Badwater Basin
One of the most memorable experiences of my trip was Badwater Basin. Rain stopped for a moment and I was able to enjoy the solitude and beauty of the surrounding area. Badwater Basin got it’s name after it was stated that the pools of water that can be found close to the parking lot contained “bad water.” Although the water is unsafe to drink due to the salt, some desert animal and plant life rely on this water.
I kind of lucked out with the stormy day, there were still visitors out in the desert but it was not as crowded as I’m sure it can get. Walking out to the salt flats is a good distance, but was easy and enjoyable looking at the glowing salt underneath my feet. I’m sure it is another story in the heat of summer. The desert here can get extremely hot! On July 10, 1913, Death Valley hit a sizzling 134 degrees F, the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth!
Panoramic Photo of Badwater Basin lowest point in North America, 282 feet below sea level. This is salt not snow by the way!
Photo By: Nichole McDaniel
Here is a link to wikipedia it gives a more detailed description of how the ancient lake evaporated over time leaving the salt crust we see today. Fun Fact: Death Valley also has the highest potential evaporation rate in the United States, with a potential 150 in. annual evaporation rate, meaning a 12 ft. lake could evaporate in a year!
As I walked further out, the salt flats have these raised hexagonal outlines, creating an artistic foreground going into the distance. The vibrant salt, looking like snow, and the unique hues of the storm clouds illuminated the desert. It was so peaceful that I can’t put it into words. I had to sit down for a bit and just take in the moment. Not only was it memorable because it is the lowest point in North America, at an elevation of 282 feet below sea level, but because of it’s unique beauty. It was an experience I will never forget.
