We had hoped that Death Valley in September wouldn't feel like, well, death, but unfortunately for us, it was still averaging 110 degrees during the time we were there. This meant that in order to take advantage of what the park had to offer, we had to get going as soon as the sun rose every day. After watching the sun rise at Zabriskie Point, we arrived at Badwater Basin at 8am when the temperature was manageable, actually pleasant but with each passing minute the temperature rose. by 9am, we were already starting to feel uncomfortable. Suffice to say, Badwater Basin is a must see. You cannot come to Death Valley and skip this area. Do yourself a favor and walk out about a mile where the salt patterns become more distinct (from fewer foot traffic). Going closer to sunrise or sunset will also give you optimal lighting for cooler photos (if that's your kind of thing). read more

Badwater Basin - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Death Valley, California

See all

When my wife had a work conference in Las Vegas, I had the opportunity to take the day to drive to Death Valley. No visit to this vast park is complete without visiting Badwater Basin. Lowest point in North America. 282 feet below sea level. It is in a vast salt flat, that you are allowed to walk on to. Visiting in December, the temperature was in the high 60's. I can't imaging coming in the heat of the summer when it is well over 120° regularly. Taking the day I was able to visit several places in the park and the desolate isolation, that can be found is something I found I enjoyed. Badwater Basin is not one of them though, people come here to see it and you will always have company here. If you have the chance, check this off of your to do list, hopefully you will find it as compelling and beautiful as I did. read more

See all

This was my first experience with Salt Flats and it did not disappoint. My boyfriend and sister were with me as we walked out to what appeared to be the point most visitors walk out to. I couldn't have asked to be at the lowest point in my life with anyone but these two ;) We had a fun time exploring and they built a saltman, sort of like a snow man but with salt and we left him behind. Warm! High 90s in April when we visited. Wear a hat, bring a bottle of water or camelbak (I went through almost 4 liters of water on just a few stops in Death Valley) that is how much you'll be drinking. Check your urine color, all that fun stuff because this place is warm and dry my friends! Be safe and enjoy the incredible views. read more

This is a tale of two basins. Some words of caution: First of all, we know why you're here: you'll do anything for the 'Gram. So do us all a favor and plan your trip. Bring your $10,000 camera equipment and all your Instagram model friends. But make sure you check the weather. There is basically a one week window (after heavy rains) when Badwater Basin becomes a magical place. After that, it's a wasteland made of salt, sand, and broken dreams. Second, if you're tying to catch some special moment like sunrise or sunset, give yourself extra time to find parking and walk the 1-2 miles to the 'good spot'. Again, this is probably best done in winter when the basin is not literal hell on earth. Lastly, DO NOT stay here after dark. I repeat, no amount of light will save you. HUGE ASS INSECTS AND BATS come out at night and they will swarm sources of light faster than you can say "night shot". I wouldn't stay out there without super repel and flamethrowers. ---- The Good: Badwater Basin is truly a beautiful and magical place. But since no one is actively sending live updates of the basin online, it's hard to gauge when it's the best time to visit. As a rule of thumb, go here in the winter after reports of HEAVY RAINS nearby. Two weeks following heavy rains in the mountains is also a good bet. Going after the rains also mean that the salt crystals are extra perky. That gives them extra shape, which makes for some stunning photos. You can spend hours just taking shots in the basin when there are perfect conditions. Yes, you can plan for it but there's a level of luck required as well. Remember: you're looking for recent heavy rains in the valley AND clear weather. The Bad: It's a drive whether you're from. Vegas is over two hours away. LA/OC is over four hours. So it's going to be a day trip and a long one at that. Make sure that you bring emergency supplies and extra keys in case you lose your keys. This is not a joke. If you lose your car, you CANNOT get towed out of the valley and you'll need a locksmith who will likely charge you $400-500 to make a new key. Keep that in mind. Even with AAA, it could take hours for them to reach you. Stay smart. Stay safe. The Ugly: You can plan everything out, not die, and still get suboptimal photos due to the changing weather conditions. For instance, when I returned a few weeks after that one beautiful day, the basin was bone dry and the salt crystals had been washed away. I even timed it after recent rains. Unfortunately, the rains also washed away all the salt and the basin didn't stay flooded long enough. This resulted in shots that weren't as dramatic or beautiful. This was also the time I stayed for the sunset and realized that HUGE ASS INSECTS AND BATS came out at night. read more

See all

Badwater Basin- the lowest point in the US- is one of the busiest spots, most popular places in Death Valley National Park. I wanted to get to the mountains across the salt flat but didn't know how far it went. read more

See all

Provender: the Badwater Basin is a great site to visit if you're staying in Death Valley. It is the lowest point in North America, approximately 283 feet below sea level. After walking down the ramp, you'll walk along a well trodden path that will lead you into the heart of the salt flats. (After walking for awhile is when you'll see the hexagonal shapes on the ground.) You'll be surrounded by mountains in what appears to be a sea of white. Prices: no admission fee. Parking: there is small lot with a (sometimes not so clean) restroom. The garbage cans are inside the two restrooms. People: fun for all. Perks: before you get in your car to leave, look up at the mountains closest on the other side of the road. You'll see a small white placard that shows where sea level is at. It'll give you an idea of how far below you are. Also, for you love birds out there . . . please don't carve a heart with initials inside. It detracts from the experience and no one really cares about your crappy relationship. Just sayin'. read more

See all

Visit Badwater Basin! Where else can you stand in the lowest point in North America looking up at the highest point in the contiguous US? What a sight to see. Spur of the moment decision to visit Death Valley since we don't live too far away. Visiting in early April is a great time of year to see it before it gets too hot. It is one of those bucket list items that people should have or should add. The parking area for Badwater Basin can be a bit hectic since everyone wants to make a stop here. There seems to be a constant flow of coming and going so you should be able to get a parking spot. A short walk down the path leads you to the salt flat which is the lowest point in N America. It's weird because it almost looks like snow is covering the ground. Of course we all know better since it's one of the hottest places on earth and way below sea level. It's unique and such a beautiful expanse. Seen it. Enjoyed it. Will treasure the experience forever. read more

See all

It's one of those things that you should just experience for yourself and be able to say that you stood below sea level. Came during February to avoid a scorching hot summer visit and the air was crisp, tourists are few and the snowcapped mountains surrounding the Basin just made our visit one to remember. read more

See all

Hot hot hot! Very cool! Respect the path- everything you do lasts- so don't walk off trail or carve anything in the ground! Take water, wear a hat! If you look towards the mountain behind here a sign that says sea level. Very cool to see the difference! read more

See all

Great place! Amazing to be so far below sea level! Had a lot of fun exploring around and taking photos.

Perfect time to visit! We went in mid December and once again in early January. Weather in the daytime was perfect and cool, although in the evening was very chilly. Badwater Basin was amazing. The formations and patterns of salt were amazing, the white backdrop against the dirt and various colors of the mountains was amazing. There were quite a lot of people but for the most part, most were wearing masks. The farther you walk out into the salt path, it gets less crowded and more peaceful. Its worth walking all they way out, as it seems most people didn't do the trek that far and you get more space to enjoy the moment and take it all in. read more

See all

This place is magical. Miles and miles of salt flats and during sunset this place feels like another planet. Recommend coming during sunset and hike far out if you want to avoid the crowds. Come during winter season and you'll get the best weather and sunsets. Parking: Small lot but you can park anywhere along the road if it's full. Location: 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, Golden Canyon and Natural Bridge. read more

Badwater Basin - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Death Valley, California

See all

Badwater, which is part of Death Valley National Park is a spot everyone can and should go. If you can't walk far, no problem, parking is a breeze and there is an actual walk way. Most of Death Valley is not easy to get to. The heat can be all consuming and if your car breaks down in the middle of no where, that can be a real drag. Badwater is patrolled, and your car will get you there, but always take water into the desert. If you go in the summer it can get up to 115 degrees with no problem and no warning. I usually go in the Fall or Winter. But Badwater is a place I am happy to travel to in June. The heat is all encompassing, but you are safe, your car is near, you have sunscreen on and a hat and a short walk will leave you hot, but amazed at the beauty that is Death Valley. This is the lowest point in the United States, it is about 282 feet below sea level at points. The salt flats are pretty easy to walk on and there are more colors than you would think in this hot, unforgiving place. Reds and greens and an orange you have never seen before (unless you have been to Australia) or some parts of Utah. It is just beautiful and it is a must see, at least once in your life. read more

This infamous wonder of the earth made you realize what happened when oceans dry up. The salt flats are truly amazing, despite being so bright in the sun the glare still binds you through the sunglasses. Badwater Basin produced a dilemma when we visited -- I want to be there at the right time where the sun is not directly overhead so it will produce the shadows of the salt circles marvelously -- but the spot is a bit too deep in Death Valley so you won't be too early when you arrive there, or if you get there in the afternoon you'd risk leaving too late in the darkness if you're going somewhere else after, like Las Vegas. But nevertheless, the overhead sun wasn't too bad and you will still marvel at the breathtaking view of hard salt rocks underneath your feet that stretches for miles. And yes, there is the lowest toilet in America, which, combined by the physics challenge to pump the water out -- and to bring water there at a place with less than 1 inch or rainfall per year -- showcases the engineering feat just to provide comfort to the visitors. read more

See all

I liked the drive to bad water basin. The place is hot. So I would suggest either go early before 10 am or late after 6 pm to avoid the heat. read more

See all

Went there this previous weekend and got there around 8:00am. Walking on top of the basin was a trip. I definitely recommend getting here in the morning. Felt like we were transported to an icy wonderland at first but then the heat hit us and that thought vanished. The salt isn't as expansive as most pictures make it look. It's more so a strip that extends out from the middle of the deck and then branches out in the far distance. You have to walk quite a ways before you can see undisturbed salt and get past all the patchy areas where people have trampled and written their initials on. There's a large mountain range that provides shade as you walk onto the basin but as the sun rises, the shade quickly recedes back to the parking lot. We took advantage of us to take nice pictures and retreat as the shade diminished. Cool thing I will point out though is that if you are on the basin and face the parking lot, you can look toward the middle of the mountain range and you'll see a very small sign that denotes exactly where sea level is. Compare where you're at and imagine how deep underwater you'd be if the entire basin was submerged. I just thought that was really cool to think about. read more

See all

Badwater basin is part of the death Valley national Park which is nearly 3,000,000 acres.. there are several excellent hotels and multiple sights of interest well worth the time and effort to visit read more

If you come to Death Valley, you have to come here to see and experience the lowest point on land 283 feet below sea level. There's a sign up on the cliff besides the highway to show you where sea level is way up there! Super nice for photography, especially the mornings. The walk out to the salt flat is not worth it. Better to spend your time exploring closer to the parking lot. Don't use the bathrooms if you can hold out. They smell really BAD! read more

Badwater Basin - Morning reflections - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Death Valley, California

See all

We went for sunset. It was beautiful, if you want to avoid the crowd, you have to walk a little bit. Easy to park but if a lot of people is coming can be difficult. It's one of my favorite place in Death Valley. read more

FROM 5,500ft ABOVE SEA LEVEL TO NEARLY 300 BELOW IN ONE DAY!!! BACKGROUND: The low, salty pool at Badwater, just beside the main park road 18 miles south of Furnace Creek, is probably the best recognized and most visited places in Death Valley. The actual lowest point (-282 feet) is located several miles from the road and is not easily accessible - in fact its position varies, but a sign in front of the pool proclaims it too to have an elevation of -282 feet, and it is here that everyone comes to take photographs. An expanded parking area and other new installations were constructed in fall 2003 to cope with the ever increasing visitor numbers at the site. STATS: 500 feet or less Below sea level Free on-site parking Restrooms with flush toilets are provided ESSENTIALS: A camera OUR ROUTE: With still a few moments of daylight after summiting Mt. Perry via Dante's View, me and The Crew checked out Badwater. After parking the cars we headed down the wooden ramp to a slightly elevated wooden path of travel, from there white fresh sea salt is is the path to follow, which heads in a western direction. Of course we all had to taste it. It wasn't bad at all, not too.....salty. At one point I turned around to watch where we were barely hours before on Dante's Ridge. And what did I my big blues see? A huge sign embedded in the rocky cliff high above that read, SEA LEVEL 150 ft. Oh my!!! I almost felt I needed scuba gear. The sheer idea of being so far below sea level, was at first kind of freaky, at least in my vivid imagination. Thankfully, there is no water in this area when we visited. Looking Westward, we could see Mt. Whitney, the highest summit in the contiguous United States and the Sierra Nevada, a peak I had just bagged about three months prior. Looking up at Mt. Whitney, snow was visible, and for a second I wondered if any of that snow was left over from when I got snowed in on the top. Nah. Anywhoo, me and The Crew were in Ahh with the breathtaking sunset. Everything was perfect, the weather, the clouds, the sun, the landscape, and of course the company. Sounds of digital cameras clicked away, as if hikers turned paparazzi. Very cool place to check out when visiting Death Valley. DISCLAIMER: Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please, if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepared. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles (more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing. Some areas the weather can change quicker than a fireman can put on his gear. It is also very important, always always always let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Lastly, have fun when you hike it up. Review 85 Yelp 100+ Challenge 2015 #deathvalley #hikingdeathvalley #hiking #belowsealevel read more

See all

I had been wanting to go here since seeing the "Badwater 135" and it was super cool. You definitely need to walk out into the salt flats for the real experience though! read more

See all

No trip to Death Valley is really complete without stopping at Badwater Basin. As home to the lowest point of elevation in North America at 282 feet below sea level, Badwater is surely worth a visit for this reason alone; and, the iconic stature that it enjoys is partly due to this fact. I say, "partly" because the basin, even if it were not a geographic extreme, would undoubtedly grab attention for its stunning salt flats. The flats, which start just beyond the visitor's parking lot, progress beyond the planks of a salt-caked wooden walkway and stretch onward to the horizon. As the wooden planks end, the path, consisting of nothing but trampled salt, mimics a torturous snow-packed tundra landscape or, more surely, the brutal surface of the moon. Walking deeper into the salt flats, with the air temperature routinely between 110 and 120 degrees in summer and the hot sun reflecting off the ghostly white surface, is physically taxing to be sure; but, strangely, the alien scene itself seems to lift one's feet with the gravity-reducing properties of an Apollo mission. I'd stop at intervals to soak up my surroundings, bend down to pick up some pure salt where nobody had yet stepped, and admire its tactile qualities. Every so often, I'd encounter a broken spot in the salt where someone, trying to find water, had dug a hole into the unforgiving ground. At one point, I stuck a thermometer into a dug hole; and, the temperature of the exposed water was a stunning 110 degrees. Out in the more distant reaches of the salt flats (at the point where, looking back, the people and cars in the parking lot appear to be no more than mere specks and where the beaten path of packed salt gives way to a virgin expanse where no one has yet dared to venture), it is possible to stand alone with the unrelenting heat and truly marvel at the entire basin itself. A mix of feelings (insignificance, wonder, clarity, and exhaustion) is likely to form something potentially memorable. One would be wise to pull a notepad out of one's backpack at this point to jot down a thought that might otherwise be lost in minutes. I know that, by the time, I had gotten back to my car without having had a notepad in my possession, I was, indeed, back on Earth and a poorer man for it. read more

See all

A pretty remote drive (very scenic) ... a pretty distant walk to the Salt Flats after you park (particularly in 105+ temps) ... just a whole lot of white, crusted landscape that is rather mundane to photograph. I tried, nonetheless. But ... It IS the lowest (and hottest) place in the U.S. read more

Badwater Basin - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Death Valley, California

See all

It's the reason most people come to Death Valley--to see the lowest point in the U.S.--and it's definitely worth the stop! Badwater Basin is gorgeous even without it's extreme record, and walking out onto the salt pans is always a highlight of our trips to DV. I recommend coming out here in the evening. Not only is parking far easier at this time, but the light reflects off of the white salt and makes it possible for people to linger way after sunset. Speaking of sunset, this is a prime spot for it. I hear that the benchmark that signifies the exact lowest point is out there somewhere, but I've never actually gone searching for it. I love it out here without finding the exact location! Everyone has to get a picture of the sign at the beginning of the boardwalk, but don't forget to look up as you walk back to see the sign way up on the hillside that shows you where sea level is! read more

See all

I've been fascinated with Badwater ever since a good friend of mine completed the Badwater Ultramarathon in July of 2009, a 135 mile race that started here in 125 degree heat. Finally being able to see it up close was awesome. The lowest point in the Western Hemisphere at 282 feet below sea level, visitors to Death Valley can walk on the salt flats and enjoy the sweeping views. There is a parking lot with restrooms and the ramp down to the salt flats is handicap accessible. Take a picture with the Badwater Basin sign and walk as far as your legs will take you. We were there on a picture perfect day with temps in the 50s, not 120s. I highly recommend a visit to this in Death Valley, a natural beauty only a two hour drive from Las Vegas. read more

See all

Badwater is a cool place to stop at when you are in Death Valley so you can tell people: "Hey, guess what? I was in the lowest part of the United States!" But other than that, there's not much else to see here besides the tourists. There are some salt flats that you can walk on, but it was too hot by the time we were there so I didn't feel like adventuring very far. There are some interesting placards to read explaining Badwater in more detail. Also, look for the sign on the side of the cliff showing you were sea level is in relation to Badwater. And for the love, don't throw your trash out in the water or jump over the fence to walk around! If you took the whole one minute to read the signs you would know that there are endangered snails out there and you are polluting their home! Some people's kids... read more

See all

Badwater Basin is a nice place to stop by if you're in Death Valley. You can boast that you've been to the lowest point in North America! The area is rather flat and you're surrounded by salt. The further you walk, the more natural formations of the salt crystal you can see. The boardwalk is covered in salt too. IT'S SALT HEAVEN! Good photo ops are where the sign of the Badwater Basin is. The salt water makes the reflections from nearby mountains strong. You can take macro shots of the water/salt or reflection shots. Go crazy! :) (And in case you were wondering, yes, if you lick the ground, it will taste like salt.) read more

AMAZING to be at the lowest point in N America at the bottom of an evaporated lake! The salt left here is so different from the huge boulder-like formations of the Devil's Golf Course. It is worth the trip down to see and explore this special place. The smooth fine while salt crystals are the texture of fine sugar, and, shockingly, were DAMP!! Maybe it was for to all the rain DV has seen this year, or maybe it's always this way here, near a saline pool habitat that the park service is trying to protect and help recover, but the dampness of the deep fine salt layer here blew our minds, since we had just come from be Devils Golf Course. The blinding white salt looked like snow. It was organised into shallow square depressions, probably caused by evaporation. We saw several even more delicate salt structures off the trail, they looked like cups. This is a magical place -- a true natural marvel. read more

See all

Too many people for our comfort level during this Covid time. Mask wearing here was spotty by folks at best. It is a special place to visit for sure - between being at the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere to experiencing the salty flatlands here. On our prior trip, not adjacent to a holiday weekend, we arrived here just after sunrise and had the place nearly to ourselves. It is absolutely a magnificent place and a must visit in Death Valley. We just enjoy it more in a far less crowded setting. read more

This was such a great experience, the fact that it's such a low point is crazy to me and the walk was amazing! The views and the salt on the grounds is interesting to see it takes about 15 min to walk at a normal to fast pace so much fun I will never forget this experience read more

Badwater Basin - We made it! Air was fresh sun was hot! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Death Valley, California

One of the "must-go" places in Death Valley. This place is a wonder of nature. read more

See all

We recently toured Death Valley and the first day we was here, there was a lot of rain and flash flooding. So, Badwater road where it meets 127 was closed. We had to go all the way around to 190, then to Badwater. However, when we got there it was pretty great. The rain had washed away a good amount of the salt but the site was unbelievable. Under a 121 degree sun it was surprisingly easy to handle. I am a huge fan of Furnace creek. It's really sad that the place is geared towards tourists- wealthy tourists. To get a room there, if there is one available, you need to shell $300+. read more

See all

Badwater Basin is so nice! Seriously a must see. It's super hot so I would recommend packing a cooler full of ice, water and snacks so you don't dehydrate. read more

Badwater Basin - So pretty! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Death Valley, California

Badwater Basin is the one of the iconic spots you see in all the travel information relating to Death Valley. Being the lowest elevation in the continental US, it's almost a "must do" while visiting the park. Because of it's popularity, it is definitely one of the more "touristy" areas of the park. If you just want to get out and take a quick look around, and take a picture of the famous Badwater Basin elevation sign, you can do that pretty easily without very much walking. If you are wanting to get out to the salt flats, it is a about a one mile walk. Although it's an easy flat walk, it's sort of boring because it is just a totally straight path in which you think you are closer than you actually are. We were there on a very clear day and the sky was amazingly blue, so the contrast between the sky and salt was really beautiful. Although there are lots of other people there as well, you can really spread out a lot and it doesn't feel overly crowded. I'd say all said and done we spent about an hour here with the walk out and back, and exploring around a little bit. read more

See all

One of my favorite stops in Death Valley because your over 200 feet below sea level. There's a boardwalk you can walk out into the salt flats but the suns reflection is fierce also bring water because you'll start to dehydrate. It's also a good place to stop and use the restroom. read more

Absolutely stunning views, from the low salt flats to the high rocky terrain. Best time to avoid the crowds is winter, we almost had the place to ourselves! read more

Badwater Basin - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Death Valley, California

This is the lowest place below sea level in the US and it's super accessible so there are masses of people whenever you go. I always try to avoid these overcrowded attractions in national parks, but it's a destination spot. The view from the basin floor is spectacular (if you can get a picture without people wandering into your cameras lens). The contrast here is stunning, you are 280ish feet below sea level at in of the hottest driest places yet you are surrounded by majestic mountains. I visited in December, so the mountain were snow capped. read more

Badwater Basin - Badwater with a litter rain at sunset - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Death Valley, California

The low point of the desert is the highlight of a visit to Death Valley. The basin here is several hundred feet below sea level and the only place in Death Valley where standing water can be found. The brackish water here isn't something you'd really want to drink though, or even slog through, so it's nice that there is a boardwalk to traverse over it. Keep your eyes peeled for unique tiny wildlife that only exists around these pools. In the summer, it is scorching hot, and in the winter it still can be, but don't be surprised if it's much chillier than expected. The drive is a bit lengthy from the northern part of the valley, but worth the detour. read more

Badwater Basin - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Death Valley, California

One of the coolest points of interest in Death Valley. Famously known for being the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin is an endorheic basin with salt flats that have accumulated making the water undrinkable. The salt flats are beautiful and although it was pretty crowded, you can get some decent shots. If you want photos without anyone else being in them, then you can go deeper into the basin, where the actual lowest point is; however, it's a pretty far walk, so bring comfy shoes and wear lots of sunscreen. read more

Badwater Basin - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Death Valley, California

See all

This is a cool place! Add this to your list of things to do if you plan on visiting Death Valley. There is plenty of parking and a bathroom here. read more

See all