If you’ve been to Dante’s View or Telescope peak, it’s likely that you looked down to the salt bed floor to see the tiny forms of antlike humans acting like they were out for a day at the beach. From up top, one has to wonder what is so special about apparently nothing out in the middle of nowhere.
Well, apparently, it’s the extreme negative elevation value of the region. At -282 feet below sea level, Badwater, near Shoshone, California is on the short list of places that are must see in Death Valley.
The knowledge that one is standing on the lowest piece of dry land in the world is quite the anomaly. The obligatory photo with the caption, “Me at my lowest point,” is required, so bring your camera, AND tripod if you’re alone.
Trails.com supplied us with this data, as well as a short commentary by some recent visitors.
Trail Stats & Information
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Activity Type: |
Hiking |
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Nearby City: |
Shoshone, CA |
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Length: |
2 total miles |
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Elev. Gain: |
Minimal |
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Trail Type: |
Out-and-Back |
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Skill Level: |
Easy |
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Duration: |
Day Hike |
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Season: |
Best Late October to March |
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Local Contacts: |
Death Valley National Park |
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Local Maps: |
Badwater Topo Map
Trails Illustrated Death Valley National Park Map; USGS Badwater |
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Trail Reviews
Latest Trail Report
Posted by: Bill & teresa |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Date of Trip: 3/13/2007 |
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Review Submitted by Bill & Teresa Kettler Very beautiful and interesting area, The actual lowest point (-282 feet) is located several miles from the road and is not easily accessible - in fact its position varies, but a sign in front of the pool proclaims it too to have an elevation of -282 feet, and it is here that everyone comes to take photographs. An enlarged parking area and other new facilities were constructed in fall 2003 to cope with the ever increasing visitor numbers at the site. |
Park Page for Death Valley
Stu Marks Field Producer - Team Two