Photos: Sprawling lake greets visitors as Death Valley park reopens

Death Valley National Park: Visitors gather near the sprawling temporary lake at Badwater Basin salt flats, which was caused by flooding in August from Tropical Storm Hilary, at the recently reopened Death Valley National Park.

The storm delivered a year’s worth of rain to Death Valley in a single day and flood damage forced the iconic desert park’s closure for eight weeks.

Death Valley is the hottest place on Earth and Badwater Basin is located 282 feet below sea level, the lowest elevation in North America.

Parts of the park remain closed as repair work continues.

Pooled water is visible near the sprawling temporary lake at Badwater Basin salt flats.

Michelle takes a photo with her dog Joya.

Visitors gather and take photos at the sprawling temporary lake at Badwater Basin salt flats, which was caused by flooding in August from Tropical Storm Hilary, at the recently reopened Death Valley National Park on October 21, 2023 in Death Valley National Park, California.

A person takes photos of the sprawling temporary lake at Badwater Basin salt flats, which was caused by flooding in August from Tropical Storm Hilary, at the recently reopened Death Valley National Park on October 22, 2023 in Death Valley National Park, California.

Visitors walk next to the sprawling temporary lake (LEFT C) at Badwater Basin salt flats.

Pooled water is shown near the sprawling temporary lake at Badwater Basin salt flats.