This is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere at Badwater, which is 282 feet below sea level. There is always water at Badwater because of an underground spring but in the summer months there is much less of it due to evaporation. In this water, which is 2-3 time saltier than the ocean, the tiny Badwater snail manages to survive. A brand new boardwalk trail and exhibit allow visitors to see this area without harming the habitat of this microscopic snail. Across the valley floor from Badwater, you can see the highest point in Death Valley at Telescope Peak, which is 11,049 feet. On the hill by the parking lot, there is a sign showing the sea level which is about 280 feet higher than parking lot. The white area on top picture is salt field as shown in the next picture.