Let me virtually transport you to an arid stretch of land in California known as Badwater Basin. Acting as the lowest point in North America, this captivating floor of salt is also part of the hottest place on earth.
Where is Badwater Basin?
Located in a central area of Death Valley National Park, the large salty valley of Badwater Basin is a stark contrast from the mountains that surround it. If you’re traveling on the main road (CA-190) past Furnace Creek, head south on Badwater Road for about 15 miles.
Significance of Badwater Basin
What once was a 100 mile long lake 10,000 years ago is now a vast expanse of salty ground known as Badwater Basin. Acting as the lowest point in North America, it’s the 8th lowest place in the world at -282 feet below sea level.
The shallow land depths here in Death Valley allow temperatures to reach profound heights like it did in 1913. Badwater Basin is part of the area that holds the record for the hottest air temp on earth at 134.1°F.
While most low points throughout the world were created by river erosion, that’s not the case here. Major fault systems exist below the surface of Death Valley, which is located in the southwest area of the Basin and Range geomorphic province. The constant movement along those faults allowed the mountains surrounding Badwater to rise and the basin itself to sink.
Tips for Visiting
- Avoid the Crowds: Visit during the off-season from October – April. Parking at Badwater Basin is limited so RVs or trailers should visit in the morning or evening.
- Be Prepared: The temps in this area are no joke so explore Badwater Basin in the early morning or late evenings when temps are milder. Bring along the necessary hiking essentials, especially extra water and sunscreen, while exploring.
- Photography: Death Valley is an “International Dark Sky Park” and Badwater Basin is one of the best for starry shots. If you can’t stay up all night, visit in the early morning when the sun has yet to reach the valley.
Be sure to check the NPS website here for any current alerts or park info!
Exploring Badwater Basin
Before heading down the walkway towards the basin, turn around and look up at the mountains to see the ‘sea level’ sign. It’s truly unfathomable to think we should be swimming below the surface of the oceans at this elevation. Can you see it up there?
Walking down the stairwell, the start of the salty expanse begins. A bright red sign sticking out against the pale background warns of risks related to the intense temperatures of Badwater Basin.
Because of constant foot traffic, the salt formations aren’t as significant in this beginning stretch. Exploring on from here, you’ll have to go at least a half mile to experience the best of Badwater. In the middle of the valley, the formations of the salt appear in cylindrical arrangements creating the coolest effect on the icy-like ground.
Who knew that adventuring in the hottest place on earth would be so cool?!
Be sure to check out my Death Valley archive here for more first-hand tips for exploring!
Before heading into nature, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with the “Leave No Trace” principles.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry
Learn more about Leave No Trace on their website here.
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