Badwater Basin

Pan · Inyo County

Badwater Basin

Pan · Inyo County

1

California

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Badwater Basin by null
Badwater Basin by null
Badwater Basin by null
Badwater Basin by null
Badwater Basin by null
Badwater Basin by null
Badwater Basin by null
Badwater Basin by null
Badwater Basin by null
Badwater Basin by null
Badwater Basin by null
Badwater Basin by null
Badwater Basin by null
Badwater Basin by null
Badwater Basin by null
Badwater Basin by null
Badwater Basin by null
Badwater Basin by null
Badwater Basin by null
Badwater Basin by null

Highlights

Vast salt flats, lowest point in North America, otherworldly landscape  

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Last updated

Aug 25, 2025

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Death Valley National Park Guide, According to Experts

"A sprawling salt-flat basin that marks the continent’s lowest point at 282 feet below sea level, formed from the evaporation of ancient Lake Manly and covered in distinctive salt polygons; visitors who walk out onto the flats get the best views and photographic perspectives of those geometric salt patterns." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/death-valley-national-park-guide-8756322
View Postcard for Badwater Basin

Nook H

Google
Badwater Basin is one of the most iconic and surreal places in Death Valley—and the lowest point in North America! Standing 282 feet below sea level on that vast salt flat feels like stepping onto another planet. The white salt crust stretches endlessly in every direction, and the patterns on the ground are wild up close. It’s an easy walk from the parking lot to the basin, but the farther you go, the more dramatic and quiet it gets. Just be very careful in the summer—the heat is no joke. Bring plenty of water, wear a hat, and try to go early in the morning or near sunset when it’s cooler

Janis Ortega-Gomez

Google
Pretty amazing to visit the hottest place on earth! What looks like snow is vast swaths of salt, crunching beneath your feet and reflecting back the scorching sun! There’s a cool sign that points out your below sea level which is just incredible to imagine! Try not to venture too far away from the “boardwalk” path as it can disturb the natural ecosystem but definitely walk out far enough to witness the cool geometric patterns that grace the “sea” floor.

KICKING ROCKS CLUB

Google
Salt deposits cover the area looking like snow in the desert. The still water at the end of the short trail makes for awesome reflections. Time it with sunset for an amazing view.

Joshua

Google
Lowest place in the United States. It is very flat, with many areas having almost the same low elevation. In a cliff behind the parking lot, there is a sign that shows the sea level height. There is also an outhouse to go to the bathroom.

Halide Ebcinoglu

Google
Badwater Basin was one of the most unique places we visited during our USA trip. The landscape felt otherworldly—the vast salt flats and surrounding mountains create an amazing view that’s hard to describe. Walking on the cracked, hot ground was such an interesting experience. It was quite windy when we went, so we couldn’t stay as long as we wanted, but it was absolutely worth the visit. A must-see if you’re in Death Valley!

Paul Harvey

Google
Great place gets very hot I'd suggest late pm or early am. Two toilets on site but they are holes in the ground I've seen better builders porter loos. Take plenty of fluids and cover from the sun on a hot day.

pallbearers1969

Google
This place is best visited 1st thing in the morning. Make sure to bring a cooler with ice and water. You are 18 miles from the nearest Resort/Restaurant/General store.

Rahul Rajpure

Google
Badwater Basin is a surreal and breathtaking place! The vast salt flats create an otherworldly landscape, especially during sunrise or sunset. Standing at the lowest point in North America (282 feet below sea level) is a unique experience. The heat can be intense, so bring plenty of water. Definitely worth a visit for its stunning views and unique geology!