Best trails in Death Valley, California

Hike to the lowest point in the US. Accessibility: Trail goers using mobility equipment on this trail have reported that after the first 0.5 miles, the trail isn’t maintained or smooth like at the beginning but is still pretty flat, (although wheelchairs and strollers might have a more bumpy ride). The trail surface is paved with stone, asphalt, and wood in the first 200 feet, then all-natural afterward. It is estimated to typically be at least 8 feet wide and range from flat to moderately steep in slope. There are 3 ADA-compliant car parking spots with access aisles at the paved trailhead lot.Show more

Surrounded by a maze of wildly eroded and vibrantly colored badlands, this short hike to a spectacular view is one of the park's most famous. Zabriskie Point is a popular sunrise and sunset viewing location. The viewpoint is a short walk uphill from the parking area. Located east of Furnace Creek on Hwy 19. Show more

The Golden Canyon Trail is a short hike up Golden Canyon to the base of the Red Cathedral formations. This is a popular day-hike that starts at a marked trailhead with parking on Badwater Rd., just south of Furnace Creek. The first mile of the the trail is a mild hike up a canyon surrounded on all sides by golden rock formations and slot canyons. After mile one reaches a junction for the Gower Gulch trail. Continue past this point into a narrow slot canyon. The trail becomes more difficult here, requiring one to scramble over rocks until reaching the top of the slot canyon and the base of Red Cathedral. The view at the top here is spectacular! After enjoying the top, head back down and out of the slot canyon. Then either hike back down Golden Canyon to the trailhead, or extend the hike and take the junction for Gower Gultch. As anywhere in DVNP, the heat can be extreme, even outside of summer. Carry extra water!Show more

SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure. For more information, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/conditions.htmShow more

Very majestic. You can walk out however far you want. There is no defined trail. Try going in the late afternoon when the sun hits the dunes, at sunrise for dramatic lighting, or stay until the stars come out.Show more

Experience the beautiful Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch as a loop from Zabriskie Point in Death Valley. Moderate trail through Golden Canyon, Red Cathedral and Gower Gulch. Colorful badlands, canyon narrows and old borax mines are the most impressive sights there. Hike from Zabriskie Point through Golden Canyon to the Red Cathedral by following the markers. From Red Cathedral hike to the Golden Canyon trailhead at the parking area (Highway 190 on Badwater Road). From there follow the trail to the Gower Gulch. Don't turn left or right when you are in the gulch. There are no markers in the gulch. Next marker is at the crossing Golden Canyon Trail and Gower Gulch Trail close to Zabriskie Point.Show more

End of the road rocky half-mile hike to sweeping views at Dante's View. The most breathtaking viewpoint in park, mountain-top overlook is 5000 ft above the inferno of Death Valley. From the parking lot, hike along the ridge either direction. Hike a half mile to the right from parking lot to first summit (Dante's View 5475 ft.) for spectacular vistas and cool place to escape summer heat. You can keep going to Mt. Perry which is 4 miles one way, but be careful of the heat.Show more