Badwater Basin is located in Death Valley National Park, California.
Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park
It contains sodium chloride pools (depending on rainfall) and almost 200 square miles of salt flats.
Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park
There is a large parking area, including spots big enough for RV’s, as well as, wooden viewing/walking platforms.
Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park
You are allowed to walk on the salt flats. They extend for one mile, if you want to attempt to hike to the end of them. Hiking is not recommended after 10 am in the summer.
Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park
The flats are composed mostly of sodium chloride (table salt) with some calcite, gypsum, and borax.
Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park
As you can see, some people do venture far out onto the flats. It was incredibly hot, so we only went about 100 feet out. If you do hike in the park, take the heat and flash flood warnings very seriously. The park is over 3 million acres, cell service is spotty and unreliable in many areas, there is little to no shade in the entire park and temperatures soar above 120 degrees.
Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park
The Badwater Basin is not only the hottest place on the continent, it is also the lowest, at 282 feet below sea level.
Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park
If you look at the mountain behind the parking lot, you will be able to locate the sign which identifies where sea level is.
Things to Know Before You Go:
- The path to the overlook is wheelchair accessible. There is a ramp, as well as stairs.
- There are vault toilets located in the parking lot.
- The entrance fee for the park is currently $30/car; the America the Beautiful Pass is accepted here, as well. Check here for the most current price.
- The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- There are campgrounds and 4 hotels located in the park
- RV’s are allowed in the park and there are parking spaces here large enough to accommodate them.
Our next stop in the park was the Artist Drive Scenic Loop and the Artist’s Palette, about a 20 minute drive from Badwater Basin. As always, wishing you happy travels and fantastic adventures in this thing called life.
(All pictures are available as Fine Art Prints or Digital Downloads for purchase through Alamy. If you see something you like, click on the link. If you are unable to find it, use the Contact Me page and I will make sure the image is available.)
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Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park
