Tule Spring to Badwater Flats – Death Valley National Park
Short walk on an old road to the western side of Badwater Flats.
| Total Distance: 1.0 miles out & back | Elevation Gain: 33ft. (-270ft. to -281ft.) |
| Difficulty: Easy | 0-5 Mile Difficulty: Easy |
| View Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0 stars | Author’s Rating: 2.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Visitor Rating: (Click to rate) [Total: 0 Average: 0] | Visitor Difficulty Rating: (Click to rate) [Total: 0 Average: 0] |
| Pets: No | Horses: No |
| Best Seasons: October-May | Special Permits: None |
| Water Availability: None | Overnight Options: None |
| Trailhead Amenities: None | Crowd Factor: Solitude |
| Trailhead Access: 1.5 | |
Uses:    | Trail Surface:  |
Features:    | Hazards:     |
Mile-by-Mile: Tule Spring to Badwater Flats
0.0 Tule Spring Parking Area (-271ft.). Follow the vague trail/road westward. If you can’t locate the trail, just head west without stepping on any vegetation. (36.243304°, -116.881694°)
0.5 Edge of Badwater Flats (-280ft.). Enjoy the views before returning to your vehicle. Note: If the salt flats are wet, please do not walk on the soft dirt. Your footprints may last months to decades before they begin to fade. (36.244587°, -116.872760°)
History & More
Tule Spring was an important part of Death Valley’s history – simply because it had water. While it’s unlikely that you will find much water today, you can see abundant brush and even small trees in the area.
Download Route Map
Driving Directions
The trailhead is at the end of the Tule Spring Road 9.5 miles from the northern end of the West Side Road and 26.4 miles from the southern end of the West Side Road.
Leave No Trace Principles are enforced
Drones and model aircrafts are prohibited
Camping is permitted only in designated sites or in areas open to dispersed backcountry camping
Click here for all park rules and regulations
12 Month Pass: $55/Death Valley Annual Pass (valid at Death Valley National Park). $80/America the Beautiful Annual Pass (valid at all national park and federal fee areas). $20/Annual Senior Pass (62 years or older US citizens; valid at all national park and federal fee areas). Free/4th Grade Pass (Valid Sept. 1-August 31 of the child’s 4th Grade school year). Free/Military Pass (valid for all active military personel and their dependents with a CAC Card or DD Form 1173).
Lifetime Pass: $80/Lifetime Senior Pass (62 years or older US citizens; valid at all national park and federal fee areas). Free/Access Pass (available to all US citizens with perminent disabilities). Free/Access for Veterans and Gold Star Families Pass (valid for all military and veterans with a CAC card, Veteran HJealth Identification Card, Veteran ID Card, or veteran’s designation on state-issued drivers license or identification card.)