Below Sea Level: Walking the Salt Polygons of Badwater Basin
Walk the continent’s lowest point—salt flats, searing light, and some of America’s darkest skies
You arrive at Badwater Basin in the late afternoon and the light has already started to sharpen the land into planes of white and bone. The basin itself is a relentless, pale ocean—an inland sea that has long since evaporated, leaving a skin of salt patterned into hexagonal polygons like the cracked scales of something ancient. Underfoot the crust can be fragile and glassy; it breaks under a boot with a sound like thin ceramic. The air tastes dry and mineral-rich. All around, the Panamint Range folds up like a blackened spine, and far off shimmering heat makes the valley floor look as if it were breathing.
Trail Wisdom
Hydrate before you arrive
Bring at least 2 liters per person for short visits and more if you plan to walk the flats; there’s no shade or potable water at the trailhead.
Protect your eyes and skin
The white salt reflects sunlight—use high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and sunglasses with UV protection.
Watch the crust
Stay on firmer crust or the designated boardwalk—recent rains can leave edges soft and unstable.
Plan travel times wisely
Visit at sunrise, late afternoon, or join a sunset-stargazing tour to avoid midday heat and capture better light.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Zabriskie Point for sunrise views of badland formations
- •Nearby Mosaic Canyon for a short slot-canyon scramble and polished marble walls
Wildlife
Bighorn sheep, Kit fox
Conservation Note
Stay on designated paths and avoid removing salt; Death Valley is fragile—pack out all waste, and support Dark Sky-friendly practices for night tours.
Badwater and the surrounding valley were central to borax operations in the late 19th century and are ancestral lands of the Timbisha Shoshone people.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: wildflower displays in parts of the park, mild daytime temperatures, photography of crisp light
Challenges: occasionally muddy after rare spring storms, cool nights
Spring offers comfortable daytime temperatures and, in wet years, desert wildflowers elsewhere in the park; the salt flats are usually accessible.
summer
Best for: empty roads and solitude, dramatic heat-haze landscapes
Challenges: extreme heat (often >110°F/43°C), limited services and high risk of heat illness
Summer is brutally hot—most visitors avoid Badwater during peak months; travel only with significant preparation and avoid midday exposure.
fall
Best for: pleasant hiking weather, clear skies for stargazing, fewer crowds than winter
Challenges: cooler nights and occasional wind
Fall balances milder daytime temperatures and excellent skies for sunset and night photography; it’s a great shoulder-season option.
winter
Best for: comfortable day temps for walking, brilliant low-angle light, stargazing on clear nights
Challenges: cold nights and potential for brief winter storms
Winter is the optimal visiting season for most travelers—temperatures are comfortable and the site's scale is easy to explore.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Large-capacity water bottle or hydration bladderEssential
Keeps you hydrated in dry desert air where dehydration can set in quickly.
Sturdy closed-toe shoesEssential
Protects feet from sharp salt crystals and uneven crust.
UV sunglasses and broad-brim hatEssential
Reduces glare off the salt and protects skin and eyes from intense sunlight.
High-SPF sunscreen and lip balmEssential
Essential for prolonged exposure to reflected sunlight and dry air.
Common Questions
How deep below sea level is Badwater Basin?
Badwater Basin sits about 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level, the lowest point in North America.
Can I walk across the entire salt flat?
You can walk onto the salt flats from the boardwalk, but distances are deceptive—many visitors walk 1–3 miles round trip; avoid areas with soft crust and monitor weather.
Is Badwater Basin open year-round?
Yes—Badwater is accessible year-round, but conditions vary: summer heat can be dangerous, while winter and spring are the most comfortable seasons.
Are there guided tours that include Badwater Basin?
Yes—many day tours from Las Vegas and Los Angeles include Badwater as a highlight, often combined with Dante’s View, Zabriskie Point and Artists Palette.
Is there drinking water or restrooms at Badwater?
Restrooms are available near the parking area but there is no potable water—bring your own and pack out trash.
What wildlife might I see around Badwater?
Expect hardy desert species such as bighorn sheep, kit foxes, jackrabbits and a variety of birds—wildlife is more active in cooler parts of the day.
What to Pack
Water (2+ liters), sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), sturdy closed-toe shoes (protect from salt), light layers (desert temperature swings).
Did You Know
Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America at approximately 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level.
Quick Travel Tips
Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for best light; bring ample water and snacks; check vehicle cooling systems and fuel before entering the park; expect limited cell service and bring a paper map.
Local Flavor
Stop at Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells for classic desert coffee, date shakes, and exhibits at the park visitor center; the area’s small hospitality scene centers on resorts like The Oasis at Furnace Creek and historic sites that tell the story of borax and native cultures.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest lodging: Furnace Creek; park fee required; paved road access; typical drive time from Las Vegas ~2–2.5 hours; bring water, sun protection and a full tank of gas.
Sustainability Note
Respect fragile salt crusts by staying on designated paths, avoid collecting geological samples, pack out all waste, and choose guided operators who practice dark-sky stewardship.