The classic Death Valley viewpoint, just a few minutes' drive from Furnace Creek. A short paved path climbs to an overlook above eroded badlands of gold, brown, and ochre — the remains of ancient lake sediments sculpted by millions of years of rain and wind. Sunrise is the best time: the low light turns the ridges copper and the shadows carve the landscape into sharp relief. Come early enough and you may have it to yourself.
Zabriskie Point
Iconic overlook above golden eroded badlands at sunrise
A story
Michelangelo Antonioni chose this spot for the climactic scene of his 1970 film *Zabriskie Point*, drawn by the badlands' surreal, lunar quality. The scene where the desert villa explodes in slow motion, repeated from a dozen angles, was filmed nearby — but the overlook itself became famous for the name.