Badwater Basin

We were lucky enough to see this iconic view with the lake. It had recently rained in December so the water hasn’t yet evaporated. Even though we went in January, the basin was HOT and the air was dense. The drive to get there from the visitor center is about 18 miles down an out and back road and felt long. When you’re there, don’t forget to look up on the valley wall for the sea level sign.

Such a unique and beautiful place — totally worth visiting. Tip: if you plan to step into the water or walk far on the salt flats, bring proper shoes and a change of clothes. Definitely recommend it — just come prepared

Absolutely gorgeous especially with present water along the basin if you walk beyond the boardwalk. Most people walk straight with the boardwalk, but I'd say the best views are a short car ride a little further down Badwater Road towards Jubilee Pass (away from Furnace Creek). If you have the chance, pull over to the side at these additional spots and walk to the waters edge there its absolutely spectacular. The water is like a mirror and if there is no wind its a complete reflection of the mountains around. I went as of Feb. 8-9 during Dark Sky Festival so the present water was from unusually high rainfall during the winter. It is the lowest, driest, and hottest of the Western Hemisphere, and some records on Earth. Even during winter it is incredibly drying along the salt flats, so bring more water than needed even on a short walk. It is within the valley so sunrise is after official times and sunsets beyond the mountains before official times. As of February the sunset photos I got were just before 5pm.

A unique experience in Death Valley - there is a large parking lot and then a level walk out onto the salt flats, as far as you want to go. I recommend walking out a half mile or more. Depending on rain, there can may be a shallow lake that reflects the surrounding mountains. Even if the parking lot feels full, there is so much space on the salt flats that it never feels crowded.

We visited when there was accumulated water, and it was incredible. The water acts like a mirror, reflecting the sunset with unreal colors. The salt flats are fascinating to walk on. If you stay after sunset, the stars are amazing—just be sure you’re comfortable driving back in complete darkness, as it’s very remote.

Love walking on the salt flats. You feel small when you look wayyyy up to see the sea level marker!! Worth the drive!

It was full of water when I went, I suggest you bring sandals because the salt hurts. One thing to remember is that you should never put your whole body in the water or your arm, the salt solidifies like rock....but nonetheless it is beautiful.

The rain the day before made it flat and difficult to see their texture, but it remains a good place to visit.