Hexagonal Salt Formations at Badwater Basin - Death Valley National Park
These photos of Badwater Basin were taken during a trip to Death Valley National Park on Thanksgiving Weekend of 2009. Out of all of Death Valley’s incredible tourist sights, including Zabriskie Point, Dante’s View, The Devil’s Golf Course, the Artist’s Drive, and the Mesquite Sand Dunes- I most enjoyed my time spent at Badwater Basin.
Badwater Basin’s claim to fame is that it sits at the lowest point of elevation in all of North America, at 282 feet below sea level. Incredibly, the highest point of elevation in the lowest 48 states (Mt. Whitney) is only 76 miles West of here! The area was given its name due to a small pool of water right next to the parking lot, spoiled by the incredibly high concentration of salt, rendering it completely undrinkable.
I didn’t see puddles of water anywhere else in Death Valley, so this place certainly must have been extremely frustrating to early people traveling through the area. The entire basin is covered in complex and intricate salt-crystal structures of magnificent beauty. I can confidently say that Badwater Basin is one of the coolest places I’ve ever been, and I would say it’s a must-see destination. As unique as this place is, you can’t pass it up.
The "Badwater" Puddle - Badwater Basin - Death Valley National Park
Looking North From Badwater Basin - Death Valley National Park
Clouds over Badwater Basin - Death Valley National Park
More Salt Formations at Badwater Basin - Death Valley National Park
Contrasting Colors at Badwater Basin - Death Valley National Park
Detail of Salt Formations at Badwater Basin - Death Valley National Park
Close-Up of Salt Pinnacles - Badwater Basin - Death Valley National Park
Mountains of Salt at Badwater Basin - Death Valley National Park
Salt Formations in Badwater Basin - Death Valley National Park
Concentrated Salt-Crystal Structure at Badwater Basin - Death Valley National Park
Salt Lines in the Sand at Badwater Basin - Death Valley National Park