Name: Badwater Basin: Where Stars Meet the Salt
Start: 2025-08-23T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Badwater Basin Trailhead

Let’s explore one of the desert’s most unexpected gems, and a lesser-known corner of the Death Valley ecosystem that few travelers take the time to visit. Tucked away off the beaten path is Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, and it feels like a secret garden in the middle of the Mojave.

This rare oasis is fed by over 30 seeps and springs, with water so clear you’ll swear it’s imported from a tropical island! The boardwalks wind through the lush wetlands and over surreal blue pools, offering a close-up view of one of the world’s smallest and rarest fish, the endangered Ash Meadows pupfish. These tiny, shimmering survivors have adapted to one of the harshest environments on Earth.

But the pupfish are just the beginning. Expect dramatic desert backdrops, wind-carved vegetation, birdlife in motion, and constantly shifting light that turns this remote refuge into a dynamic outdoor studio.

**MEETUP INFO:**
We will meet at 3pm in the parking lot of the Ash Meadows Visitor Center.

This is around a 2 hour drive from Las Vegas, so please plan accordingly to arrive on time. Some portions of the drive are on dirt roads, but these are graded and suitable for most vehicles.

**MEETUP FEES:**
There is no fee to visit Ash Meadows.

**PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:**
Be prepared to walk and carry your gear 1-2 miles on level trails or boardwalks.

Note that it may be quite hot, so bring plenty of water!

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:**
If your plans change and you are unable to attend, please be courteous and cancel your RSVP so that someone else can attend.

Be sure to have plenty of gas in your vehicle as gas stations are few and far in-between once you leave Pahrump!

**DESERT PHOTO EXPLORERS LIABILITY DISCLAIMER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK:**
By submitting your RSVP and participating in any Desert Photo Explorers event, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

1\. Assumption of Risk: You understand and voluntarily accept that outdoor activities such as hiking\, off\-roading\, and photography carry inherent risks\, including but not limited to injury\, property damage\, or other unforeseen harm\. You agree to assume full responsibility for your participation and the participation of your guest$s$\.
2\. Release of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law\, you release and discharge the Organizer$s$\, Event Host$s$\, and any affiliated individuals or entities from any and all liability for injury\, damage\, loss\, or claims arising from your participation in any event\, including those caused by negligence\.
3\. Personal Responsibility: You confirm that you have reviewed all event instructions\, understand the requirements\, and agree to participate at your own risk\. You are solely responsible for assessing your physical fitness\, skills\, and preparedness to participate in any event\.
4\. Guest Responsibility: If you bring guest$s$\, you agree to communicate these terms to them and accept responsibility for their compliance\.

By submitting your RSVP, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this liability disclaimer and assumption of risk. You further agree that your RSVP submission constitutes your electronic signature.

Desert Photo Explorers

John C

Randi Mears

S Gillespie

Thomas Seubert

Stan Kaules

Michelle Wilson 

Ash Meadows: Tiny fish, big views, and boardwalks

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Death Valley’s Badwater Basin already feels like another planet with its surreal salt flats and striking polygon patterns, but if we add the Milky Way overhead the photographs should be out of this world!

We’ll start shooting around sunset and continue into the night as the Milky Way rises above the horizon. With only 1.1% moon illumination, we’re in for dark skies and brilliant stars!

The walk to the best polygon formations is approximately 2–3 miles round trip from the parking area. The terrain is flat but uneven, with small holes that can be tricky to spot, especially on the return in the dark. Sturdy shoes and headlamps/flashlights are strongly recommended.

**MEETUP INFO:**
We will meet at 6pm in the parking lot near the trailhead at Badwater Basin.

This is around a 2 hour and 45 minute drive from Las Vegas, so please plan accordingly to arrive on time.

**MEETUP FEES:**
Death Valley National Park requires a pass which is currently $30 per vehicle. There are kiosks at the entrances to the park, or you can purchase one at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. If you have an America the Beautiful pass, that will cover this entrance fee.

**PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:**
While most of the hike will be on salty, level terrain you’ll have to carry your gear up to 2-3 miles for the best photo locations. There are some small potholes and terrain that you will have to navigate, which can be hard to spot in the dark. Be sure to bring a flashlight or headlight for the hike back to the parking lot.

Additionally, it will be quite hot, even into the night, so bring plenty of water!

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:**
If your plans change and you are unable to attend, please be courteous and cancel your RSVP so that someone else can attend.

Be sure to have plenty of gas in your vehicle as gas stations are few and far in-between once you leave Pahrump!

**DESERT PHOTO EXPLORERS LIABILITY DISCLAIMER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK:**
By submitting your RSVP and participating in any Desert Photo Explorers event, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

1\. Assumption of Risk: You understand and voluntarily accept that outdoor activities such as hiking\, off\-roading\, and photography carry inherent risks\, including but not limited to injury\, property damage\, or other unforeseen harm\. You agree to assume full responsibility for your participation and the participation of your guest$s$\.
2\. Release of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law\, you release and discharge the Organizer$s$\, Event Host$s$\, and any affiliated individuals or entities from any and all liability for injury\, damage\, loss\, or claims arising from your participation in any event\, including those caused by negligence\.
3\. Personal Responsibility: You confirm that you have reviewed all event instructions\, understand the requirements\, and agree to participate at your own risk\. You are solely responsible for assessing your physical fitness\, skills\, and preparedness to participate in any event\.
4\. Guest Responsibility: If you bring guest$s$\, you agree to communicate these terms to them and accept responsibility for their compliance\.

By submitting your RSVP, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this liability disclaimer and assumption of risk. You further agree that your RSVP submission constitutes your electronic signature.

Paul Vincent 

Dave Wheeler

Michele

Badwater Basin: Where Stars Meet the Salt

Badwater Basin Trailhead

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