Badwater Basin Badwater Basin is an endorheic basin in Death Valley National Park, Death Valley, Inyo County, California, noted as the lowest point in North America, with a depth of 282 ft below sea level. Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous 48 United States, is only 84.6 miles to the northw…Badwater Basin
What is the Devils golf course?
Christened after a 1934 National Park Service guidebook declared that “only the devil could play golf on such rough links” the Devils Golf Course certainly is a boggling piece of geography. Located on the valley floor of Death Valley, near Badwater, this expansive salt pan is the home to a sea of large halite salt crystal formations.
What is Badwater Basin in Death Valley?
Badwater Basin is a HUGE area of salt flats in Death Valley! And when I say huge, I mean HUGE huge (at ~5 miles wide and ~8 miles long). They’ve been formed by water coming into the basin (by rain), and then drying up super quickly due to the insane heat. Essentially, the salt flats of Badwater Basin are just leftover salt from evaporated water.
What are the salt flats of Badwater Basin?
Essentially, the salt flats of Badwater Basin are just leftover salt from evaporated water. When heavy storms occur (and they do!), the water forms temporary lakes, which then evaporate! This has happened for thousands (upon thousands) of years, creating this spectacular scene for us all to enjoy!
How do I get to Devil’s Gold Course?
Devil’s Gold Course is relatively easy to reach and accessible by car. The level dirt road to the heart of the formations and a parking lot is 7-miles south of the Furnace Creek Visitors Center, off Badwater Road. In dry weather, this is an easy drive even for 2-wheel drive cars but it can be closed on occasion due to weather conditions.
Why is it called Devil's Golf Course?
The Devils Golf Course gets its name from a guidebook back in the '30s that stated: “Only the devil could play golf on such a surface.” The most interesting fact I saw when researching this place is that when the miners were exploring this area, they saw that the salt and gravel beds could extend up to 1000 feet deep ...
Why is it called Badwater Basin?
Stories suggest that Badwater Basin earned its name when a mule belonging to an early surveyor refused to drink from the spring-fed pool near the present-day boardwalk. However, the water here is not truly “bad,” just very salty. Despite this high salinity, many organisms not only survive, but thrive here.
Where does the salt come from in Badwater Basin?
The source of Badwater's salts is Death Valley's drainage system of 9,000 square miles—an area larger than New Hampshire.
Does Badwater Basin have water?
Badwater Basin has a small natural pool of undrinkable water next to the road. The water comes from a spring. It is called 'Badwater' because people cannot drink the water....Badwater BasinPrimary inflowsAmargosa RiverPrimary outflowsTerminal (evaporation)Basin countriesUnited StatesSettlementsBadwater, California6 more rows
Is Badwater Basin the lowest point in the world?
The lowest point is 282 feet below sea level. Formed by movement in the Earth's crust and water evaporation. Badwater Basin is not only the lowest point in California but also the nation. The salt flats in Badwater cover nearly 200 square miles making it the largest protected salt flat in the world.
How was Badwater Basin created?
After millions of years of slow sediment deposits had laid down the foundation materials, and violent periods of volcanism and tectonic shifting had added to and shaped them, the primary landscape of Badwater Basin had been established.
Can you take salt from Badwater Basin?
Yup, there's actually water out here in the middle of the desert! Badwater Pool (which you can see from the boardwalk — more below), isn't poisonous, just exceptionally salty.
What does Badwater mean?
Badwater may refer to: Badwater Basin, Death Valley, California; the lowest elevation point in North America. Badwater, California, an unincorporated community located near the basin. Badwater Ultramarathon, run between the basin and the slopes of Mount Whitney.
Why is Death Valley so flat?
“Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park is the lowest point in North America, with an elevation of 282 ft below sea level. At Badwater, significant rainstorms flood the valley bottom periodically, covering the salt pan with a thin sheet of standing water.
Can you drive on Badwater Basin?
Tucked away in Death Valley National Park, in California, the road to Badwater Basin is totally paved. It's called Badwater Road (CA 178). Starting at Furnace Creek (on CA-190), the drive is 15.5 miles (24.94km) long.
Why is Badwater Basin in Death Valley so low in elevation?
Death Valley is the lowest point in North America. Rain and minerals dissolved from rocks drain to lower elevations.
Why is Death Valley so hot?
Why so Hot? The depth and shape of Death Valley influence its summer temperatures. The valley is a long, narrow basin 282 feet (86 m) below sea level, yet is walled by high, steep mountain ranges. The clear, dry air and sparse plant cover allow sunlight to heat the desert surface.
What does Badwater mean?
Badwater may refer to: Badwater Basin, Death Valley, California; the lowest elevation point in North America. Badwater, California, an unincorporated community located near the basin. Badwater Ultramarathon, run between the basin and the slopes of Mount Whitney.
Why is the Death Valley called the Death Valley?
Why is it called Death Valley? Death Valley was given its forbidding name by a group of pioneers lost here in the winter of 1849-1850. Even though, as far as we know, only one of the group died here, they all assumed that this valley would be their grave.
Why is Badwater Basin in Death Valley so low in elevation?
Death Valley is the lowest point in North America. Rain and minerals dissolved from rocks drain to lower elevations.
Can you walk on the salt flats in Death Valley?
Enjoy the view from your vehicle during the summer, or during cooler months, take a walk out onto the salt flat. A short 1/4 mile (400 m) walk will bring you to the salt polygons that Death Valley is famous for.
Badwater Basin
Our next stop for the day: Badwater Basin, home of the lowest point in the United States at 282 feet below sea level. It is also purportedly the record holder for highest temperature ever recorded–134 degrees Fahrenheit in 1913; however, further investigation into this claim has led weather experts to believe it’s not true.
Resources for Hikes
Death Valley National Park Map: This map was crucial to all our adventure in Death Valley National Park and it’s highly recommend that you take it, along with a compass (and knowledge of how to use them) on any hike in the park.
Trail Report Card (combining all the areas we visited this day)
Overall Grade: A+. Diversity galore and landscapes unlike anything we’d ever experienced or probably ever will again!
What Your Kids Should Take on a Hike to Stay Safe
Enter your email address for a free printable cheat sheet of what your kids should carry on a hike and the steps they should take if they become separated from you .
Geology of Devils Gold Course
Christened after a 1934 National Park Service guidebook declared that “only the devil could play golf on such rough links” the Devils Golf Course certainly is a boggling piece of geography. Located on the valley floor of Death Valley, near Badwater, this expansive salt pan is the home to a sea of large halite salt crystal formations.
Visiting Devils Golf Course
For most visitors, Devil’s Golf Course is a quick stop as part of a larger day trip. There are several information panels about the unique conditions that form the Golf Course and its history. But there is little else. There is no trailhead for exploring the Golf Course and not much that can’t be seen from the parking lot.
Accessing the Devils Golf Course
Devil’s Gold Course is relatively easy to reach and accessible by car. The level dirt road to the heart of the formations and a parking lot is 7-miles south of the Furnace Creek Visitors Center, off Badwater Road. In dry weather, this is an easy drive even for 2-wheel drive cars but it can be closed on occasion due to weather conditions.
Other Nearby Attractions
Devil’s Golf Course goes hand in hand with a day drive exploring many of the iconic sites in Death Valley. If you are based in Furnace Creek or some more northerly campground, hit the Golf Course on your way down to Badwater and then catch the Artists Drive Scenic Loop, a one-way scenic road, on your way north.
How low is the Badwater Basin?
Yup, that’s Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the United States (and North America!) at 282 feet below sea level! When you really think about it, visiting the salt flats in Death Valley is truly an otherworldly experience. Essentially, you’re walking on a HUGE desolate carpet full of table salt — with enormous mountains all around you!
What is the salt flats of Badwater Basin?
Essentially, the salt flats of Badwater Basin are just leftover salt from evaporated water. When heavy storms occur (and they do!), the water forms temporary lakes, which then evaporate! This has happened for thousands (upon thousands) of years, creating this spectacular scene for us all to enjoy!
Where are the salt flats in Death Valley?
How to get to the Badwater Basin Salt Flats. The salt flats in Death Valley are located in the south end of the national park, along Badwater Road. They’re about 20 minutes south of Furnace Creek (the main park hub), so definitely don’t miss them!
How far can you walk out of Death Valley?
Since the salt flats in Death Valley go on and on and on (for roughly 5 miles or so!), you can walk out in any direction as far as you like. Most visitors don’t walk all the way, but the longer you walk, the more rewarded you’ll be! Unfortunately, we didn’t actually make it to the crisp, white geometric salt formations.
When is the best time to visit Death Valley Salt Flats?
When to Visit the salt flats in Death Valley. Honestly, anytime between late October and early March will do. The entire park heats up drastically come mid-late March, with April seeing low-mid 90s°F! Yes, summer comes way early in Death Valley.
Does Badwater Basin have a pool?
So sometimes, there’ll be no pool at all ; all you’ll be able to see is the salty crust.
Is Death Valley in summer?
Yes, summer comes way early in Death Valley. You won’t wanna stay very long if you visit in summer — those scorching intense temps will drain you real quick! Since the salt flats in Death Valley are ~5 miles wide of flat ground without any vegetation, you’ll get zero shade cover. ZERO!
Where is Devil's Golf Course?
The Devil’s Golf Course is located on Salt Pool Road which is just off of Badwater Road; around halfway between Furnace Creek and Badwater. It’s really accessible and fully sign-post so you won’t have any problems finding it.
How hot is Death Valley?
Death Valley might be the desert that you expect it to be (and it is 40 degrees C!!) however formed over thousands of years the geology in the National Park is certainly something that will keep you interested.
What is the Death Valley Saltpan?
The Death Valley saltpan is one of the largest protected saltpans in North America. Salt continues to be deposited by recurring floods that occasionally submerge the lowest parts of the valley floor. Delicate salt formations are hidden among the harsh and rigid spires. Close inspect may reveal the tiny salt structures.
What to do once you have parked up in the desert?
Once you have parked up you’ll need to pluck up the courage to leave the comfort of your air conditioning and expose yourself to the dry desert heat. The landscape here stretches to the horizon and is extremely unique and certainly nothing like you would expect or will have likely ever seen before.
Is Death Valley National Park a desert?
Death Valley National Park has many areas of interest however as a desert there are very few things to actually ‘do’. Heading here is more a case of taking in the dramatic landscapes and appreciating the unique geology the surrounds you.