Manly Beacon

Overview

Manly Beacon is the sharp, photogenic spire rising from the badlands near Zabriskie Point in the Furnace Creek area. It tops out around 823 ft and draws hikers and photographers for its knife‑edge profile and pastel banding that pops in low light.

What You'll See

From Zabriskie Point and the surrounding trails, expect sweeping views over wrinkled yellow and gold badlands, the salt flats far below, and the distant Panamint Mountains. The Beacon itself is the star—its pyramid-like form stands proud above the ridgelines and washes.

Hiking It

Most visitors start from Zabriskie Point and follow the badlands trails toward the Beacon. Plan on roughly 4 miles round trip with about 800 feet of gain if you make a fuller outing from the Zabriskie lot. You can mix and match the Badlands Loop with connections toward Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch. Reaching the actual summit requires a short, exposed final scramble on loose terrain—only for those comfortable with airy ridges and poor footing.

Best Times to Visit

Sunrise is the money hour: cooler temps, soft cross‑light, and fewer people. Sunset can be great too, though crowds swell during the cool season. Avoid midday heat. Peak visiting months bring busy parking at Zabriskie; early starts help.

Geology & History

The spire and surrounding hills are carved from ancient lakebed sediments of long‑vanished Furnace Creek Lake, sculpted into today’s ridges and gullies by water erosion over millennia. The feature is named for 49er pioneer William L. Manly, tying it to the area’s early exploration lore.

Wildlife

This is harsh desert country with limited water, so sightings are sparse. You may spot lizards, ravens riding thermals, and the occasional coyote moving through the washes.

Practicalities

There are no amenities at the Beacon itself. Use Zabriskie Point as your base: vault toilets, paved parking (it can fill), and signed trail access into the badlands. There’s no water, food, or shade—carry what you need and tread lightly on the fragile terrain.