Tourists flocked to the basin − the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level − to witness what the National Park Service called an “extremely rare event.”
“The lake was deep enough to kayak for a few weeks after Hurricane Hilary, but unfortunately people couldn’t come enjoy it then,” park ranger Abbey Wines said in a statement. “Every road in the park was damaged by flash floods, and it took two months to open the first road into the park.
But they’re able to enjoy it now, with the park service saying that kayaking in the informally named Lake Manly may last for a couple more weeks and could even remain deep enough to create reflections through April.
Tourists flock to Badwater Basin to bask in lake
Tourists walk along a path as they enjoy the rare opportunity to see water during their visit to Badwater Basin, the normally driest place in the US, in Death Valley National Park on Sunday.
A kid plays with water as tourists enjoy the rare opportunity to see water as they visit Badwater Basin, the normally driest place in the US, in Death Valley National Park on Sunday.
A tourist enjoys the rare opportunity to play knee deep in salty water as they visit Badwater Basin, the normally driest place in the US, in Death Valley National Park on Sunday.
People relax by the water’s edge as they enjoy the rare opportunity to see water during their visit to Badwater Basin, the normally driest place in the US, in Death Valley National Park on Sunday.
Tourists enjoy the rare opportunity to walk knee deep in briney water as they visit Badwater Basin, the normally driest place in the US, in Death Valley National Park, Inyo County, California on February 18. Badwater Basin, an endorheic basin in Death Valley National Park, was flooded by Hurricane Hilary in August 2023 and recent rains in California. It is the lowest point in North America, at 282 feet below sea level.
A person drags a paddle board as tourists enjoy the rare opportunity to walk in water as they visit Badwater Basin, the normally driest place in the US, in Death Valley National Park on Monday.
Tourists enjoy the rare opportunity to walk in water as they visit Badwater Basin, the normally driest place in the US, in Death Valley National Park on Sunday.