Where is Badwater Basin?
Usa, north-america
24.94 km
86 m
extreme
Year-round
Badwater Basin is a salt pan at 86m (282ft) below sea level, located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. At this elevation it’s
the lowest point in North America.
Where is Badwater Basin?
The basin is a surreal landscape of vast salt flats located in Death Valley National Park, in the eastern central part of California.
Why is it called Badwater Basin?
This site was once a lake, but as it has dried up, sediment and salt have accumulated here over time because the lake has no outlet.
A sign near the parking lot says that the area was named Badwater because a traveler was passing through and saw that there was water for his mule to drink.
However, because the water is so full of salt, the animal refused to drink it, and thus the name Badwater was born.
How long is the road to Badwater Basin in Death Valley NP?
The road to the basin is totally paved. It’s called Badwater Road (CA 178). Starting at Furnace Creek (on CA-190), the drive is 15.5 miles (24.94km) long.
The road is steep in parts, with a maximum gradient of 4% through some of the ramps. High in the rocky cliffs above the road, a sign reads 'SEA LEVEL', giving a good indication of just how low the land is.
Is Badwater Basin in Death Valley NP challenging?
You must be prepared and use common sense. At Badwater Basin, significant rainstorms flood the valley bottom periodically. Death Valley is one of the hottest places in the world, and climatic conditions in the park can be extreme.
With an air-conditioned vehicle, you can safely tour many of the main sites in Death Valley. Avoid canyons during rainstorms and be prepared to move to higher ground. While driving, be alert for water running in washes and across road dips.
Cell phones may not work in many parts of the park. Do not depend on them.
Is Badwater Basin in Death Valley NP worth it?
Plan around 30 minutes to complete the drive without any stops. It is a truly unique place to discover.
A visit to the basin is an otherworldly experience. This area is very popular, so be sure to note that if you go on a busy weekend. Badwater Basin can be viewed from your vehicle in the parking area
. The road passes Artist’s Drive, another worthy attraction with unique Death Valley geology.
How to drive the Sedona's Red Rock Scenic Byway in Arizona
Daniel’s Pass is a classic road trip in Utah
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 24.94 km
- Max Elevation
- 86 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardHaleakala Highway in Hawaii: blind turns and very steep drop offs
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic climb on Maui's Haleakala Highway, also known as Crater Road or Route 378! This road's a record-breaker, gaining more elevation in a shorter distance than anywhere else on Earth – 35 miles straight up! Winding through Haleakalā National Park, this fully paved road takes you from Kahului all the way to Pu'u'ula'ula (Red Hill), the tippy-top of Haleakalā at a staggering 10,023 feet. Built back in the '30s, this two-lane road throws some serious challenges your way. Expect gradients up to 15% on some ramps, so hang on tight! You'll gain 9,911 feet in elevation, averaging a 5.39% grade. Prepare for blind turns, super steep drop-offs (without guardrails!), and a whopping 32 switchbacks! Keep an eye out for cows, nene geese, and fog that can roll in quickly. Make sure you stock up on gas and snacks in Pukalani or Makawao because there are no more services past that point. The drive to the summit takes about 1 to 1.5 hours without stopping, but you'll want to pause and soak in the insane "moonlike" scenery. And remember, the temperature drops as you climb, about 3 degrees F for every 1,000 feet of altitude. So, if it's a balmy 75 degrees at sea level, it'll be around 45 degrees at the summit. Plus, driving this road is like traveling from Mexico to Canada in terms of ecological zones – pretty wild, right?
hardWhere is Trinity Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, let's talk Trinity Mountain in Idaho! This bad boy sits way up high at 9,409 feet in Elmore County, smack-dab in the Boise National Forest. Prepare for some serious views! The road, known as Trinity Mountain Road (129A), is totally unpaved and seriously steep. We're talking a 2.2-mile climb with an average gradient of 8.30% – you'll gain 294 meters in elevation! A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's a must. Keep an eye on the calendar because snow can block access well into July. Once you get near the top, remember the final stretch to the fire lookout is for official vehicles only, so park and enjoy the last bit on foot. Speaking of the lookout, it's still in use, so if a thunderstorm rolls in, maybe save your visit for another day. But trust me, the panoramic views of those subalpine lakes and surrounding Boise Range mountains are worth the trip!
moderateBingham Mine Overlook
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure awaits! If you're near Tooele County, Utah, and crave mind-blowing views, the Bingham Mine Overlook is calling. Just be warned, getting there is part of the thrill. First off, you're heading up to a lofty 9,015 feet! The 2.5-mile Copper Pit Overlook Road kicks off from Butterfield Canyon Road and climbs 374 meters at an average 9.35% gradient. Translation? Steep! The road is gravel, bumpy, and usually closed from October to June (depending on the weather gods). There are no guardrails, so keep your wits about you. The payoff? Stunning mountain views, possible wildlife sightings, and a peek at the largest manmade hole on Earth – the Bingham Canyon Mine, the richest copper mine *ever*. Seriously, this thing is massive. The drive itself is twisty-turny with blind spots galore, so take it slow. While you can probably make it in a regular car on a good day, be extra careful. Night driving is a no-go unless you know the road. At the top, you'll be rewarded with a 360-degree panorama of northern Utah, with a view of almost 80% of the state's population on a clear day. It's pretty epic!
extremeMosquito Pass in Colorado is the highway of the frozen death
🇺🇸 Usa
# Mosquito Pass: Colorado's Thrilling High-altitude Adventure Nestled at a breathtaking 4,026m (13,208ft) between Lake and Park counties in Colorado, Mosquito Pass ranks among the state's most spectacular—and challenging—mountain drives. Situated in the heart of the Mosquito Range within Pike National Forest, this isn't your average road trip. The 29km (18-mile) unpaved route stretches east-west from Highway 9 near Alma to Leadville, technically split between Mosquito Pass Road (County Road 12) and County Road 3. Locals have earned it the nickname "the highway of the frozen death," a nod to treacherous ice patches that can materialize without warning. There's also a legendary mining road climbing north toward Mosquito Peak at 4,165m (13,664ft)—a peak worth exploring if you've got the skills and the stomach for it. This is serious terrain. You're navigating a rough, narrow track carved along dramatic cliff faces with some genuinely hair-raising drop-offs. Multiple stream crossings, steep grades, and technically demanding sections demand respect and experience. The road occasionally pinches tight enough that passing oncoming traffic requires careful maneuvering—not ideal when you're perched above a steep ravine. Only those driving high-clearance 4WD vehicles with solid off-road experience should attempt this drive. Stream crossings and rocky sections make 2WD vehicles a non-starter. Come prepared with proper equipment, sharp driving skills, and the kind of nerves you need for narrow ledges with airy views below. The scenery is genuinely stunning, but it comes with serious strings attached.