It’s a lonely road driving to Death Valley. If you’re approaching from the east, once you pass the Amargosa Opera House, it’s pretty empty until you arrive near Furnace Creek.
You know, the appropriately named Furnace Creek. It’s the hottest place in the world, a blistering 134 degrees recorded in July 1913. While the recording of that temperature in Death Valley is often in dispute, it’s easy to say it is one of the hottest places on our planet.
Lying on the border between California and Nevada, Death Valley National Park is a place of extremes and not only due to temperatures. It’s the lowest point in the United States where you can venture below sea level without ever getting wet.
282 Feet Below Sea Level
There are plenty of warning signs put up by the National Park Service on the approach to Death Valley. Check your vehicle water levels, don’t drive off the paved roads and the one warning you about the lack of any available cell service in the area.
But the strangest ones are the brown signs you drive past marking sea level.
We’re headed to Badwater Basin, a desert salt flat that it is the lowest point in the United States – 282 feet below sea level. If the ocean could find its way here, we would be well under water before even reaching Badwater Basin.
Badwater Basin Under the Sea
Parking in the small parking lot at Badwater Basin, you first notice all of the other travelers and tour buses parked at the lot.
Apparently, under the sea is a popular place to be.
But take a moment upon your arrival and look away from the salt flat, the parking lot and the road towards the mountain. There are some strange signs posted on the mountain.
You may have to squint to read them, since they are a way up the mountain. But it all adds to the effect when you see they clearly read “sea level” and you are way beneath them.
The Salt Flat
It’s time to visit this special place. First of all, take a picture with the Badwater Basin landmark sign for posterity and of course the ubiquitous sharing on social media.
Then venture out on the dock. By the way, you may want to have some sunglasses at this point because the reflection off the salt flats is somewhat blinding.
You walk by some brackish pools of water with what appears to be some living things in them while making the way to the end of the dock.
Then it is there you can make your way out to the salt flat in what is the lowest point in our nation at 282 feet below sea level.
The salt flat crunched as I walked on it with my hiking boots. I picked up some of the surreal salt flat and it instantly melted in my hand.
Other than that, it was quiet and peaceful in the warm sunlight. Just a few muttered voices from other bystanders taking in the moment. Kinda what you expect 282 feet under sea level.
Tips for Travelers
Obviously, this trip is best made in winter. It should be avoided in summer. Just recently, Furnace Creek once again hit 130 degrees. Tourists like to celebrate those hot days by cracking an egg on the sidewalk and watching it sizzle. You don’t want to be there.
The largest city near Death Valley is Las Vegas, where it as an easy drive through Pahrump on well-marked two-lane highways to Death Valley National Park.
By the way, be sure to fill up your gas tank in Pahrump, both coming and going to Death Valley. Especially on the trip there since remote Furnace Creek only has one gas station and prices are usually well over $8 per gallon.
Also check your fluid levels and tire inflation before attempting this trip. Death Valley National Park is a remote location, and you don’t want to break down.
Once you approach Furnace Creek, follow the directions to Badwater Basin. If I remember right, it is a left turn and a gentle sloping drive under the sea. Enjoy!