Last updated: April 26, 2021
Thing to Do
Visit Badwater Basin
A visit to Badwater Basin is an otherworldly experience! This large salt flat is home to the lowest elevation in North America, at - 282 feet (-86 m) below sea level. Enjoy the view from your vehicle during the summer, or during cooler months, take a walk out onto the salt flat. A short 1/4 mile (400 m) walk will bring you to the salt polygons that Death Valley is famous for. These large salt formations, in the shape of a large polygon, form a unique landscape that appears to stretch on forever.
Details
Duration
1-2 Hours
Badwater Basin is located 30 minutes south of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Most visitors will choose to drive to Badwater, view or hike on the salt flat, and then return north on Badwater Road the way they drove in. This would require the minimum time of one hour. If you are interested in hiking longer, just add the amount of time you would like to spend on the salt flat.
Activity
Scenic Driving
Badwater Basin can be viewed from your vehicle in the parking area. Many visitors hike out onto the salt flat. There is no designated trail, but we advise visitors to choose a path where others have already walked to minimize damage. Badwater Basin is also a nice spot for night sky viewing and photography.
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are only permitted along roads, to campgrounds, picnic areas, and other developed areas of the park, but they must be restrained or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
Other than service animals, pets are not allowed inside most buildings or on trails (including to Zabriskie Point), but you also can not leave them in your car while you are away. Most pet owners find that both their pets and themselves are happier if the pets are left at home or in a kennel.
Other than service animals, pets are not allowed inside most buildings or on trails (including to Zabriskie Point), but you also can not leave them in your car while you are away. Most pet owners find that both their pets and themselves are happier if the pets are left at home or in a kennel.
Activity Fee
Yes
Included with entrance fee into Death Valley or approved pass. Please display your pass in your vehicle's windshield.
Location
Badwater Basin
From Highway 190 at Furnace Creek, travel 17 miles south on Badwater Road to the Badwater Basin parking area.
Reservations
No
Season
Winter, Spring, Fall
Visiting in the summer means mostly staying in your vehicle and enjoying the view of the salt flat. We do not recommend being outside of your airconditioned vehicle for longer than 15 minutes during the extreme summer heat.
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Daytime is the most popular time to visit. Sunrise and Sunsets from here are usually spectacular, as there is a large horizon.
Accessibility Information
Badwater Basin can be viewed from your vehicle in the parking area. Exiting your vehicle and accessing the wooden boardwalk can be done by a short, paved ramp. The wooden boardwalk is older wood, so it is not entirely level. Beyond the short wooden boardwalk, the salt flat has been flattened like hard packed sand for 1/4 mile.