Badwater Basin Boardwalk

Badwater Basin Boardwalk is a short, flat out-and-back to the edge of Death Valley’s salt flats. From the paved Badwater Basin parking area, an ADA-accessible route reaches the wooden boardwalk and continues onto the salt crust, with the Black Mountains and the 282-foot-below-sea-level marker overhead. The classic visitor outing is about 1.0 mile round trip to the edge of the salt flat. The stored line follows the physical route once from the parking-side boardwalk to that turnaround; the return walk is not duplicated in the geometry. The mapped corridor is about 0.49 mile one way, consistent with the rounded visitor distance. Visitors may continue farther across the hard-packed salt when footing allows, but those optional extensions are not part of this trail record. Paved parking with large RV and bus spaces and a vault toilet is immediately by the trailhead. An ADA-accessible ramp leads to the boardwalk. Pets are not permitted on the Badwater Basin boardwalk or trail. Winter through early spring is most comfortable. Summer heat is dangerous; avoid hiking after mid-morning and carry water. Bring water even for this short walk and wear sturdy shoes; salt crust can be uneven and sharp away from the boardwalk, and occasional flooding can leave muddy or slick surfaces. Stay on the boardwalk where provided and avoid damaging the fragile salt crust.