Go now—This rare, natural phenomenon only shows up after major rain… and sometimes not again for years. Right now, Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park has transformed into a shallow lake, turning what’s usually one of the drieset places in the U.S. into one of the most surreal (and temporary) landscapes in California. Footage is from March 17, 2026. It’s still there, but not for long. HOW TO VISIT 📍 WHERE: Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park 🚗 GETTING THERE: 2.5 hrs from Las Vegas. We visited as a (long) day trip, complete with pit stop in Area 51 👽 ☀️ WHEN TO GO: about 2 hours before sunset (the sun drops below the mountain early) or at sunrise. ✨ TIP: Don’t make my mistake, wear shoes. The salt flats can be sharp—I cut my foot 😬 👉 Share this with someone you want to go to Death Valley with. 👉 Follow @wheresjessieb for more off-the-beaten-path travel ideas California. #visitcalifornia #californiatravel #desertsofcalifornia #deathvalley #badwaterbasin