The Racetrack is one of Death Valley's most mysterious places. It is a dry lake bed, or playa, almost perfectly flat and about three miles long, with a surface of pale, cracked mud. Scattered across it are rocks, some weighing hundreds of pounds, with long trails behind them that suggest they have slid across the playa on their own. For decades, no one saw them move, and the sailing stones became a famous puzzle. Researchers have since observed the process: when a thin sheet of ice forms on a shallow film of water and winds break it up, the floating ice slabs push the rocks slowly across the wet mud. The result is the strange tracks you see today. The setting is stark, silent and beautiful, ringed by mountains and with dramatic night skies.
Getting there
The Racetrack lies in the remote northwest of the park, reached by the Racetrack Valley Road, a rough dirt road of roughly 27 miles beginning near Ubehebe Crater. The road is notorious for sharp rocks that can puncture tires, and washboard sections that rattle vehicles.
A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended, with a full-size spare tire, tools and extra water. Many visitors use a rental or a 4x4 for this reason; check the rental terms before you go. Conditions change with weather and maintenance, so ask a ranger or consult the park service before heading out.
What to see
The playa itself is the highlight, with its geometric mud cracks and its quiet. Walk out carefully, because the surface can be damaged by footprints and tire marks. Do not touch or move the stones, which is against park rules and spoils the tracks for everyone. At the southern end, near the parking area, a prominent rock formation called the Grandstand rises from the middle of the playa.
Further along the road you can reach Teakettle Junction, a signpost covered in decorated kettles left by travelers. Camping is possible at a backcountry site, but you should check permit rules and bring everything you need.
Practical notes
Allow a full day for the round trip, with an early start. There is no cell service, no fuel and no water. Carry food, a lot of water and a first-aid kit, and tell someone your plan. Summer heat can be extreme. Guided options exist for those who do not want to drive the road themselves, and a self-drive 4x4 trip is another route.
If your vehicle is not suitable, skip the Racetrack and visit the similar but more accessible landscapes closer to the main road. For those with the right vehicle and preparation, the effort is richly rewarded.
Extra tips
The road is a place where tire failure is the main risk, so many visitors use a vehicle with all-terrain tires and two spares. Carry a compressor or pump and know how to change a tire. Go early to give yourself time for the long drive back before dark, and do not drive the road in wet weather, when mud and washouts make it impassable.
If you are unsure, ask at the visitor center about recent conditions. Camping at the backcountry sites requires preparation and a permit if applicable, but spending a night here gives a remarkable view of the stars with almost no light.
What to expect
The experience
A long rough dirt road to a flat dry lake bed with moving rocks and a rocky outcrop called the Grandstand.
Best time
Cooler months and a dry spell; check conditions with the park service.
How long
A full day, including a long drive each way.
Tips
High-clearance vehicle, full-size spare, extra water and food, no signal. Do not touch the stones.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adventurous visitors with the right vehicle.
- Families
- Suited to older children; the drive is long and rough.
- Couples
- A remote, memorable experience.
- Pair with
- Ubehebe Crater on the way.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
How do the rocks move?+
Thin sheets of ice on shallow water are blown by wind and push the rocks slowly across the wet mud.
How rough is the road?+
About 27 miles of washboard dirt with sharp rocks. A high-clearance vehicle and a spare tire are strongly recommended.
Can I touch the stones?+
No. Moving or touching them is against park rules and spoils the tracks.
Is there cell service?+
No, so plan carefully and tell someone where you are going.
Can I camp there?+
Backcountry camping is possible, but check the permit rules with the park service.