Description

With few exceptions, the overwhelming impression one gets of the floor of Death Valley is that the land is extremely hot, dry, and unencumbered by the burden of dirt and vegetation. To most birds, the entire area probably looks barren. Badwater, a pool of salty water between a white expanse of salt to the west and the foot of the Black Mountains to the east, is no exception.

This isn't really the best place to bird, but it is a wild place to visit. The scenery is stark and beautiful, and this is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere (282 feet below sea level). Walk on the white expanse of nearly pure table salt; check the hot, salty water for bugs; and watch the cliffs above the road for birds.

Location

Badwater is located in the southern end of Death Valley National Park, about 17 miles south of Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

From Las Vegas, drive northwest for about 2.5 hours to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center (Table 1, Site 712) in Death Valley National Park. From the Visitor Center, drive south on Highway 190 for about 1 mile to Highway 178 (Site 741). Turn right onto Highway 178 and drive south along the east edge of Death Valley for about 17 miles to Badwater (Site 714). Watch for the signs, parking area, and restrooms.

Hours

The park is always open, but Badwater should be considered a day-use area.

Fees

After paying the park entrance fee, there are no additional fees.

Specialties

Badwater is so bleak and barren that it is not a good place for finding birds, but any bird that can live here is worth seeing! Check the edge of the salt pool and the hillside above the road. The potential species mix depends on the season, and during migration it depends on just who is moving through at the time. Review the park bird list for some ideas on what to expect during the time of year when you will be visiting.