Badwater Basin is a must-stop on any first trip to Death Valley. The elevation here is –282 feet, making this the lowest locale in North America. A wooden “Sea Level” plaque 282 feet over Badwater Basin lets visitors know just how low they’ve come.

Being able to brag about how far below sea level you’ve been is not the only reason to stop at Badwater Basin. Because this area gets so little rainfall (less than two inches annually) and no water can flow out of the basin, the water gets trapped and evaporates, leaving behind mineral deposits that cover the basin like a salty dusting of snow.

Badwater Basin

A boardwalk allows for a bizarre walk across the basin, and is the best way to take in the unique surroundings. The surface is made up of a chaotic network of rough fissures created when newer salt breaks out from beneath the crust. Stepping across this barren bed of NaCl offers a clear understanding of the extreme harshness of survival in Death Valley.

Across the valley rises the 11,049-foot tall Telescope Peak, the tallest in Death Valley. Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the lower 48, is less than 100 miles away.

Hikers on the salt flats

To look down on Badwater Basin from the Black Mountains behind the boardwalk, visit Dante’s View 5,700 feet above.

To get to Badwater Basin: From Furnace Creek, drive seventeen miles south on Badwater Road. The parking area for Badwater Basin will be on the right. The road passes Artist’s Drive, another worthy attraction with unique Death Valley geology.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

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Photos

 

                 

These photos were taken in November of 2009. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails & Attractions

 

	Artist’s Drive This 9-mile drive crosses a sloping mountainside composed of vibrant soil colored by rich metals.
	Dante’s View This towering overlook above Badwater Basin offers panoramic views of Death Valley.
	Golden Canyon – Gower Gulch Loop This 4-mile loop visits some of the most stunning terrain in Death Valley.
	Natural Bridge Canyon The 2-mile round-trip hike up Natural Bridge Canyon is a great trek for those interested in learning about the geological history of Death Valley.
	Sidewinder Canyon This 4 to 7-mile hike visits narrow slot canyons full of pour-overs, carve outs, and dark passages that beg to be explored.

Camping

 

Death Valley Campgrounds There are nine campgrounds spread throughout this large park to facilitate your visit.

More Info

 

USGS geology field trip of Badwater Basin

Badwater Basin on wikipedia

The official website for Death Valley