Badwater Basin

Death Valley, CA

Badwater Basin

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF BADWATER BASIN

Beauty can be found almost anywhere if you know where to look. The Badwater Basin in Death Valley is 282 ft below sea level, making it the lowest point in North America, and is entirely void of any foliage, structure, or water (most of the time). However, this unique location can provide great photographic opportunities if you look for them.

This unworldly salt flat, with endless polygon-shaped formations, is one of the most popular attractions in Death Valley. You would be remiss not to visit this unique experience while visiting the park. This is also home to one of the hottest places on earth.

Images and location summary by Tim Wier

 

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DATA POINTS INCLUDED WITH BADWATER BASIN SUMMARY

Trail Difficulty - EASY TO MODERATE

I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 1 - 2 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). The hike to this location ranges between 1/2 and 1 mile from the parking area (depending on the route you take) with little to no elevation gain.

Photography Tips

You would think shooting a flat hexagonal-shaped salt pattern would be so simple a caveman could do it. Well, it is not as easy as it looks.

  • First, you want to decide which direction you will shoot - North or South. The sky, time of year, time of day, clouds, crowds, and weather may impact this decision.

  • Next, you need to find a suitable series …

What Lens(es) Do You Need

Depending on your composition, you will want to bring a wide or ultra-wide-angle lens. See "nuances of shot" above to help decide which lens is best for you.

The image above was taken with a 17mm equivalent lens. 

GPS Coordinates & Elevation

xx°27'5.80"N xxx°50'16.64"W

-282 Ft. Elevation

 

Other Resources Available with Membership

  • KMZ Trail File

  • Directions

  • Best Time of Day to Shoot

  • Best Time of Year to Shoot

  • Equipment Needed

  • Permits Required

  • Direction of Shot

  • Google Maps Birds-Eye-View

  • Number of Photographers to Expect

  • Cell Service

  • Overnight Lodging/Camping

  • Nearby Restaurants

  • Area Guides and Workshops

  • Other Resources

 
 

LOCATION SUMMARIES WRITTEN BY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

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Tim Wier