Badwater Salt Flat
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
Summer temperatures here routinely climb past 120 degrees Fahrenheit — the NPS formally recommends against walking on the salt flats between May and October, and the radiant heat off the white surface makes it feel even hotter than the air temperature.
There is zero shade, zero water, and zero landmarks once you walk out onto the open flats — it is surprisingly easy to become disoriented, so keep your car in sight or use a GPS track if you venture far from the boardwalk.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Most visitors snap a photo at the sign and leave — walk at least 15-20 minutes past the boardwalk's end onto the open flats to escape the crowds and see the surreal salt polygons up close.
The salt crust is rough and uneven, so skip the sandals and wear closed-toe shoes with decent soles — the crystalline edges will shred bare feet and flimsy footwear alike.
Look up at the cliff face across from the parking lot for a small sign reading 'Sea Level' mounted high on the rock — it puts the depth of this basin into perspective better than any number could.
