| Summary: |
Interesting natural features
found in the lowest place in North America.
|
| Directions: |
Badwater Basin is located on
Badwater Road south of Furnace Creek. Mushroom
Rock is located between Golden Canyon and the
exit for Artists Drive. The Devils Golf Course
is further south on a signed road on the west
side of Badwater Road. The salt flats are
further south still at a prominent pull off with
interpretive signs on the west side of Badwater
Rd. |
| Road Conditions: |
Passenger Car |
| Navigation: |
Easy |
| Length: |
As long as you'd like |
| Date Hiked: |
November 2004 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Sunny and pleasant |
|
Required Skills: |
None |
| Hike Description: |
Not really much of a hike to
relate here, but some interesting natural
features can be found by wandering around in
Badwater Basin including:
1) Pull off the road at Mushroom Rock for a
photo of this oddly shaped basalt ventifact
(eroded by wind blown sand).
2) Wander out into the Devil's Golf Course and
look for interesting salt crystal structures
(chimneys and arches) formed by the evaporation
of salt laden water when Lake Manly dried up
2000 years ago. Walk carefully, both to avoid
falling on the sharp salt formations, and to
avoid crushing delicate structures.
3) Walk out along the salt flats of Badwater
Basin (the lowest point in North America at 282
feet below sea level). Look for more, and
different, salt structures. |
| Rating (1-5 stars): |
 
The author and his wife
spent several hours wandering around and taking
photos in this interesting area. |
|
Maps: |
Trails Illustrated - Death
Valley National Park |
| Photos: |
Click picture for larger view, click your browser's 'Back' button to return to this page. |
