Where is Badwater Basin, Death Valley, California?

Written by | Updated On: December 08, 2025, 13:55 ET

Badwater Basin is located in Death Valley National Park, California, USA.It lies between the Black Mountains and the Panamint Range, situated in the southern part of Death Valley, and is famous for being the lowest point in North America and its wide salt flats.

Badwater Basin Location Map, Death Valley, California

Top Attractions Inside Badwater Basin

  • Badwater Salt Flats – Vast, otherworldly salt formations at the lowest point in North America.
  • Badwater Basin Boardwalk – Short walkway offering close-up views of the polygon-shaped salt crusts.
  • Devil’s Golf Course – Jagged salt formations creating a dramatic and rugged landscape.
  • Artist's Drive Overlook (nearby) – Colorful mineral-streaked hills visible on the scenic loop road.
  • Natural Bridge Trail (nearby) – Short hike to a massive sandstone natural arch in a desert canyon.
  • Panamint Range Views – Stunning mountain backdrop contrasting with the flat white salt basin.

Badwater Basin Facts

Official NameBadwater Basin
LocationDeath Valley National Park, Inyo County, California, USA
Latitude & Longitude36.2504° N, 116.8258° W
Total Area~200 square miles (518 square kilometers) of salt flats
OpenedNatural Formation (Protected since 1933 as part of the national monument)
FounderNatural Geological Formation (Later protected by the U.S. National Park Service)
Managed ByU.S. National Park Service
RegionDeath Valley, Mojave Desert
AddressBadwater Road, Death Valley National Park, CA 92328, USA
Zip Code92328
Area Code760
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) - UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptExtreme Desert Landscape, Salt Flats, Lowest Point in North America
Sections (Lands)Salt Flats - Badwater Pool - Black Mountains Overlook - Artist’s Drive Nearby
Famous AttractionsSalt Hexagon Patterns - Lowest Elevation Sign (-282 ft) - Panamint Range Views
Annual VisitorsApprox. 1,000,000+ visitors to Death Valley National Park (Badwater Basin is top attraction)
Entry Fee TypeNational Park Entrance Fee Required
Ticket Price Range~$30 per vehicle (valid 7 days) - $15 per individual
Ticket OptionsPark Vehicle Pass - Individual Pass - Annual National Parks Pass (America the Beautiful)
Best Time to VisitNovember–March (Cooler temperatures and safe conditions)
Nearby AirportFurnace Creek Airport (Local) – Major: Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) ~120 miles
TransportationCar Access via Badwater Road - Parking Area - Hiking Access to Salt Flats
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/deva

Distances from Badwater Basin to Nearby Landmarks

  • Devil’s Golf Course – 11 km (7 mi)
  • Mushroom Rock – 13 km (8 mi)
  • Artist’s Palette – 16 km (10 mi)
  • Artist’s Drive Scenic Loop – 15 km (9 mi)
  • Golden Canyon Trailhead – 19 km (12 mi)
  • Furnace Creek Visitor Center – 27 km (17 mi)
  • Zabriskie Point – 32 km (20 mi)
  • Harmony Borax Works – 31 km (19 mi)
  • Dante’s View – 40 km (25 mi)
  • Stovepipe Wells – 54 km (34 mi)
  • Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – 62 km (39 mi)
  • Rhyolite Ghost Town – 60 km (37 mi)
  • Beatty, Nevada – 56 km (35 mi)
  • Death Valley Junction – 81 km (50 mi)
  • Panamint Springs – 80 km (50 mi)
  • Wildrose Charcoal Kilns – 105 km (65 mi)
  • Ubehebe Crater – 110 km (68 mi)
  • Father Crowley Vista Point – 130 km (81 mi)
  • Shoshone, California – 74 km (46 mi)
  • Ashford Mill Ruins – 11 km (7 mi)