Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park is home to the lowest point in North America, 282 ft (86 m) below sea level. The incredible landscape of vast salt flats is composed mostly of sodium chloride (table salt), along with calcite, gypsum, and borax. Visitors can take an easy 1.5-2 mile (2.4-3.2 km) roundtrip walk out onto the salt flats to see astounding geometric salt polygons forming due to groundwater rising up through sediment and salt deposits. On this journey, visitors will also get breathtaking views of Telescope Peak and the Black Mountains, and can look up to a sealevel sign high on the cliffs to appreciate the steep vertical relief in such a close distance. Whether visitors choose to explore Badwater Basin or just take in the breathaking views from the accessible boardwalk, it is sure to be a memorable experience!

Pet-friendly: No

Soft adventure: Yes!

Seasonality: All seasons, but we would not recommend going in the summer due to excessive heat.

Fee: Park entry fees change from season to season ($25-$30)