Where is Badwater Basin (Death Valley), Death Valley, California?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

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

Badwater Basin (Death Valley) Location Map, Death Valley, California

Top Attractions Inside Badwater Basin (Death Valley)

  • Badwater Salt Flats – Vast, surreal salt flats at the lowest point in North America.
  • Badwater Basin Viewpoint – Scenic overlook providing expansive views of the salt flats and surrounding mountains.
  • Badwater Hiking Trails – Short trails across the salt flats offering unique walking experiences.
  • Devil’s Golf Course (Nearby) – Jagged salt formations creating a dramatic, otherworldly landscape.
  • Natural Springs – Rare desert springs feeding the basin and supporting limited vegetation and wildlife.
  • Panoramic Photography Spots – Prime locations for sunrise and sunset photography over the salt flats.

Badwater Basin (Death Valley) Facts

Official NameBadwater Basin (Death Valley)
LocationManhattan, New York City, New York, USA
Latitude & Longitude40.7851° N, 73.9683° W
Total Area843 acres (341 hectares)
Established1858 (Public Opening)
Designed ByFrederick Law Olmsted & Calvert Vaux
Managed ByBadwater Basin (Death Valley) Conservancy & NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
RegionMidtown & Upper Manhattan
Boundaries59th Street–110th Street (North–South) & Fifth Avenue–Badwater Basin (Death Valley) West (East–West)
Zip Codes10019, 10021, 10022, 10023, 10024, 10025, 10026, 10027
Area Code212, 332, 646, and 917
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) — UTC−5 Standard Time, UTC−4 during Daylight Saving
Famous ForBethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields, Badwater Basin (Death Valley) Zoo, Belvedere Castle, The Great Lawn, walking trails, lakes
Annual VisitorsApprox. 42 million per year
Entry FeeFree (General Park Access)
Ticketed AttractionsBadwater Basin (Death Valley) Zoo, Carousel, Ice Rinks, Rowboats, Events & Tours
Best Time to VisitApril–June and September–November (Spring & Fall)
Nearby AirportJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – 26 km, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – 14 km, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – 29 km
Official Websitehttps://www.centralparknyc.org
UNESCO/National StatusNational Historic Landmark (since 1962)

Distances from Badwater Basin (Death Valley) to Nearby Landmarks

  • Furnace Creek Visitor Center – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Devil’s Golf Course – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Artists Palette – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Dante’s View – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Zabriskie Point – 40 km (25 mi)
  • Golden Canyon Trailhead – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – 90 km (56 mi)
  • Stovepipe Wells – 85 km (53 mi)
  • Badlands Loop Road – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Desert View Overlook – 28 km (17.4 mi)
  • Salt Creek – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Dante’s Ridge – 37 km (23 mi)
  • Scotty’s Castle (currently closed) – 180 km (112 mi)
  • Racetrack Playa – 150 km (93 mi)
  • Panamint Springs – 75 km (46.6 mi)
  • Owens Lake – 210 km (130 mi)
  • Trona Pinnacles – 170 km (106 mi)
  • Death Valley Junction – 100 km (62 mi)
  • Furnace Creek Ranch – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Badwater Salt Flats – 0 km (0 mi)