunset Spectacle

Sunrise and Sunset Spectacle

Zabriskie Point Viewpoint

Witness the landscape transform with dramatic color shifts as the sun rises or sets. Truly magical.

Instagram+1
Badlands Hiking Trails

Badlands Hiking Trails

Surrounding Zabriskie Point

Explore the unique geological formations up close on short, accessible trails. Offers incredible perspectives.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat: Timing is Everything

Death Valley's extreme temperatures are no joke. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the most intense heat, especially during summer months. Always carry ample water and sun protection. TikTok+1

Zabriskie Point: More Than Just a View

While Zabriskie Point is a stunning viewpoint, don't miss the opportunity to explore the surrounding badlands via short hikes. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Escape the intense heat
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon/Sunset
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring/Fall
Why
Pleasant temperatures
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A strong earthquake earlier this week in Mexico triggered four-foot-tall waves in Death Valley’s Devil Hole. #8nn #8newsnow#klas #lasvegas #deathvalley #weather #deserttsunami #nevada#california #nationalpark #nationalparks #vegas #livelocalnow#news #earthquake #mexico
@8newsnow
223.9K likes • 4.3M views

💧 Carry Plenty of Water

Essential for any visit, especially during warmer months. Stay hydrated! TikTokReddit

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must. The desert sun is intense. TikTok

Death Valley is one of the best places in the US to stargaze! Camera’s pick up more detail but you can still see a lot with the naked eye. This photo was shot at Devil’s Golf Course in Death Valley NP. #Astronomy #astrophotography #nationalpark #deathvalley #stargazing #milkyway
@longfoxphoto
175.5K likes • 1.4M views
If you only have time for one stop in Death Valley, make it 📍Zabriskie Point. Zabriskie Point is famous for a reason — with its otherworldly badlands and golden ridges, it feels like standing on another planet. 🌎 💫 ✨ Zabriskie Point is beautiful any time of day — but at sunset, it’s next level. As the sun drops, the colors shift dramatically: gold turns to orange, shadows stretch deep into the ...
betsy_the_explorer
52 likes • 880 views

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

For exploring the trails, comfortable and supportive shoes are recommended. Instagram

📸 Golden Hour Photography

Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic and colorful photos. Instagram+1

The spot vs the shot at Zabriskie point in Death Valley. This spot never gets old. Sunrise, sunset, Milky Way, star trails, timelapse, you name it and this spot delivers! #zabriskiepoint #1000yearflood #deathvalley #deathvalleylove #deathvalleynp #deathvalleynationalpark #milkywaychasers #nightscaper #ig_milkyway #idadarksky #ınstagood #nights_dreamworld #earthfocus #longexposure #optoutside #yo...
cholivas
285 likes • 4.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

💧 Carry Plenty of Water

Essential for any visit, especially during warmer months. Stay hydrated! TikTokReddit

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must. The desert sun is intense. TikTok

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

For exploring the trails, comfortable and supportive shoes are recommended. Instagram

📸 Golden Hour Photography

Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic and colorful photos. Instagram+1

🚶 Short Hike for Big Views

A brief walk up the paved path offers incredible panoramic vistas. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(118 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Zabriskie Point for its breathtaking, otherworldly badlands and stunning vistas, especially during sunrise and sunset. The short, accessible walk to the viewpoint is a major plus, making it a must-see for most visitors. Some note the intense heat even in the morning and recommend early visits and ample hydration.

"There are vault toilets in the parking lot and you can take a short hike up the hill. The colors and hills surrounding this area are really beautiful. We were here at 8:45 a.m. and it was already super hot on 9/3/2024. There are signs everywhere about the heat, so come to the park early! :-)"

Juli Rasmussen

"It’s a decent parking lot, and a fairly short walk, all to visit some incredible vistas."

Matt B

"Definitely stop and walk up the ramp. Its worth it. The photos dont do it justice."

Glenn Huff

What People Like

Otherworldly badlands
Stunning sunrise/sunset
Accessible viewpoint

What People Dislike

Intense heat

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Zabriskie Point is located off of Highway 190 in Death Valley National Park. It's easily accessible by car and is a popular stop for those driving through the park. Many visitors include it as part of a half-day trip hitting other key spots like Dante's View and Badwater Basin. Instagram+1

Public transportation options directly to Zabriskie Point are extremely limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider joining a guided tour if you don't have your own transportation. TikTok

Roads leading to Zabriskie Point are generally well-maintained paved roads. However, always check the official Death Valley National Park website for any closures or advisories, especially after severe weather events. TikTok

Yes, RVs can access Zabriskie Point. There is a parking lot that can accommodate vehicles of various sizes. Instagram

Zabriskie Point is a fantastic stop if you're driving from Las Vegas. It's a relatively short drive into Death Valley and offers an immediate immersion into the park's unique landscapes. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Zabriskie Point is located within Death Valley National Park, which requires an entrance fee. You can purchase a pass at the park entrance stations or online in advance. TikTok

Zabriskie Point is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and for the best viewing experience. Instagram

No, there is no additional fee specifically for Zabriskie Point beyond the standard Death Valley National Park entrance fee. TikTok

You can purchase your Death Valley National Park entrance pass online in advance to save time at the entrance station. TikTok

The '1000 year flood' refers to a rare event where significant rainfall, remnants of hurricanes like Hilary, caused temporary lakes to form in Death Valley, creating unique conditions and views. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

At Zabriskie Point, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the badlands from the main viewpoint, take a short paved walk up to a higher vantage point, and explore surrounding hiking trails for a more immersive experience. Instagram+2

Yes, while the main viewpoint is easily accessible, there are also hiking trails that allow you to explore the unique badlands formations more closely. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Zabriskie Point is perfect for a short visit. You can get incredible views from the main viewpoint with minimal walking, making it ideal for a quick stop. Reddit

There are vault toilets available in the parking lot. There are no other major facilities like visitor centers or shops directly at Zabriskie Point. Reddit

The main viewpoint area has a paved path that is generally accessible, though it does have a slight incline. Some of the surrounding trails are not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best times for photography are sunrise and sunset, when the light creates dramatic shadows and vibrant colors across the badlands. The Milky Way is also spectacular here on clear nights. TikTokInstagram+1

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. For astrophotography, a fast lens and a sturdy tripod are essential. Even a smartphone can capture stunning shots. TikTok

The main viewpoint offers the iconic panorama. For different perspectives, explore the short trails leading into the badlands. Instagram

Drone usage is restricted in Death Valley National Park. Always check the park's official regulations regarding drone operation before flying. TikTok

Zabriskie Point is an International Dark Sky Park, offering incredibly dark skies with minimal light pollution, making it ideal for capturing the Milky Way and other celestial wonders. TikTokInstagram

Zabriskie Point Trails (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide