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Death Valley’s Ancient Lake Makes a Splashy Comeback, Superbloom on the Horizon?
Death Valley National Park, CA – What’s old is new again in Death Valley, as an ancient lake, affectionately known as Lake Manly, has reemerged following a deluge of record-breaking rainfall. The usually bone-dry Badwater Basin, North America’s lowest point at a staggering 282 feet below sea level, is now sporting several inches of water, offering a rare and stunning spectacle for visitors.
Historically, during the Ice Ages, Lake Manly was a sprawling body of water, reaching depths of up to 700 feet and stretching nearly 100 miles long. While today’s reincarnation is a much shallower affair, it’s still a significant event, especially for those who missed its brief appearance after Hurricane Hilary in 2024.
Death Valley has seen its wettest fall on record, with 2.41 inches of rain between September and November – more than the desert typically receives in an entire year. November alone shattered a 1923 record with 1.76 inches of precipitation. This sustained, gentler rainfall has created the perfect conditions for the lake’s return.
Andrew Heltzel, chief commercial officer of the Xanterra Travel Collection, which operates lodges and excursions in the park, explains that the basin’s contained, low elevation prevents the water from draining. “It’s almost impenetrable,” Heltzel told ABC News, likening the basin’s outskirts to “a seal.” The only way for the water to disappear is through evaporation, a process that could take months.
Heltzel urges interested visitors not to delay, as “it is getting smaller through evaporation every day.” The reflective surface of Lake Manly against the backdrop of the surrounding mountain peaks creates a truly breathtaking sight.
But the reemergence of Lake Manly isn’t the only exciting prospect. The way this year’s rain fell, gradually and consistently, has created “perfect ingredients” for a potential “superbloom” of wildflowers this spring. Unlike the intense downpour from Hurricane Hilary that prevented the soil from absorbing moisture, the recent rains have seeped into the ground, setting the stage for a vibrant display of desert flora, a phenomenon last seen in 2016.
While some unpaved roads within the park have sustained storm damage and may be impassable, popular sites like Zabriskie Point, Dantes View, Badwater Basin, and Mesquite Sand Dunes remain open. The National Park Service advises visitors to be prepared for potential self-rescue if venturing onto backcountry roads.
For those planning a visit, February offers an added incentive: Death Valley National Park’s Dark Sky Festival. Designated a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park for its exceptional darkness, the park provides unparalleled stargazing opportunities.
Imagine gazing at the cosmos with the added bonus of Lake Manly reflecting the celestial show – a truly unforgettable experience. As Heltzel puts it, “The stargazing opportunities in Death Valley are second to none.”