Attractions and Places To See around Furnace Creek - Top 16
Best attractions and places to see around Furnace Creek are primarily found within Death Valley National Park, offering a landscape characterized by unique geological formations and historical significance. This region features expansive salt flats, eroded canyons, and ancient lake beds. Visitors to Furnace Creek can explore a variety of natural monuments and historical sites. The area provides opportunities to observe diverse desert environments.
Best attractions and places to see around Furnace Creek
- The most popular attractions is Zabriskie Point, a viewpoint that offers unique views of the Badwater and Artist's Palette. It is surrounded by a backdrop of eroded furrows and ocher-colored mud deposits. It is a popular spot for sunset and sunrise vistas, with an easy short hike to the viewpoint from the parking lot.
- Another must-see spot is Golden Canyon Trail, a canyon known for its scenic rock formations. The trailhead is located off Badwater Road, two miles south of Highway 190. Visitors can enjoy colorful rock formations and extend the hike into Gower Gulch.
- Visitors also love Gower Gulch, a canyon trail leading to a maze of golden colored hills and winding narrow canyons. This trail is approximately 1.5 miles one-way. This creek bed is part of the Badlandloops and can be combined with other routes for longer adventures.
- Furnace Creek is known for viewpoints, canyons, and historical sites. The area offers a variety of natural monuments and trails to explore, making it a destination for those seeking outdoor activities.
- The attractions around Furnace Creek are appreciated by the komoot community. There are 12 highlights with 78 photos and 31 upvotes from visitors.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Zabriskie Point
Highlight • Viewpoint
Zabriskie Point became known worldwide mainly through the Hollywood thriller of the same name by Michelangelo Antonioni from 1969. This viewpoint is located southeast of Furnace Creek Ranch on Highway 190. It offers a unique view of the Badwater and Artist's Palette below and is surrounded by a breathtaking backdrop of striking eroded furrows and ocher-colored mud deposits.
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Golden Canyon Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Canyon
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Gower Gulch
Highlight (Segment) • Canyon
There is no water and the canyon can be very hot during to summer months.
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Red Cathedral
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Harmony Borax Works
Highlight • Historical Site
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Popular around Furnace Creek
Tips from the Community
The heat should not be underestimated… Despite the short distance
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Harmony Borax Works and the famous Twenty mule teams brought the desert of Death Valley to homes across America. After borax was discovered near Furnace Creek Ranch (then called Greenland) in 1881, William T. Coleman built the Harmony Works and began processing the ore in late 1883 or early 1884. When fully operational, the Harmony Borax Works employed 40 men, producing three tons of borax daily. The little evidence that remains indicates that the majority of this workforce were Chinese laborers. The Chinese workers collected the impure mineral fragments from the valley floor and loaded them into horse-drawn wagons for transport to the borax works.
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This is one of the famous viewpoints of the park. It is surrounded by wild, sandy, barren mountains.
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Zabriskie Point is a lookout point in the Amargosa Range in Death Valley National Park, known for its bizarre erosion landscapes around the former Lake Manly. It was named at the beginning of the 20th century after Christian Brevoort Zabriskie from Wyoming, the vice president and general manager of the Pacific Coast Borax Company, which was commissioned to mine borax in the area.
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Zabriskie Point is a lookout point in the Amargosa Range in Death Valley National Park, known for its bizarre erosion landscapes around the former Lake Manly. It was named at the beginning of the 20th century after Christian Brevoort Zabriskie from Wyoming, the vice president and general manager of the Pacific Coast Borax Company, which was commissioned to mine borax in the area.
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The Red Cathedral is a crimson cliff that stands out 183 meters above and behind the yellow and brown slopes and walls of the Golden Canyon. The origin of the name comes from the red rocks that have eroded into pillars in some places
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The cover of the legendary U2 album "The Joshua Tree" was recorded here. The cover's tree was on the edge of the national park on Route 190 (a construction site in the winter of 2023), but has now died.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some family-friendly attractions near Furnace Creek?
For families, Zabriskie Point offers an easy, short walk to a stunning viewpoint. The Harmony Borax Works is another great option, providing a glimpse into the region's history with an easy walking trail around the historic site.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible viewpoints in Death Valley near Furnace Creek?
Yes, Zabriskie Point is noted as being wheelchair accessible, offering panoramic views of the eroded landscape, including Badwater and Artist's Palette, from its parking lot and paved path to the main viewpoint.
What are the best times to visit Furnace Creek attractions?
The cooler months from late fall to early spring (October to April) are generally the best times to visit Furnace Creek. During these periods, temperatures are more moderate, making outdoor activities like hiking more enjoyable. Summer months can be extremely hot, so early mornings or late afternoons are recommended for any outdoor exploration.
What kind of natural features can I explore around Furnace Creek?
The area is rich in unique geological formations. You can explore canyons like the Golden Canyon Trail and Gower Gulch, known for their colorful rock formations and winding paths. Zabriskie Point offers expansive views of eroded badlands and ocher-colored mud deposits.
Are there historical sites to visit near Furnace Creek?
Absolutely. The Harmony Borax Works is a significant historical site. It tells the story of the
What hiking trails are available near Furnace Creek?
There are various hiking opportunities. For an easy experience, consider routes from the Easy hikes around Furnace Creek guide, such as the Badlands Loop or a shorter section of the Golden Canyon Trail. For more moderate adventures, the Hiking around Furnace Creek guide features trails like the Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop.
Can I combine multiple trails for a longer hike?
Yes, many trails in the area can be combined. For example, the Golden Canyon Trail can be extended into Gower Gulch, and these are often part of longer Badlands loops. This allows for more extensive exploration of the unique desert landscape.
What should I wear when hiking in Death Valley in the spring?
Even in spring, Death Valley can experience significant temperature fluctuations. It's best to wear layers, including lightweight, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Sturdy hiking shoes are essential. Always carry plenty of water, as dehydration is a serious risk in the desert environment.
Are there any running trails near Furnace Creek?
Yes, there are several running trails. You can find options in the Running Trails around Furnace Creek guide, including routes like the Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral or a loop around Harmony Borax Works. Remember to run during cooler parts of the day and carry water.
Where can I find parking for the Golden Canyon Trail?
The trailhead for the Golden Canyon Trail is located off Badwater Road, approximately two miles south of Highway 190. There is a designated parking lot at the trailhead, which also features an information board and often has self-guided tour brochures available.
What is the Red Cathedral?
The Red Cathedral is a striking crimson cliff that rises dramatically behind the yellow and brown formations of the Golden Canyon. It's a natural monument known for its red rocks that have eroded into impressive pillar-like structures, offering a stunning visual contrast to the surrounding landscape.
What do visitors enjoy most about Zabriskie Point?
Visitors particularly love Zabriskie Point for its spectacular sunset and sunrise vistas. The easy accessibility and the breathtaking backdrop of eroded furrows and ocher-colored mud deposits make it a favorite spot for photography and enjoying the vast desert scenery.
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