Badwater Basin's Salt Flats

Taking a walk on the salt flats at Badwater Basin is like no other experience in Death Valley National Park. These flats cover nearly 200 square miles across the park, which makes them one of the world’s largest protected salt flats. With an elevation of 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin is known to be the lowest point in North America.

Just a short walk from the parking lot, you’ll start off by walking on the mouth of the basin’s salt flats. After walking out for a ways the salt flats extend out in all directions allowing you to explore the unique and peculiar landscape. The salt flats create illusions with perspective that allows for some creative photography. As you walk past this area, you’ll see the crust of hexagonal salt shapes, which are unique in itself. The salt flats form due to the vast amount of salts being deposited in the enclosed basin that doesn’t allow for any drainage to the sea and the dry arid climate helps along this process.