Badwater Basin

At 86 m (282 feet) below sea level, Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America. The salt flat covers nearly 520 km² (200 square miles) and consists mainly of table salt, along with calcite, gypsum and borax. This was once the site of the large ancient Lake Manly, which evaporated tens of thousands of years ago. The polygonal salt patterns form as groundwater rises and evaporates. To the east, a sign on the cliffs of the Black Mountains marks sea level, while 3,368 m (11,049-foot) Telescope Peak rises to the west.

An accessible boardwalk leads from the parking lot onto the salt flat. To reach the well-formed salt polygons, walk 2.4 to 3.2 km (1.5 to 2 miles) round trip; allow about an hour. In summer, the park advises against hiking after 10 am. The paved parking lot has large spaces for RVs and buses, and there is a vault toilet. Pets are not allowed on any trail in the park, even if carried.