Death Valley - Badwater Basin

One spot I really wanted to check out was Badwater Basin, which is the lowest point in North America with an elevation of 282ft below sea level. It was once filled by Lake Manly, but is now comprised of salt flats. Every now and again with enough rain, there is enough water to make for some really nice reflection images.

Walking out past the viewing area is a 1/2 mile walkway out to the wide open area of the flats. It almost feels like you are walking on snow, as the salt crunches underneath each step. Looking up this location beforehand, I noticed that some areas of the flats had very interesting pattens made by the salt.

 

Jaime and I came here in the day to scope out the place. We walked out about 1/4 of a mile past the end of the walkway but did not see any patterns so we headed back in. I returned before sunset and was able to find some of the hexagonal salt patterns to the right of the walkway. I set up here for sunset.


Sunburst with the sun dropping below the Panamint's


closeup of the salt patterns

panorama view of the flats and the Panamint's


moonrise over the flats


last color as the sun set

This area kind of reminded me of Mono lake, which is another location I want to return to for sunset or sunrise. Artist's drive is a small detour on the way back to Furnace Creek and we drove through. I will post the photos on a later update.


Brandon Yoshizawa
B.A.Y | photography
Landscape and Wildlife photography
www.bay-photography.com

Brandon Yoshizawa
B.A.Y | photography
Landscape and Wildlife photography