Journey to the Heart of Death Valley – Zabriskie Point’s Astonishing Landscape

There are certain places in this world that are so unearthly, so mystical and yet so stunning – that it is hard to believe that they belong to this planet at all! Zabriskie Point is one such place and it is one of the most photographed viewpoints in Death Valley National Park, for good reason. At Zabriskie Point you will find an elevated overlook of yellow-brown-black badlands which form a vast desert expanse, streaked with rock gullies created by gravel, saline sediments and volcanic ash residue. 

Information about Zabriskie Point:

Zabriskie Point has an eerie, almost alien-like landscape, which is probably why many movies such as Spartacus (1951), Robinson Crusoe in Mars (1964) and Zabriskie Point (1970) were shot here. In addition, the photograph on the cover of the band U2’s album, Joshua Tree is actually Zabriskie Point(!) and not Joshua Tree National Park. This album as we all know, received critical acclaim, topped the charts in over 20 countries, and became the fastest-selling album in British history!  

Things to do at Zabriskie Point: 

• As you hike up to Zabriskie point, you can see many benches laid out. Stop at each bench, sit for a while and look for spectacular views. I think these benches are strategically built by the National Park Service and at each bench the perspective is different. 
• Apart from admiring the scenery which is best at sunrise, many climb some of the adjacent hills to get a better overall view. 
• There is also a badlands loop trail, through which you can wander down amongst the dunes. One branch of the trail leads through the mounds, down a ravine and into Gower Gulch after 2 miles, while another branch veers north into Golden Canyon. 

Why is it called Zabriskie Point? 

Zabriskie Point is named after Christian Brevoort Zabriskie (1864–1936) who was hired by F.M. Smith in 1885 to supervise several hundred Chinese workers at the Columbus Marsh area of the Pacific Coast Borax Company near Candelaria Hills. F.M Smith was a famous American Miner and Business magnate who was also known as “Borax Smith” and “Borax King”, because he discovered a rich supply of Borax at Teels Marsh in Mineral County, Nevada. Borax is best-known as a cleaner, but it is also a key ingredient in many household products such as cosmetics, detergents, paints etc. 

Christian B. Zabriskie ultimately became vice president and general manager of the company and served in that capacity for thirty-six years until his retirement in 1933. During this time the Pacific Coast Borax Company phased out most of its borax operations in the Candelaria vicinity and moved further production into the Death Valley area. All this occurred long before 1933, when the area became Death Valley National Monument, but Zabriskie Point remains to honor a man who devoted many years of service to the Pacific Coast Borax Company.

Unique Geography:

The whole area of Zabriskie Point was covered by a lake a few thousand years ago. This lake bed had salt deposits, borate minerals and gravel deposits from the surrounding mountains, in addition to volcanic remnants. Due to geological changes over time, the lake dried up and these beds have been tilted and pushed upward by Earth forces and eroded by wind and water. 

As a consequence, these strange gullies with its vibrant mix of colours and rippling textures have emerged. The dark yellow color is due to an effect created by the lava during the numerous volcanic eruptions that occurred over the millennia. The most pronounced feature viewed from Zabriskie Point is Manly Beacon. This jutting high point rises to an elevation of 823 ft (251 m), and bears the name of one of the first 49ers (gold rush pioneers) to visit the area.   

Interesting Facts about Zabriskie Point: 

• The scenery of Zabriskie Point has inspired many writers, artists, directors and musicians. 
• Some of the films shot here include “Spartacus” and “Robinson Crusoe on Mars”. The surface of Mars is represented with the landscape of Zabriskie Point in the film. 
• Another movie called “Zabriskie Point” was shot here. Even though this film was not successful, it has now become a cult classic. The soundtrack of this movie includes the song “Come In Number 51, Your Time Is Up” by Pink Floyd. The soundtrack for this film also includes other famous artists such as Rolling Stones, John Fahey, Grateful Dead and Roy Orbison. 
• Another lesser known fact is that the Hollywood actor Harrison Ford worked as an extra in this film! 
• Manly Beacon was named in honor of William L. Manly, who along with John Rogers, guided members of the ill-fated Forty-niners out of Death Valley during the gold rush of 1849.
• To many people, the Manly Beacon peak may look unclimbable, but there is a narrow ridge that accesses the small summit, where there are unforgettable views of the surrounding badlands, the Death Valley salt pan, and Telescope Peak.

Travel Tips to Zabriskie Point:

• The best seasons to visit Zabriskie Point are spring, fall and winter. Summers are scorchingly hot and it is not advisable to hike this place during peak summer.We visited in February and there were considerably less crowds. 
• Zabriskie Point is an iconic Death Valley vista, and a favorite location for viewing both sunrise and sunset.
• While hiking up to Zabriskie Point, pause at each bench that is laid out and take in a different visual perspective of this place. 
• This is also a dangerous place to visit during wet conditions. Flash floods can be sudden and deadly, and it only takes a little moisture to turn the clays of the badlands into a goo that is almost impossible to hike through. Your feet can literally become stuck in the mud, and your next steps may leave your shoes behind.
• It is a good idea to download the Death Valley App because reception is spotty inside the valley.