Badwater Basin CA

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Lyd

We were lucky enough to see this iconic view with the lake. It had recently rained in December so the water hasn’t yet evaporated. Even though we went in January, the basin was HOT and the air was dense. The drive to get there from the visitor center is about 18 miles down an out and back road and felt long. When you’re there, don’t forget to look up on the valley wall for the sea level sign.

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paola andrea pastor chacon

Such a unique and beautiful place — totally worth visiting. Tip: if you plan to step into the water or walk far on the salt flats, bring proper shoes and a change of clothes. Definitely recommend it — just come prepared

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Jonathan Reed

Absolutely gorgeous especially with present water along the basin if you walk beyond the boardwalk. Most people walk straight with the boardwalk, but I'd say the best views are a short car ride a little further down Badwater Road towards Jubilee Pass (away from Furnace Creek). If you have the chance, pull over to the side at these additional spots and walk to the waters edge there its absolutely spectacular. The water is like a mirror and if there is no wind its a complete reflection of the mountains around. I went as of Feb. 8-9 during Dark Sky Festival so the present water was from unusually high rainfall during the winter. It is the lowest, driest, and hottest of the Western Hemisphere, and some records on Earth. Even during winter it is incredibly drying along the salt flats, so bring more water than needed even on a short walk. It is within the valley so sunrise is after official times and sunsets beyond the mountains before official times. As of February the sunset photos I got were just before 5pm.