Manly Beacon Loop

Overview

This is Death Valley’s classic badlands tour: a roughly 5.7-mile loop with about 1,200 feet of total gain that circles the striking fin of Manly Beacon and threads through Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch. Expect nonstop, otherworldly scenery—gold and chocolate-banded hills, knife-edge ridges, and big views toward Badwater Basin, the Black Mountains, and the Panamint Range. It’s fully exposed, bone-dry, and at its best in cool months.

Route at a Glance

You can start from either Zabriskie Point (fast access to the badlands) or the Golden Canyon trailhead on Badwater Road. The loop uses signed junctions to link the badlands around Manly Beacon with Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch. Variations abound: add a quick out-and-back to Red Cathedral, or keep things simple by staying on the main loop. Crowds tend to concentrate near Zabriskie Point and the lower reaches of Golden Canyon; Gower Gulch is usually the quieter stretch.

Terrain and Experience

Trails are generally well-defined, with some passages in sandy washes and short, rocky bits—especially in Gower Gulch. Navigation is straightforward on the main loop but can get tricky if you follow faint social paths or venture off-route. Approaching the actual high point of Manly Beacon involves a steep, exposed scramble and is best left to hikers comfortable with hands-on moves and heights. Cell service is unreliable, there’s no shade or water, and the sun is relentless—plan accordingly.

Geology and Views

These badlands were carved from sediments of the long-gone Furnace Creek Lake, exposing layers of clay, ash, and gravel. Manly Beacon—named for 49er William L. Manly—steals the show, especially in low light when its ribs glow and shadows emphasize every ripple of the terrain. Along the loop, keep an eye out for expansive vistas over the salt flats and the surrounding ranges.

Best Time to Hike

Go October through April. Summer heat here is dangerous and not recommended for hiking. Start at sunrise for cooler temps and the most photogenic light at both Zabriskie Point and Manly Beacon. Weekdays and early starts also thin the crowds in the popular badlands near the main viewpoints.

Tips

• Water and sun protection aren’t optional—bring more water than you think you need.
• Wear grippy footwear; loose dirt and short scrambles reward good traction.
• Stick to established paths unless you’re confident with route-finding in a maze of gullies.
• Want a shorter sampler? A 2.7-mile Badlands/Manly Beacon loop from Zabriskie Point hits the highlights quickly. For more solitude and a touch of adventure, do the full loop that includes Gower Gulch.