The 0.3-mile round trip trail heads to a vista overlooking a multicolored badlands. About 5 million years ago, a lake stood in the badlands area. At that time, camels, mastodons and horses frequented the shoreline. The rocks making up the badlands are the eroded sediments that once collected at the lake’s bottom.
Today, the rocks shimmer in color and shadow at sunrise and sunset, for many making for both romantic and spiritual experiences.
To reach the trailhead, from Furnace Creek in the national park, drive east on Calif. Hwy. 190. A parking lot sits on the road’s right/west side. From the lot, head uphill 0.15 miles to the point.
Here’s a timelapse video of the view from Zabriskie Point:
Several other great trails await hikers in Death Valley National Park.
Learn more about national park day hiking trails in my Best Sights to See at America’s National Parks guidebook.
