Badwater Road is the primary paved route running south through the heart of Death Valley National Park. It begins near Furnace Creek at its junction with California Highway 190 and continues south past many of the park’s most famous valley-floor attractions before reaching its southern terminus near the Ashford Mill ruins. At that point the road meets Harry Wade Road and transitions eastward into Jubilee Pass Road (California Highway 178), which climbs out of the valley over Jubilee and Salsberry Passes to reach California Highway 127 near Shoshone.
The segment most relevant to the user’s request—the southern end of Badwater Road at the Harry Wade Road junction and the continuing paved link toward Highway 127—forms the southern gateway into and out of the main valley floor.
Road Overview and Length
- From the CA-190 / Badwater Road junction near Furnace Creek to the Harry Wade Road / Jubilee Pass Road junction is approximately 45.6 miles.
- At the junction (near elevation 22–25 feet), Harry Wade Road continues straight southeast as a dirt road, while the main paved route turns left (east) and becomes Jubilee Pass Road.
- Jubilee Pass Road then covers roughly 25 miles east over the passes to its junction with CA-127 (about 1.7 miles north of Shoshone).
The entire paved corridor from Furnace Creek south and then east to CA-127 is often referred to collectively in park contexts as the southern Badwater / Jubilee Pass system. South Badwater Road (the portion south of Badwater Basin) has experienced repeated flood damage and closures; it was reopened in late January 2026 after months of debris removal and repairs, though visitors may still encounter missing pavement, loose gravel, soft or eroded shoulders, and short drop-offs.
Road Conditions
Badwater Road is fully paved and suitable for all standard passenger vehicles under normal conditions. It is one of the lowest roads in the park, remaining near or below sea level for long stretches. The southern section can be affected by flash flooding from the Black Mountains, leading to temporary closures or rough patches after storms. High temperatures in summer make travel potentially dangerous; the best seasons are October through May. No services exist along the southern stretch—fuel, water, and supplies must be obtained at Furnace Creek, Shoshone, or Baker.
Key Points of Interest Along the Southern Approach and Junction Area
Ashford Mill Ruins
Located a short distance north of the Harry Wade Road junction (access via a short gravel spur off Badwater Road). These are the remains of a historic borax mill. A small parking area and vault toilet are available. The site offers a quiet stop with views of the southern valley and is a common landmark for those turning onto Harry Wade Road.
Harry Wade Road Junction
Approximately 2 miles south of the Ashford Mill ruins, where Badwater Road bends east toward the passes. Harry Wade Road (dirt, high-clearance recommended) continues southeast across the valley floor toward Saratoga Spring Road and ultimately CA-127. This junction marks the practical southern end of the main Badwater Road alignment and the starting point for the historic Harry Wade Exit Route.
Jubilee Pass Road (Continuation to Highway 127)
From the junction the paved road climbs eastward, crossing Jubilee Pass and Salsberry Pass before descending to CA-127. The drive offers expansive views of the southern Black Mountains, Greenwater Valley, and surrounding desert ranges. It is the main paved connection between the southern valley floor and the communities of Shoshone and Tecopa.
Other Nearby Features on the Broader Badwater Road Corridor
While farther north, the full Badwater Road provides access to:
- Badwater Basin (lowest point in North America at –282 feet)
- Devil’s Golf Course
- Natural Bridge
- Artist’s Drive / Artist’s Palette
- Golden Canyon
- West Side Road (dirt alternative along the west side of the salt flats)
These northern attractions are the primary reasons most visitors drive Badwater Road; the southern section is quieter and primarily used for through travel or access to Harry Wade Road and the remote southern park.
Practical Information
- The southern section is remote. Carry ample water, check fuel levels, and verify current road conditions via the official NPS Death Valley alerts page, as flood damage and repairs can change access with little notice.
- No cell service is reliable in much of this area.
- Dispersed camping is restricted on the valley floor; follow park backcountry rules.
- Harry Wade Road itself requires high-clearance (and often 4WD in sandy sections) and is subject to deep sand and possible Amargosa River flooding.
In summary, the southern end of Badwater Road at the Harry Wade Road junction serves as the transition point between the classic paved valley-floor drive and the remote dirt backcountry of the historic Harry Wade Exit Route, while the continuing Jubilee Pass Road provides the paved link eastward to Highway 127. Together they form an important southern access corridor into Death Valley National Park. Always confirm current conditions before travel, especially after storms.