Zabriskie Point Trails
Experience surreal, colorful badlands and golden ridges that feel like standing on another planet. A must-see vista in Death Valley.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the intense heat
Zabriskie Point Trails
Best Time
Escape the intense heat
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.
"The photos don't do it justice; definitely stop and walk up the ramp. It's worth it."
💧 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Otherworldly Badlands
Zabriskie Point Viewpoint
Experience surreal, colorful badlands and golden ridges that feel like another planet. A must-see vista.
Sunrise and Sunset Spectacle
Zabriskie Point Viewpoint
Witness the landscape transform with dramatic color shifts as the sun rises or sets. Truly magical.
+1
Badlands Hiking Trails
Surrounding Zabriskie Point
Explore the unique geological formations up close on short, accessible trails. Offers incredible perspectives.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat: Timing is Everything
Zabriskie Point: More Than Just a View
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 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.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
For exploring the trails, comfortable and supportive shoes are recommended.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic and colorful photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 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.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
For exploring the trails, comfortable and supportive shoes are recommended.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic and colorful photos.
🚶 Short Hike for Big Views
A brief walk up the paved path offers incredible panoramic vistas.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Yes, RVs can access Zabriskie Point. There is a parking lot that can accommodate vehicles of various sizes.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
No, there is no additional fee specifically for Zabriskie Point beyond the standard Death Valley National Park entrance fee.
You can purchase your Death Valley National Park entrance pass online in advance to save time at the entrance station.
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.
🎫 🚶 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.
Yes, while the main viewpoint is easily accessible, there are also hiking trails that allow you to explore the unique badlands formations more closely.
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.
There are vault toilets available in the parking lot. There are no other major facilities like visitor centers or shops directly at Zabriskie Point.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
The main viewpoint offers the iconic panorama. For different perspectives, explore the short trails leading into the badlands.
Drone usage is restricted in Death Valley National Park. Always check the park's official regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the peak heat, which can be challenging for young children. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and make it a fun, educational experience about geology and desert environments.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
+2 Astrophotographers will also find this location exceptional due to the park's designation as an International Dark Sky Park, providing incredibly dark skies for capturing the Milky Way. Recommendations: Bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the vast panoramas and a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures. Experiment with different times of day to see how the light transforms the landscape. Don't forget to explore the trails for unique foreground elements to complement your shots.
🚗 Road Trippers
+1 Many road trip itineraries include Zabriskie Point as part of a half-day tour of the park's highlights, making it a perfect place to stretch your legs and capture some memorable photos. +1Tip: Combine your visit with other nearby attractions like Dante's View, Artist's Drive, and Badwater Basin for a comprehensive taste of Death Valley's diverse landscapes within a short timeframe.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Death Valley's Extreme Climate
Heat Safety Tips: Always check the weather forecast before your trip. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Use sunscreen liberally. Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. If you feel unwell, seek shade immediately and rehydrate.
Recent weather events, like remnants of Hurricane Hilary and winter atmospheric rivers, have also brought unusual conditions, including temporary lakes. While these can create unique sights, they can also impact road conditions and accessibility. Always check the park's official website for the latest updates.
Exploring the Geological Wonders of Zabriskie Point
The vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and red are a result of mineral deposits and varying rock layers, making it a photographer's dream, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. +2Beyond the iconic viewpoint, Zabriskie Point offers a network of trails that allow for deeper exploration of these unique formations. These trails, though short, can be steep and rugged, offering a more intimate experience with the badlands.
+1 The area is a testament to the powerful forces of nature that have shaped Death Valley, providing a glimpse into the park's ancient past. It's important to note that while Zabriskie Point is a popular stop, the vastness of Death Valley means that even crowded viewpoints can feel less congested once you venture onto the trails.
The unique geological features and stunning vistas make Zabriskie Point a must-visit for anyone exploring Death Valley National Park. Stargazing at Zabriskie Point
The minimal light pollution in this remote desert environment allows for incredibly clear views of the night sky, including the Milky Way, constellations, and shooting stars. Visiting Zabriskie Point after sunset offers a completely different, yet equally breathtaking, experience. The stark landscape under the moonlight or starlight creates a magical and serene atmosphere.
Photographers often flock to this spot to capture the vastness of the cosmos against the unique desert terrain. For the best stargazing experience, plan your visit during a new moon phase when the sky will be darkest. Bring a red-light headlamp to preserve your night vision and a comfortable spot to sit or lie down to fully appreciate the celestial display.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit