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Golden Canyon Trail

Intermediate Intermediate
 4.6 (37)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Deserts
  4. Death Valley National Park
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“Ascend Golden Canyon and experience the badlands of Zabriskie Point. ”

Thomas Birch
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Map Key

2.8

Miles

4.5

KM

Point to Point

653' 199 m

High

-130' -40 m

Low

964' 294 m

Up

181' 55 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Family Friendly Kids will enjoy the interpretive signs at the Golden Canyon area, or the views from Zabriske Point.

Description

This trail through the Golden Canyon and the Zabriske Point badlands offer some of the best hiking in Death Valley National Park.

The trail begins at the Golden Canyon Trailhead accessed off Badwater Road just 3.5 miles south of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. There is an interpretive trail guide available for Golden Canyon at the information kiosk at the trailhead.

The canyon is true to its name, carved through golden yellow sediments which were deposited at the bottom of Lake Manly over 5 million years ago. The different color bands seen in the walls signify the presence of different minerals. The trail ascends the canyon on a gentle climb for the first mile of the hike. A sign post for Zabriske Point will indicate where the trail climbs out of the canyon and into the Zabriske Point badlands. The Upper Golden Canyon Trail - Red Cathedral Access can be used to get close-up views of the Red Cathedral which looms above Golden Canyon.

The trail ascends steeply out of the canyon as it winds through the Zabriske Point badlands and around the base of the Manly Beacon. The trail begins its descent at 1.5 miles to the first intersection with Gower Gulch where the Gower Gulch Loop Connector trail allows for shorter loop hike to Gower Gulch. The trail to Zabriske Point continues up through the badlands with additional opportunities for beautiful views as it ascends.

The trail again meets Gower Gulch and the intersection with the Gower Gulch Trail at 2 miles. The Gower Gulch Trail can be taken back to the Golden Canyon Trailhead. Keep following the signs to Zabriske Point. The trail will reach the parking area at Zabriske Point where the paved Zabriskie Point Access Trail offers an excellent overview of the canyons and badlands you just ascended through.

Need to Know
Drink plenty of water: Drink at least one gallon (4 liters) of water per day to replace loss from sweat, more if you are active. Fluid and electrolyte levels must be balanced, so have salty foods or "sports drinks" too.

Avoid travel in the heat: Do not hike in the low elevations when temperatures are hot. The mountains are cooler in summer, but can have snow and ice in winter.

Travel prepared to survive: Stay on paved roads in summer. If your car breaks down, stay with it until help comes. Carry extra drinking water in your car in case of emergency.

Watch for signs of trouble: If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or a headache, get out of the sun immediately and drink water.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Death Valley National Park

Shared By:

Thomas Birch
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 37 votes

#1

in Death Valley National Park

#76

Overall
  4.6 from 37 votes
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Trail Rankings

#1

in Death Valley National…

#6

in California

#76

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Photos

Hikers on Golden Canyon Trail
Oct 11, 2018 near Badwater, CA
hikers
Oct 12, 2018 near Badwater, CA
Looking down through Golden Canyon towards the Badlands
Mar 11, 2021 near Badwater, CA
Zabriskie Point
Jan 27, 2016 near Badwater, CA
View from the top of Manly Beacon Summit.
Nov 21, 2023 near Badwater, CA
View from Zabriske Point.
Jan 27, 2016 near Badwater, CA

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 65 days ago
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Check-Ins

Jan 14, 2025
Chris I
Mar 4, 2023
Brittney Casados
2.7mi — 1h 17m
Feb 5, 2023
Shawn B.
Jan 21, 2023
David Scott
Jan 1, 2023
Ted Gould
Dec 26, 2022
Rosie Betenbaugh
2h 30m
Dec 26, 2022
Rosie Betenbaugh
2.8mi — 2h 30m
Dec 13, 2022
Matthew Prowant

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