The BEST Hike in Death Valley National Park
One of the main highlights of our Death Valley Rally Road Trip (read full post here) was our unforgettable sunrise experience at Zabriskie Point, combined with the 7-mile trek along the Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop in Death Valley National Park.
The beautiful striations of browns, yellows, pastel greens and pink watercolor hues that make up these rocks are so incredibly unique, unlike anything we had ever seen anywhere else in the world. Nature’s oven is what it felt like, and an incredible multi-tiered cake with numerous layers of frosted colors is what it looked like! The towering canyon walls made us feel sooo small, immersed deep within the folds, wondering how on earth this place actually came into existence…
The morning started out with one of the most spectacular sunrises we had ever seen. We arrived at 6am and there was an entire lineup of professional landscape photographers on the hill, waiting patiently as the sun poured over the lunar landscape. With cups of coffee in hand and tripods setup, the energy in the air was one of anticipation and awe. We now understood why this was the most popular place in all of Death Valley National Park to watch the sunrise.
After reading the various signs that warn about the dangers of the heat, we were grateful that the sunrise made it easy for us to get an early start to the day!
This hike is best done from November until April when temperatures are not so extreme. To put things in perspective, the all-time-high of 130 degrees was reached for the 2nd year in a row on July 9th, 2021.
We were here at the end of October and it was in the 60’s at sunrise, but by the time we finished the hike, just after 10AM, it was already in the mid 80’s! It’s an intense desert heat that will bake you like no other! Luckily, we were well prepared and our timing was ideal, but take notice of the photo below, sweat is covering my forehead and soaking through my shirt already. So no matter what time of year you plan to be here, be sure to bring loads of water!!
Wether we are hiking in the desert in heat of the season or along the stunning Fjords of Scandanavia, we highly recommend these quality men’s hiking pants or some athletic and stylish women’s travel pants. One thing we know is that whatever adventure we find ourselves on, having multi-use and reliable gear is so important!
Starting from the Zabriskie Point Trailhead, we decided to go clockwise, which we recommend. The trail is marked extremely well the whole way through, with detailed signs that tell you the distance as you go:
There will be many smooth and windy twists and turns as the path meanders through the canyon. Before you know it, the view will crack open and gift you with the best view of Zabriskie Point possible! This is a must stop spot to breathe, appreciate and take it all in.
Once you reach the Badlands Junction, you must decide which way to go. This is where we highly recommend continuing the loop in a clockwise direction, as the sun will be at your back most of the time, lighting up the views best in the morning. Plus, you will meander through the gravel washouts first, and the uphill return is not as grueling in our opinion.
Eventually the canyon will guide you out to the valley floor, where you will arrive to the busy Lower Golden Canyon Trailhead. This is a very popular entrance to the canyon where many will be doing short out-and-back walks. As you continue further along the loop, little paths between the pyramid channels of rocks will surround you. Formed over time by the wind, water and the elements, it’s a timeless place that is being changed and reshaped each and everyday.
NOTE: Add a side trip to the Red Cathedral that will be to your left as you continue onwards and upwards.
After what will be the longest uphill section of your return, you will be greeted at the top of the ridge by the view of the spot you were standing on at sunrise! This really puts into perspective how far you’ve trekked, giving you the chance to appreciate all that you have accomplished already.
With a view of the end in sight, the last bit of the path felt like one big rollercoaster! With smiles plastered across our faces, we raced with joy to the “finish line.” Grateful we hadn’t started the hike any later, and even more grateful to retreat the air-conditioned sanctuary of our car… where more water and snacks awaited :)
To see what how diverse and varied the topography of Nevada is in just a few hours drive, be sure to watch our 2-minute documentary of our 4-day Death Valley Rally Road Trip below! Oh, and one more thing. Remember that stunning sunrise that we spoke so highly of at the beginning of this article? Be sure to keep a special eye out for this in the video, it’s definitely a moment you don’t want to miss.
We hope our post helps guide and inspire you on this epic adventure! Be sure to checkout the Travel Nevada website and the Death Valley Rally road trip itinerary for stop suggestions, videos, a rockin’ playlist, and the best details on how you can embark on your own unforgettable journey here, too.
