Best time to travel to Death Valley

Zabriskie Point in Death Valley

Colorful Martian landscape was created by centuries of erosion

Best time: September–May

Zabriskie Point
Zabriskie Point
Zabriskie Point

Zabriskie Point is one of the most famous sites in the Death Valley National Park. It's a must-see due to unsurpassed 360° views of colorful erosional slopes. From Zabriskie Point, you can enjoy the panorama of the Golden Canyon, Red Cathedral, Manly Beacon, and other prominent peaks. Sediments of thermal waters and saline muds in the ancient Furnace Creek Lake, that got dry millions of years ago, and centuries of erosion have created a beautiful phenomenon that attracts here many nature enthusiasts and photographers. It's best to visit Zabriskie Point either when it's sunrise or sunset, in order to catch some "magic-hour" light and take some stunning panoramic shots.

Zabriskie Point is part of the Amarosa Range, east of Death Valley. Located east of Furnace Creek on Highway 19, it can easily be reached by car. The viewpoint is situated approximately 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from the parking area. A short walk to the viewpoint is enjoyable at any time of the year except the summer. In the summer, it gets sweltering in this area. Death Valley is called the hottest place on earth for a reason! So don't forget to bring a hat and plenty of water and wear sun protection.

Practical info

When is the ideal period to plan a visit to Zabriskie Point?

To avoid the Death Valley heat, visitors should plan a visit to Zabriskie Point between September and May when the temperature is less extreme. In those months, the mild climate is more agreeable for adventurous travellers. Conversely, visitors should avoid the hottest period running from June to August since such high temperatures can be unbearable. Show more

Which transportation options are available to reach Zabriskie Point?

Zabriskie Point is easily reachable by private car. The viewpoint is located on Highway 19, east of Furnace Creek, in Death Valley National Park. Visitors should follow the signs and park approximately half a mile from the viewpoint. Note, there are no public transportation options available within Death Valley National Park. Show more

What are some of the names of the striking geological formations visible from Zabriskie Point?

From Zabriskie Point, visitors can observe the breathtaking, multi-colored, and enticing landscapes of the Golden Canyon, Red Cathedral, and Manly Beacon. Thrillingly, visitors are delighted with stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding geological formations, which are the result of millions of years of evolution through thermal waters and saline muds in an ancient Furnace Creek Lake. Show more

Is it possible to drive to the viewpoint, somehow?

Visitors can drive their cars up to the parking area but should note that only the viewpoint is accessible via a moderately steep trail, which is half a mile from the parking area. However, less agile travellers are not left out, as there are built-in seating areas at the view point where they can enjoy the scenic environment without walking through the trail. Show more

What makes Zabriskie Point one of the most attractive places for photographers?

Photographers love Zabriskie Point because they get to capture its distinctive colorful Martian-like landscape, which changes its colors with moving location and light. Also, the viewpoint is especially alluring during sunrise and sunset when the sun enhances the landscape with a golden light known as the “magic hour” effect. Zabriskie Point offers some of the most scenic and photographable moments within Death Valley National Park. Show more

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Last updated: by Olga Valchyshen