Lake Manly
Lake manly
Death Valley NP, CA
Beauty can be found almost anywhere if you know where and when to look. This magical place covers the lowest point in North America and reveals itself only when Death Valley receives substantial rain near Badwater Basin.
In the past 25 years, Lake Manly has formed only three times: in 2005, 2024, and again in 2025. This rare phenomenon creates an exceptional photographic opportunity, with mirror-like reflections that provide stunning views during sunrise, sunset, or even of the Milky Way for fortunate photographers in Death Valley at that time.
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
Trail Difficulty - MODERATE
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 2 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult. The hike to this location is between 1/2 and 1 mile from the parking area, depending on the route you choose, and it features little to no elevation gain. However, walking in the water might create some challenges.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
-280 Ft. Elevation
View In Google earth
Download KMZ Trail File
Click Here to download the KMZ file for this location.
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to the parking area for Badwater Basin
From Furnace Creek, drive east on CA-190 for 1 mile and then turn right onto Badwater Road. Continue for 16.5 miles until you reach the Badwater Basin parking lot.
If you want to avoid a lot of tourists and save half a mile on your hike, you can drive an additional 0.8 miles and park at a pullout on CA-190 past the main parking lot (which is my preferred option).
Depending on where you park, you will need to hike between 0.5 to 1 mile to reach Badwater Basin and find your favorite composition. The exact location of the shot above is at the coordinates 36°13'47.0"N 116°47'05.5"W.
Photography Tips
Experiencing Lake Manly (Badwater Basin) during this rare phenomenon can truly enhance the creative aspects of landscape photography, offering unique opportunities at different times and locations.
The shot at the top of the page was captured around sunset, featuring two people strolling about. I waited a few minutes until they positioned themselves in this opening, and the beautiful sky added an extra touch of magic to the scene. The images below were taken about 25 minutes later, after I had walked back to the road to set up my camera. When I saw the stunning scene, I quickly grabbed my camera again and increased the ISO to prevent any camera shake while capturing it.
Again, being at Lake Manly can provide some GREAT photographic opportunities.
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 24 mm (5 - shot vertical pano - cropped)
Exposure – 1/10th sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – April 26th
Time – 7:30 pm
Best Time of Day to Shoot
To capture the magical reflections from Lake Manly with its colorful skies, it's best to photograph near or after sunrise or sunset. While reflections can also be captured during the day, the scene may appear harsh.
Best Time of Year
Anytime of year that Lake Manly is present.
The image above was taken on April 26th.
Lens(es) Needed
Depending on your composition, you will want to bring either a wide-angle or ultra-wide-angle lens. Keep in mind that if you are at Badwater Basin and there is water present, it can be very challenging to change lenses in your camera bag.
The image above was captured using a 24mm lens in a 5-shot vertical panorama, which has been cropped.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
Badwater Basin is in Death Valley National Park, and an entrance fee (good for 7 days) is required, $35 - which can be purchased at the visitors' center. Once in the park, there are no other permits required.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot is north by north east around 10°.
Equipment Needed
From a photography perspective, be sure to bring a sturdy tripod for potential multiple exposures, panoramas, or focus stacking. Additionally, consider bringing a GPS device to help mark potential compositions while scouting and to find your way back to the parking lot after sunset.
From an equipment standpoint, pack an old pair of shoes, preferably Muck boots, along with a reliable flashlight or headlamp.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
Badwater Basin is a popular destination year-round. However, when Lake Manly forms, it may decrease foot traffic as you venture further from the boardwalk. At sunrise, it is unlikely that you'll encounter anyone on Lake Manly, aside from a few other photographers. In contrast, during sunset, there may still be some tourists exploring the salt flats.
Weather
The weather in Death Valley is somewhat modest in the spring and fall, and the winters are pleasant during the days but can dip into the 20s at night. If you are out hiking, it is essential to know that the temperatures can drop dramatically after the sun goes down.
Cell Service
I have Verizon, and there is no cell service at Badwater Basin. The cell service is spotty on the drive back to Furnace Creek - but it is unreliable.
Area Guides and Workshops
None