Golden Canyon to Zabriskie Point

Sample trip — replace with your own write-up.

A cool-season loop through the badlands below Zabriskie Point. Up through Golden Canyon with the Red Cathedral glowing at the head of it, over to the Zabriskie overlook, then back down Gower Gulch. Barely a plant in sight and somehow that's the whole appeal — pure rock and light.

Went in March and it was perfect; by May this is a furnace. Started at 8 and were back at the car before the heat built.

• Highlight: the folded, candy-striped badlands from Zabriskie at low sun.
• Note: carry more water than feels necessary, even in spring.