These viewpoint access trails are pretty easy, so if you end up going up a social trail that’s getting sketchy, turn back around because it’s not the right one. The two viewpoint trails are at the very end, right at the red cathedral. Once you’re there you’ll know what I mean.
Perhaps it’s that the hike is uncovered, or maybe it’s just the way that the rock absorbs and reflects the heat, but it feels a lot hotter than it actually is!
1. When to Hike the Golden Canyon
As you hike you may notice that there are lots of “social trails” branching off from the main trail.
2. It’s Hot AF Even in the Winter
Like I mentioned earlier, you can add on side trails, which I 100% recommend. Here are your options:
Even at the trail heads, there’s no running water, though there are bathrooms. However those are pit toilets, so don’t plan on refilling water bottles at trailheads.
3. There’s No Water Available
Speaking of Zabriskie point, it’s not the only turn off that’s worth checking out.
If you’re going to be catching the sunset or sunrise at Zabriskie point, then you might as well do the hike right after, or before.
4. It’s Completely Exposed
I hope this guide helps you to have an amazing Golden Canyon experience in Death Valley. It’s a trail I’d happily do again and again.
The two times I’ve done it, I did it as loop hitting all of the things. Although I would rate this as an easy hike, once it gets hot it can feel pretty brutal heading back up to the Zabriskie point.
5. There are Several Access Points for the Golden Canyon
That brings me to my next pointer. Bring the water that you’re going to need! There’s no running water on the trail, so you’re not going to be able to refill.
6. There are Many Important Turnoffs and Junctions
This provides beautiful undulating mountain view after mountain view that doesn’t get old.
Now let’s talk about the fun part – there are many different ways to access this hike, and my favorite actually isn’t at the Golden Canyon trailhead. I much prefer to add on the Zabriskie point trail, the most beautiful part of the hike, at least to me.
Each time I’ve started with several layers and shed all but the base throughout the day as it went from sunrise to midday, so if you will be hiking in the warmer months, make it a full moon hike or a sunrise hike -anything to avoid putting yourself in the danger zone!
7. Upgrade Your Hike with a Zabriskie Sunrise
The Golden Canyon in Death Valley National Park is probably the most famous hike in the park, and for good reason.
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8. Route Options: Point to Point, Out and Back, or Loop
The lighting throughout the Golden Canyon is just amazing around sunrise, plus it’s much less hot than it will be later in the day.
I don’t say any of this to deter you, but rather to help you prep adequately for what you’ll experience on the trail. If you’re prepared and have timed it right, then it’ll be an amazing, beautiful hike.
This probably doesn’t come as a surprise, but there aren’t any trees or vegetation on this trail, and it’s completely exposed. So bring some protection, wear sunscreen, and plan for sunshine, unless it’s a rare day when there is cloud cover in Death Valley.
Out and Back: There are several ways to approach this. You can just do the Golden Canyon out and back, you can do the Golden Canyon and add on the Red Cathedral and/or Zabriskie Point, or you can make it a loop with all of them, beginning and ending at Zabriskie point, which is shown in the image above.
9. There are Many Social Trails
Death Valley National Park is not a summertime destination, at least in my opinion. The hottest temperature ever officially recorded was in Death Valley at 134°F, or 56.7°C.
Point to point: If you have two cars, park one at Zabriskie point and one at the Golden Canyon Trailhead. I would start at Zabriskie and walk down to Golden Canyon, as you’ll be going downhill that way.
Even though nighttime and sunrise can feel frigid, the desert experiences 20-30° temperature swings between night and day. Both times I hiked the Golden Canyon I was amazed by how hot I felt by midday. It wasn’t even 70°, but it felt like 90°.
I’m proud to say that all of the photos featured in this post were taken from and on the trail, evidence that you don’t need to stray for awesome photos!
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