Badwater Road Area and Road Trip

Badwater Road is not only one of the main roads through Death Valley but it is also packed with many of the Parks' most popular attractions.  All along this easy paved road are some of Death Valley's most popular destinations including Artist Palette, Mushroom Rock, Devil's Golf Course and, of course, Badwater itself - the lowest elevation in the western hemisphere. 

Having such easy access to so many of Death Valley's star attractions makes Badwater Road a great Road Trip for those people who don't have lots of time to spend here.  Many of the attractions are just off the road making it convenient for people who aren't able to walk very far and many of the stops have interpretive signs and restrooms.  All of this convenience, however, means plenty of people.  It can be quite crowded at times but don't let that discourage you - all of the stops are worth your time and shouldn't be missed. 

For those of you who want to avoid most of the crowds and/or have some time to spend, there are plenty of not-so-popular places to be explored, too, and they are just as spectacular and unique. 

Things To See:

	The many Drives, Hikes and Sights we describe for you
	The additional places on this route:   Copper Canyon Turtleback   Devil's Golf Course   Mushroom Rock   Shoreline Butte

Be sure to read the Trip Log so that you'll know where these places are along the way.

		Difficulty Chart
Getting There & Before you Go Drives, Hikes and Sights The Road Tell me about the Geology Trip Log North to South South to North Printer Friendly Log North to South South to North	Show me the Maps   Show me the Photo Tours Northern Section Southern Section	Vehicle Class Road Type A 1 B 1 C 1 D 1

(see below)  Getting There
Badwater Road is one of the few paved roads in Death Valley and is a major thoroughfare so it's on every map and is easy to find.  Most people start their trip on Badwater Road from its northern end simply because that end is closest to the populated areas.

The new (2003) Badwater boardwalk

From the south:   There are two ways to access Badwater Road from the south.  The most common route is from the east near the town of Shoshone.  Take S.R. 178 west, through Salsberry and Jubilee Pass for approximately 27.0 miles to the point where the paved road makes a 90º right turn onto Badwater Road.
The another route uses Harry Wade Road (a dirt road) from S.R. 127 near Dumont Dunes.  The turn-off from S.R. 127 onto Harry Wade Road is found 29.8 miles from Baker (a left turn) or 26.4 miles from Shoshone (a right turn). After making the turn, it's 31.5 miles to Badwater Road.

From the north:  Badwater Road begins near the Furnace Creek Inn where it junctions with S.R. 190.  It is approximately 1.0 miles south of the Visitor's Center on S.R. 190.  At the junction, turn south onto Badwater Road. 

Remember, the total, one-way distance of Badwater Road is 45.2 miles and there are no services!  Make sure you have everything you need including fuel, water and food before starting your journey.  The nearest services are 73 road miles apart at either Furnace Creek or Shoshone.

Before you go:  We'd like to give you a few things to think about before you plan your Road Trip:

Golden Canyon Artist Palette Natural Bridge Canyon Badwater Ashford Mill

  Although you can see many of the popular attractions along Badwater Road in one day, we don't recommend it.  It would be much better to give yourself at least two days so that you have some time to enjoy the extraordinary sights you'll be seeing.

  It is also important to choose the best time of day for traveling Badwater Road.  Because the road snakes along the steep western face of the Black Mountains, the sun doesn't shine on its dramatic colors until late morning with the best lighting being around 3pm.  This time, however, will differ from season to season and in the winter months, the tall Panamint Mountains on the west side of the valley can quickly cast their shadow across Death Valley and the Black Mountains as early as 4pm.  Sunset on Badwater Road is spectacular - especially if you can be at one of the very colorful locations!

  And, lastly, you might want to plan your visit so that you're there when the desert wildflowers are in bloom.  In the spring, Badwater Road is usually the first place in Death Valley to come alive with beautiful wildflowers.  And, thanks to the fact that rainwater drains from the road and collects on the sides, many of the wildflowers grow conveniently alongside the road for a close-up view. 

Typically, the best months for wildflower viewing in Death Valley are from early March through May but sometimes flowers along Badwater Road start their bloom as early as February or a few weeks after a good rainfall.  And, because the wildflower blooming cycle always starts with the lowest elevation first, Badwater Road is the first to show the wildflowers of the season. 

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The Drives, Hikes and Sights along Badwater Road:

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The Road
Unlike most of the Road Trips you'll find in our Guides, Badwater Road is a paved, two-lane road that is well-maintained.  This easy 45.2 mile (one-way) road does, however, have its hazards.  It is important to pay special attention while driving on this road for several reason.  One is that the road, although paved, has lots of curves and dips that can sneak up on you if you're not paying attention.  Another thing to watch-out for are your fellow tourists.  This is a well-traveled road with people who may be paying more attention to the beautiful scenery than the road.  People tend to stop suddenly, pull on or off the road without warning, drive too slow and run across the road without looking first.  Granted, it is difficult to keep your concentration on the road with all that spectacular scenery around but that's why they left enough room on each side of the pavement for people to pull over and stop.

Downpour on the slopes of the Panamint's

The reason that the road has all those dips is that each one in a natural gully that was formed by the various washes coming out of the Black Mountains.  Whenever you see thunderclouds [see picture] in the sky anywhere around Death Valley, be on the lookout for flash floods [glossary] or standing water at the bottom of these dips/gullies.  Be sure to read about flash floods and other potential dangers in the Taking a Road Trip in Death Valley chapter.

If you see clouds in the area we strongly advise you to check with the Visitor's Center at Furnace Creek or check the on-line current weather conditions to see if there are thunderstorms predicted for the area.  If there is a chance for thunderstorms that day then we strongly advise to stay away from exploring Badwater Road or any part of the Black Mountains.

Flash floods are a genuine danger in Death Valley and are not to be taken lightly.  For an example of the power and damage a flash flood can do,  see the pictures of what happened at the junction of S.R. 190 and Badwater Road (near Furnace Creek Inn) in August of 2004 during a flash flood.  Two people were killed. 

The reason for all those curves on Badwater Road are the many alluvial fans [glossary] that the road has to navigate around.  This is particularly noticeable in the section between Badwater itself and Ashford Mill.  Some of the larger fans here are a mile across and many times the road forms a half circle as it goes around them.  Can you see the trace of Badwater Road going around the edge of the fan in this this picture from atop Dante's View?

One more thing to keep in mind about this road is that the busiest part of it is between the Furnace Creek Inn area (where Badwater Road intersects with S.R. 190) and Badwater itself.  So, if you prefer a little less company, concentrate on the southern section of the road between Badwater itself and Ashford Mill.  And remember, there are no services on this road! 

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Geology
As described in the Geology chapter, Death Valley offers "world class" geology and much of it can be seen right along Badwater Road without even getting out of your vehicle! 

As you travel along Badwater Road you might notice groups of vans or SUV's with a college or university logo on the door.  You are probably looking at a geology field trip in progress.  Geology professors bring their students here from all over North America to study this unique geology.  If you'd like to learn more about the geology of Death Valley, the Visitor's Center has an entire isle of books dedicated to the subject. 

Massive escarpment of the Black Mountains near Badwater

Badwater Road is an excellent way to see lots of different kinds of geology as it takes you along the entire length of the western edge of the Black Mountains.  Do you notice how steep these mountains are?  The edge you are traveling along has been uplifted [glossary] vertically some 5,000 feet in a relatively short period of time (geologically speaking).  And, near Badwater itself, the mountains have risen a distance of one mile vertically in just two horizontal miles!  This western side of the Black Mountains can be thought of as one large fault scarp [glossary] and is also known as the Black Mountain Fault Zone [glossary].

Because the Black Mountains are so steep, many well-defined wineglass canyons [glossary] and large alluvial fans [glossary] have been created.  These classic geologic features are easy to spot along the road.  You can also see classic examples of the sculpturing effects of erosion [glossary] all along this road.

Another interesting characteristic of these mountains are the brilliant, often reddish, colors.  At Artist's Palette, the oxidized remains of volcanic and other materials have created a dazzling display of multiple colors.  All along the Black Mountains you can see the red, green and orange colors of the oxidized materials that were pushed up to the surface with the rest of the uplifted mountains.

On the other side of these impressive mountains is this road's namesake, Badwater.  Much of the same geology that created (and is still creating) the Black Mountains is also responsible for creating the pool of brackish water found at Badwater.  This permanent pool is fed by the waters of Badwater Spring which are being forced to the surface by the Black Mountain Fault Zone.  This fault zone, that runs between the bottom edge of the mountains and the valley floor, is doing two things at once; pushing up the mountains on the east side of it while creating an impenetrable barrier for all of the water that collects on the west, valley side.

As you travel along Badwater Road, take a moment and think about what a powerful, geologic force it took to create all the natural beauty you are enjoying!

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Photo Tours:

Northern Section

Click on picture to enlarge
Pictures taken: February 2003 & March 2004

	Traveling south 0.7 miles from Badwater Road's intersection with S.R. 190 will bring you to this view.  To the left of the road is a ridge that closely parallels the pavement.  This ridge is a classic fault scarp [glossary or Geology] along the Black Mountain Fault Zone [glossary].  View is looking south.
	Looking up at Gower Gulch.  The severe erosion at the mouth of this canyon makes it like no other canyon along Badwater Road.  To keep flood waters from damaging Furnace Creek Inn, the drainage of S.R. 190 at the top of the canyon (which is Zabriskie Point) has been forced into Gower Gulch and has sped-up the natural erosion of the gulch many times over.
	Looking north at the colorful mountains near Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch.  This view can be seen about 3.8 miles south of S.R. 190.
	Mushroom Rock, on the east side of the road, 4.3 miles south of S.R. 190.  This rock is what's left of an old basalt lava flow from a time when this region of the Black Mountains experienced volcanic activity.  Over time, erosion broke-down the rest of that original flow and left behind the formation you see today.
	Another view of Mushroom Rock.
	A classic ventifact [glossary] is found on Ventifact Ridge near the entrance to Artists Palette.
	The many colorful nooks and crannies of Artists Palette.
	A view from Devil's Golf Course at the bottom of the immense Death Valley playa (more info in the Geology chapter).  The turn-off to the road leading to this point of interest is 11.0 miles south of S.R. 190.  This view is looking east with Badwater Turtleback [glossary] on the right side of the picture.
	When visiting Devil's Golf Course, take some time to walk around and inspect the salt encrustations.  Look for pinnacles growing up from the playa's surface that are still being created.  Be aware that your shoes can get very dirty as you walk around on this very alkaline material.  This view is looking north, up Death Valley, towards the Grapevine and Funeral Mountains.
	The western side of the Badwater Turtleback [glossary] as seen from Badwater Road about 14.5 miles from S.R. 190.
	A closer look at the northern edge of the Badwater Turtleback.  You'll see this view as you drive up the road to Natural Bridge Canyon.  The canyon is the northern border of the turtleback.  The road to the canyon is 13.0 miles from S.R. 190.
	Here is the "bridge" in Natural Bridge Canyon.  It is just over 0.3 miles from the parking area.
	Approximately 15.0 miles south of S.R. 190, Badwater Road passes alongside the southwestern portion of the Badwater Turtleback.  A closer inspection of the surface will reveal a very different type of ground surface than the rest of the Black Mountains.
	If you look closely at the Badwater Turtleback where Badwater Road runs close to it, you'll see this 4-6 foot fault scarp [glossary] where the turtleback meets the flat surface of the valley.  This marks the last movement of uplift [glossary] made by the turtleback and/or the Black Mountains.  As you are looking at the scarp, try to imagine this whole block of mountain suddenly being pushed upward - incredible!
	Wildflowers are plentiful alongside Badwater Road after a good rainfall.  Rain runoff from the pavement collects near the road and makes a great place for flowers to grow. Other types of flowers prefer the soil on alluvial fans.  This photo shows some fine examples of Notch-Leaf Phacelia (Phacelia crenulata) which are common in the lower elevations like Badwater Road.
	This view is of one of the steeper faces of the Black Mountains and is located just above Badwater itself and below Dante's View.  The large alluvial fan to the right is known as Badwater Fan.  Notice the twin fault scarps at the fan's contact with the mountain.

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Southern Section

Click on picture to enlarge
Pictures taken: February 2003 & March 2004

	Looking north on Badwater Road just before approaching Badwater from the south.  The northern edge of the Badwater Turtleback is in the background.
	About a mile south of the Badwater parking area are some rocks that are deteriorating in a curious and unusual way.  Look for this spot is on the west side of Batwater Road at the second alluvial fan.
	After pulling off the road, walk west, towards the basin, look down and you'll see these small, multi-colored piles of rubble.  Each "pile" was once a solid rock.  Why are they disintegrating in such a way?
	We have asked several knowledgeable people about this phenomenon but no one seems to know why this is happening.  We suspect that the high level of salts from the nearby playa is somehow involved.
	Here you can clearly see where a white rock appears to be "dissolving", right were it stands, into small bits of rubble.
	Here is an example of how a rock, that was originally made up of different layers of material, is being "dissolved" at different rates of speed.  The vertical layers that are still in-tact are obviously more resistant to erosion than the other layers that have already broken-down.
	Here is another example of a rock that is being eroded (or dissolved) at different rates of speed.  Please watch your step as you explore this area so that you don't crush these curious and interesting examples of erosion.
	Looking north over the Death Valley playa along Badwater Road.
	Badwater Road often gets very close to the edge of the Black Mountains.  Look closely at the effects of the rapid uplifting that took place here.  Erosion has not yet had enough time to round the rough edges.
	The view up one of the many canyons and alluvial fans along this road.
	As you head south from Badwater, a classic wineglass canyon [glossary] comes into view at about 3.4 miles.
	Another wineglass canyon can be seen in the distance.
	Driving north on Badwater Road just past the Copper Canyon Turtleback.  Is that water in the basin?
	Thanks to the exceptionally wet rainy season of 2004/05, the Death Valley basin actually had several inches of water in it!  Some say it was the reappearance of ancient Lake Manly - the large lake that used to cover Death Valley tens of thousands of years ago.  We heard that there hasn't been this much water on the Death Valley floor for over 100 years!
	Standing a mile south of the Badwater parking area, this view is looking south over the waters of "Lake Manly" in 2005.
	Another view looking south from the point one mile south of the Badwater parking area.  During the months of March and April, it was common to see people kayaking on the reemerged ancient lake.
	Looking north towards Furnace Creek from the same point.
	The Badwater turtleback reflecting in the still water.
	Looking northwest from the same point.  Here, the Panamint Mountains reflect perfectly in the still water.
	See a 360º Animated Panorama [Instructions] of the 2005 reappearance of ancient Lake Manly.
	See the same Animated Panorama with callouts [glossary].
	If you're taking this Road Trip in the Spring (between February and April), you might be treated to some of the annual wildflower show.  The flowers that grow on alluvial fans are different than those that grow alongside the road.
	The northwestern edge of the massive Copper Canyon Turtleback (looking north).
	Taking a panorama (a series of several photos) of the Copper Canyon Turtleback was the only way to bring you a picture of it.  Of the three turtlebacks along Badwater Road, this one can give you a full sense on how just big these geologic anomalies really are and you can see that, indeed, this is a single block of rock that has been lifted up.
	A comparison between the smoother turtleback surface (right side, foreground of photo) and the normally rugged surface of the Black Mountains (left side, background of photo).  Geologists believe that the turtleback surface has eroded through a different process than the other mountains around it.
	Here you can see the contact point between the turtleback (on the right) and the normal material of the Black Mountains (on the left).  The uplifting turtleback has created the Copper Canyon fault which is where the turtleback material is sliding up, past the Black Mountain material.
	Badwater Road approaching the Copper Canyon Turtleback from the south (looking north).
	The Copper Canyon Turtleback as your headed south on Badwater Road before going alongside it (looking east).
	This view of the Copper Canyon Turtleback is from the north (looking south) and it reveals the turtleback's true shape.  If heading north on Badwater Road, be sure turn around and look at it from this angle before it goes out of view.  If heading south, this view about 7.9 miles south of Badwater.
	Another of the rugged canyons along Badwater Road.
	More typical terrain as you drive on Badwater Road (make sure to scroll picture to the right).
	More of the steep Black Mountain escarpment.  Notice how the steepest part is at the bottom of the mountain closest to the road.
	Here, a large landslide has taken place.  We don't know if there is a record of when this event happened but landslides like this can happen at anytime along such steep mountains.  They can be triggered by a number of things including earthquakes, large downpours and extreme temperature changes.
	Look for signs of "wave erosion" all along the western face of the Black Mountains.  These marks were made a long time ago when Death Valley was filled with a series of good-sized lakes.  These marks look like horizontal lines on the side of the mountainside and are easier to see on flat surfaces.
	Here is a closer look at the wave erosion.  The wave action of ancient Lake Manly (the lake that geologists believe existed here over 10,000 years ago and was 600 feet deep at its maximum) created these marks on the side of the mountains (which were probably lower then).  Stop and imagine what the valley would have looked like with a giant lake!
	Can you pick out anything unusual in this picture?
	Did you spot the Big Horn sheep grazing?  These mountain dwellers are common all over Death Valley but are rarely seen.  They usually stay up in the rugged mountains where they blend in so well with their surroundings that, unless they move and you have a trained eye, you would never see them.  Obviously, they do venture down to the lower elevations and we were very fortunate to have spotted them!
	This small group consisted of a few females and some juveniles.  These photos were taken in March when, apparently, the grazing is better down on the alluvial fans.
	And not too far away was the male - keeping a watchful eye on his heard.
	In 2003, this sign marked Mormon Point and Badwater Road's dip to sea level (elevation 0 feet).  The sign was not there in 2004.  View is looking north.
	View of the Mormon Point Turtleback.  This one is not as obvious as the the Badwater or Copper Canyon turtlebacks.  In this picture, there is a very prominent alluvial fan that marks the southern edge of the turtleback.  Notice how the surface of this turtleback is similar to that of the Badwater Turtleback [see picture].
	About 4.8 miles north of Ashford Mill or 6 miles south of Morman Point, these small, odd-looking hills come into view.
	A closer look at these hills shows an unusual form of erosion and, in 2005, an abundance of yellow flowers.
	Looking south, we are approaching the southern end of Death Valley.  Split Cinder Cone is in the distant center of the picture (near the valley floor) and Shoreline Butte is just in view on the left.
	A closer look at Split Cinder Cone.  This unique geologic feature got its name by first being a cinder cone (an unexploded volcano) that was later split in half by the same Southern Death Valley Fault Zone [glossary] that created it.  Read more about this feature in the Volcanoes section of the Geology chapter.
	A closer look at Shoreline Butte.  Here you can easily see the well-defined, horizontal lines created by wave action from ancient Lake Manly.  According to geologists, there are more than a dozen horizontal lines that mark the changes in water elevation throughout the life of the ancient lake.
	Sometimes weather in Death Valley adds to the drama of an already awesome landscape!  This particular storm passed through Death Valley without depositing a single drop of rain.  The Panamint Mountains (in the photo), however, got rain and snow.  View is looking north from the extreme southern end of Badwater Road.
	Driving the southern portion of Badwater Road anytime between the months February and April will likely reward you a great wildflower display.  This photo was taken during the record wildflower year of 2005.
	As you approach Ashford Mill and the southern end of Badwater Road (as well as the southern end of Death Valley, the mountains become more orange.
	Near Ashford Mill, the alluvial fans are very sandy which makes a great growing environment for these purple Desert Sand Verbena (Abronia villosa) flowers.

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Road Log (North to South):
By using this Trip Log with your vehicles' trip odometer and/or your GPS device, you'll know exactly which turn in the road to take and where the different points of interest are along your route.
Note: all GPS waypoints assume Northern hemisphere latitude and Western hemisphere longitude.  [printer friendly Trip Log]

What You Will See and Where:	Mileage:	Next Event:	Waypoints: Latitude / Long.
Junction of S.R. 190 and Badwater Road (reset your trip odometer).	0	0.7 miles	36° 26.91' 116° 51.14'
Fault scarp of Black Mountain Fault Zone visible along road.	0.7	1.3	36° 26.31' 116° 51.01'
Parking area for Golden Canyon trailhead.	2.0	0.6	36° 25.22' 116° 50.85'
Massive erosion from Gower Gulch visible on east (left) side of road.	2.6	1.7	36° 24.72' 116° 50.74'
Mushroom Rock on left.  Road to Desolation Canyon is just before Mushroom Rock.	4.3	1.6	36° 23.28' 116° 51.03'
Badwater Road intersects with Westside Road.	5.9	2.7	36° 21.93' 116° 50.68'
Badwater Road intersects with entrance to Artists Drive and Ventifact Ridge is on the west side of the road.	8.6	2.3	36° 19.77' 116° 49.78'
Badwater Road intersects with road to Devil's Golf Course.   If you visit the golf course, add 2.6 miles to your total mileage.	10.9	2.0	36° 17.90 116° 48.70'
Badwater Road intersects with road to Natural Bridge Canyon.  If you visit this canyon, add 3.4 miles to your total mileage.	12.9	3.5	36° 16.43' 116° 47.58'
Badwater itself - parking area.	16.4	11.4	36° 13.78' 116° 46.03'
Badwater Road is at the foot of the Copper Canyon Turtleback.	27.8	4.5	36° 6.51' 116° 44.19'
Mormon Point - Badwater Road comes out of being below sea level.	32.3	9.2	36° 3.42' 116° 45.90'
Westside Road reconnects (intersects) with Badwater Road.  Shoreline Butte is visible directly to the south (45º to the right).  Look for the N.P.S. kiosk between this junction and Ashford Mill on the right side of the road.	41.5	1.7	35° 56.26' 116° 42.27'
Ashford Mill and road to Scotty's Canyon.	43.2	2.1	35° 55.26' 116° 40.87'
Badwater Road ends at intersection of S.R. 178 (Jubilee Pass Road) and Harry Wade Road.	45.2		35° 53.98' 116° 39.38'

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Trip Log (South to North):
By using this Trip Log with your vehicles' trip odometer and/or your GPS device, you'll know exactly which turn in the road to take and where the different points of interest are along your route. 
Note: all GPS waypoints assume Northern hemisphere latitude and Western hemisphere longitude.  [printer friendly Trip Log]

What You Will See and Where:	Mileage:	Next Event:	Waypoints: Latitude / Long.
Badwater Road starts at intersection of S.R. 178 (Jubilee Pass Road) and Harry Wade Road.  Reset your odometer.	0	2.1 miles	35° 53.98' 116° 39.38'
Ashford Mill and road to Scotty's Canyon.  Shoreline Butte is visible to the west but is better viewed further up the road.  Look for the N.P.S. kiosk  located on the left side of the road between Ashford Mill and the junction of Westside Road.	2.1	1.7	35° 55.26' 116° 40.87'
Westside Road (on left) intersects with Badwater Road.	3.8	9.2	35° 56.26' 116° 42.27'
Mormon Point - Badwater Road starts descending below sea level.	13.0	4.5	36° 3.42' 116° 45.90'
Badwater Road is at the foot of the Copper Canyon Turtleback.	17.5	11.4	36° 6.51' 116° 44.19'
Badwater itself - parking area.	28.5	3.5	36° 13.78' 116° 46.03'
Badwater Road intersects with road to Natural Bridge Canyon (on right).  If you visit this canyon, add 3.4 miles to your total mileage.	32.0	2.0	36° 16.43' 116° 47.58'
Badwater Road intersects with road to Devil's Golf Course (on left).   If you visit the golf course, add 2.6 miles to your total mileage.	34.4	2.3	36° 17.90 116° 48.70'
Badwater Road intersects with entrance to Artists Drive and Ventifact Ridge is on the west (left) side of the road.	36.7	2.7	36° 19.77' 116° 49.78'
Westside Road rejoins (intersects) with Badwater Road.	39.4	1.6	36° 21.93' 116° 50.68'
Mushroom Rock on right.  Road to Desolation Canyon is just after Mushroom Rock on the right.	41.0	1.7	36° 23.28' 116° 51.03'
Massive erosion from Gower Gulch visible on east (right) side of road.	42.7	0.6	36° 24.72' 116° 50.74'
Parking area for Golden Canyon trailhead.	43.3	1.3	36° 25.22' 116° 50.85'
Fault scarp of Black Mountain Fault Zone visible along road.	44.6	0.7	36° 26.31' 116° 51.01'
Badwater Road ends at the Junction of S.R. 190.	45.2		36° 26.91' 116° 51.14'

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Last updated March 03, 2007.

June 2005 Version
 Copyright © 2005, BackRoadsWest.com