Where is Badwater Basin?
Usa, north-america
24.94 km
86 m
extreme
Year-round
Badwater Basin is a salt pan at 86m (282ft) below sea level, located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. At this elevation it’s
the lowest point in North America.
Where is Badwater Basin?
The basin is a surreal landscape of vast salt flats located in Death Valley National Park, in the eastern central part of California.
Why is it called Badwater Basin?
This site was once a lake, but as it has dried up, sediment and salt have accumulated here over time because the lake has no outlet.
A sign near the parking lot says that the area was named Badwater because a traveler was passing through and saw that there was water for his mule to drink.
However, because the water is so full of salt, the animal refused to drink it, and thus the name Badwater was born.
How long is the road to Badwater Basin in Death Valley NP?
The road to the 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.
The road is steep in parts, with a maximum gradient of 4% through some of the ramps. High in the rocky cliffs above the road, a sign reads 'SEA LEVEL', giving a good indication of just how low the land is.
Is Badwater Basin in Death Valley NP challenging?
You must be prepared and use common sense. At Badwater Basin, significant rainstorms flood the valley bottom periodically. Death Valley is one of the hottest places in the world, and climatic conditions in the park can be extreme.
With an air-conditioned vehicle, you can safely tour many of the main sites in Death Valley. Avoid canyons during rainstorms and be prepared to move to higher ground. While driving, be alert for water running in washes and across road dips.
Cell phones may not work in many parts of the park. Do not depend on them.
Is Badwater Basin in Death Valley NP worth it?
Plan around 30 minutes to complete the drive without any stops. It is a truly unique place to discover.
A visit to the basin is an otherworldly experience. This area is very popular, so be sure to note that if you go on a busy weekend. Badwater Basin can be viewed from your vehicle in the parking area
. The road passes Artist’s Drive, another worthy attraction with unique Death Valley geology.
How to drive the Sedona's Red Rock Scenic Byway in Arizona
Daniel’s Pass is a classic road trip in Utah
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 24.94 km
- Max Elevation
- 86 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHow long is Carretera Federal 95D?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Let's talk about Mexico's Carretera Federal 95D. This baby snakes for about 47 miles south of Mexico City through some seriously stunning mountain and valley scenery. But don't let the views totally distract you, because this road is a wild ride! You'll climb to a whopping 10,072 feet above sea level before plummeting down to 5,249 feet as you roll into Cuernavaca. Word on the street is that it has a reputation for being one of the trickiest highways around, thanks to one particularly nasty hairpin turn called "Nuevo Leon 20". So, keep your eyes on the road, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
moderateAn epic enthralling road to Carter Summit in CA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk about Carter Meadows Summit! This high-altitude pass sits way up in Northern California's Siskiyou County, chilling at 6,177 feet. You'll find it nestled in the stunning Klamath National Forest. The road itself, Callahan-Cecilville Road (aka County Road 1C02), is fully paved, but be warned, it gets pretty narrow in spots! Usually, you can cruise this route year-round, but keep an eye on the weather during winter – snow can definitely shut things down. It's always a good idea to double-check conditions before you go. This epic stretch of road clocks in at about 53 miles. You'll be winding your way from Forks of Salmon, right where the north and south forks of the Salmon River meet, all the way to Callahan. Get ready for some incredible scenery!
moderateArizona 62 is a beautiful road through Madera Canyon
🇺🇸 Usa
Highway 62 in Arizona: Get ready for some serious scenery! This gem winds through the Santa Rita Mountains, right in the heart of Coronado National Forest. It's about 13.6 miles long, starting from the smooth AZ-83 and heading towards E White House Canyon Road. The first 8 miles are paved, easy peasy. After that, it turns into a dirt road — rocky and a bit narrow in spots — but totally doable in a regular car if the weather's dry and you take it slow. Expect some twists, turns, and narrow sections. The road, also known as Box Canyon Road, climbs to a peak of 5,206 feet. Usually, it's open year-round, but keep an eye on the forecast. It can get hot in the summer and might even see a little snow in the winter. Don't worry about oncoming traffic though, there are plenty of pull-outs along the way.
hardDutchman Peak: Driving to the historic 1927 lookout in Oregon
🇺🇸 Usa
# Dutchman Peak: A High-Alpine Adventure in Southern Oregon Perched at 2,243 meters (7,358 feet) in Oregon's stunning Siskiyou Mountains, Dutchman Peak sits right on the border with California as part of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. What makes this summit special? It's home to one of the oldest continuously operating fire lookouts in the entire United States—a gorgeous 1927 cupola-style tower that still stands watch during fire season, staffed by dedicated volunteers and forest rangers. The landscape here is absolutely gorgeous: think windswept high meadows mixed with rocky ridges that define the whole region. On a clear day, you'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping 360-degree views stretching across Southern Oregon, with Mount Shasta's silhouette rising majestically to the south. It's the kind of summit that makes the effort worthwhile. Now, let's talk about getting there. Road 800 (also called Dutchman Peak Road) is completely unpaved, and the final stretch to the top is no joke. You're looking at steep, rocky terrain with scattered 10-inch rocks that'll happily wreck a standard vehicle's undercarriage or puncture your tires. You'll definitely want a 4WD or AWD vehicle with decent ground clearance. The road itself is narrow, slopes dramatically to one side, and features zero guardrails—so take it slow. The actual summit push from NF-20 is only 2.1 kilometers (1.3 miles), but it climbs 114 meters at a steady 5.4% grade. There's a gate near the top where most people park and hike the final half-mile on foot to reach the lookout. Come prepared: there's zero cell service and zero amenities up here, so download your maps beforehand. And here's the crucial part—don't even think about attempting this road after the first snow hits. From late October through June, this high-altitude crest gets absolutely buried, making Road 800 impassable. If you're planning a visit in early summer or late fall, contact the local Ranger Station in Applegate first to check conditions. Also, inspect your spare tire carefully before you go—those sharp rocks are notorious for causing flats.