Once in a lifetime opportunity. Recommended driving a truck/jeep/suv/Subaru. It is nearly 30 miles down a dirt/gravel road with at times severe washboarding. It is 100% worth the drive. Once you get to the start of the lakebed there is a small area for parking to go walk around and see the grandstand. Keep driving south to get to the moving rocks area and here is a tip. don't spend your time at the rocks right at the entry. walk all the way to straight out to the side of the mountain where the rocks start from. If you continue south you will have to have a 4x4 vehicle with high clearance (Subaru's won't make it) it is a great off-road trail but will take you pretty much all day round trip from the start of the racetrack road to getting back into Death Valley on the south side. It is very much worth it, you get deep deep into the back country on this trail. This is an absolute must see place!! read more

Racetrack Playa - Parks Near Me - Death Valley, California

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Update to clarify a point: many reviewers are saying you need a 4WD to visit the Racetrack. You don't - it's a fairly good 27 mile gravel road that gets washboarded and has many, many tire-killing rocks. A 2WD vehicle will get there just fine as long as you drive carefully. The driver absolutely must concentrate on navigating the road and avoiding rocks. That said, what you DO need are good tires. Don't attempt this drive with anything other than at least fairly new street tires - not performance tires. All terrain tires are better. And make sure you have a full size spare in good condition with a jack and all necessary tools to jack up the car. This last trip, we encountered a guy in a pickup with a flat tire that not only didn't know how to jack the truck up but - after searching his truck - didn't actually have the tool necessary to get the spare tire down from where it was under the vehicle. read more

Beautiful place to visit if you have the right transportation. It is a pretty rough road to get there! read more

Racetrack Playa - Milky Way - Parks Near Me - Death Valley, California

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This place is unbelievable and out of this world!!! So vast, so flat, so uninhibited and uninhabited! I've seen many nature places from the popular spots during my leisure travels to the lesser known spots during my geology field trips, and the racetrack playa definitely left a memorable track in my mind. It's one of the flattest places on earth because the mud surface was evened out by gravity. Imagine pouring cake batter in a container and let it set. That's how the mudflats were formed when the basin was filled with water as an ancient lake. And because of how dense the mud is, it cannot drain away water to allow plants to grow, not even the toughest weed you can find. And you have this 3 square mile of nothingness other than you, and maybe a ghost... oooooo.... You can tell how much I appreciate this place because of its uniqueness and just a sense of feeling I'm on another planet, like Mars or something. (A scene in the original Star Wars was shot in Death Valley but not sure if they had one in racetrack playa.) And as if it's not cool enough, you can find the moving rocks here with their tracks behind them! There are many theories about how they moved. I'll let you look into that. A group of ucsd scientists even came out here and put GPS on the rocks to track them. If you've ever seen these amazing photos of a rock with a track and the Milky Way as the background, this is the spot where these photographers camped out here in the middle of nowhere to take these awesome shots! To get here you'll need a 4WD with high clearance by renting or by joining a tour if you don't want to drive on loose gravel. We joined farabee Jeep tour and although it's expensive, we had a fun-filled day with a lot of information! Driving off-road is not that difficult. And if you insist to take a regular car, you can make it out without a flat tire if you drive slowly. The rocks are not next to the road. You'll have to hike towards the foothills to see them. They're by the mountain because that's where the fallen rocks came from! If you need an outhouse bathroom, there's a rustic campground toward the end of the road past the moving rocks. It's really hot in the summer and cold and windy in the winter. Use common sense, travel safe and have fun!!! I love Death Valley!!!! read more

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This is a great spot to check out if you are zipping around Death Valley. You can totally make it in a 2WD passenger car - just go slower. The trick with washboard is that there is a sweet spot - slow or fast - in between you'll get rattled. If you are in a 2WD passenger car, stick to 15-20 mph, if you are in 4WD - you can probably go about 50 or 60 on dry washboard. On my Suzuki DR650 - I did not feel ANY washboard in any part of the park. YMMV. While you can get to Racetrack in a passenger car, without a 4WD or a motorcycle - you'll basically have to turn around and go back the way you came (toward Ubehebe Crater and Scotty's Castle) because the other roads are definitely 4WD/motorcycle only. That said - you can spend some time hanging out at Racetrack, taking photos - bring a shade canopy and a picnic lunch. Also bring a bucket and take your waste and toilet paper with you - unfortunately, there are no bathroom facilities but that doesn't stop rude humans from crapping on the ground on the side of the road by the pull out for Racetrack and leaving TP and uncovered poop all over the ground. Disgusting humans! Don't ruin it for the rest of us - pick up your trash and more. The road in is pretty bumpy but it's not worse than some driveways I have known in rural Napa county. The road between Ubehebe Crater and Racetrack is one of the longest and most boring pieces of flat road - aside from that horrible chunk between Crankshaft Junction and Scotty's Castle (where you can expect to see people in SUVs and monster trucks zipping along at 80 with giant dust storms trailing them - boo!). Make sure you have enough film or enough charge on your batteries and just go have fun taking pictures and looking at rocks. Don't pick up the wiggly rock that is making the rattling sound or you'll get bit. read more

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Looking for science and mystery? This is for you! You will need a 4 wheel drive becz the road is un-maintained and in rainy season, closed.. but when you get here... it is awesome and you are usually alone... the big deal about this place is that the super flat playa/ surface is home to 100 of rocks that seem to make their way in all different directions, some together, some crossing some small, some large... that over time have walked (if you will) along the playa with no real explaination, there are many theories as to how or why they do this.. but as far as i know, no real hard evidence.. it is so fun.. like being on the moon really.. some locals say that you will have the urge to run around naked.. i didn't get that, but i was impressed and deeply moved by the beauty and solitude of the place.. you will want a camera! water and to have used the bathroom before you show up! :) read more

Racetrack Playa - racing rock - Parks Near Me - Death Valley, California

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In April of 2011, our group made the trek from Las Vegas to the Racetrack Playa. We had two four wheel drive vehicles. The road is as bad as described by others and this is a very remote location. If you break down here and you're alone, good luck. You better hope someone comes along. After the ride from Ubehebe Crater, the first point of interest is Teakettle Junction, a fun stop to get a photo and to read the dates and places of the people who left teakettles here. At the beginning of the Racetrack, there's a beautiful rock formation known as the Grandstand. A few miles south, you get to a parking area where you walk along the playa and find the rocks and the tracks they've made. There are a couple of plausible theories how these tracks were made. Google it if you want to know more. A nice side trip from the playa is to Ubehebe Lead Mine. We went here after spending an hour or so at the Racetrack and we did a lot of exploring of the mine area. There are several adits--most closed with bat gates--and you can see the tram line that went up the mountain to bring ore down from upper openings. It's an interesting place and a good place for lunch break before returning. This is one of those once in a lifetime trips, and I'm glad I did it. read more

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If you're into travel and landscape photography this is the place you have to see. After we stopped at Ubehebe Crater, we headed there. You need 4wd, the roads are unpaved for many miles or so. From Furnace Creek to Racetrack Playa, you'll be driving uphill the entire way and will gain about 3,500 feet in altitude. Returning back to Beatty took us 3hrs on the bumpy unpaved road. The Racetrack Playa is a remote location deep within Death Valley National Park. It is a dry lake bed and these "moving rocks" can be found on the floor of the playa with long trails behind them. These rocks slide across the playa, cutting a furrow in the sediment as they move. Some of these rocks I learned weigh several hundred pounds. A research project has suggested that a rare combination of rain and wind conditions enable the rocks to move. A rain of about 1/2 inch, will wet the surface of the playa, thus providing a firm but extremely slippery surface. Strong winds may skid the large boulders along the slick mud. read more

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Pretty spectacular! Highly recommend. It does take a while to get there and you have to take a 4WD vehicle but it is so worth it! The Playa itself is incredible-- a mirror flat dry lake bed made of clay which has been compacted, in the center is a stunning rock formation lovingly called "the Grandstand." And of course there are the moving rocks. You have to drive to the south edge of the playa and walk about half a mile onto the playa to see them. read more

This place rocks! HA! Let me first say that when I was a child, my parents idea of a summer vacation was to load up the station wagon and travel from Gilroy to Baton Rouge, La. to visit la familia. Well, along the way we stopped at many a landmark this great country has to offer. Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, you get the idea. The point is, I've seen a number of pretty incredible landmarks through the years, and this place is up there with the best! The Racetrack Playa is this ginormous dry lake bed that has all these rocks on it, all different sizes... some as heavy as 700 lbs supposedly, and they move and leave trails, BUT no one has EVER seen them move! Some zigzag, some go in a straight line, some circle.... it is truly NUTS! Through the years there have been different theories as to how they move. Currently the thinking is the wind, but all kinds of notions have been put out there. When the wind almost blows you over, then you'll know how they came up with this theory. It is *so* incredible to actually see this place though! It is such a mysterious site. It is truly breathtaking. The National Parks Service( and now me too!) recommends 4 wheel drive to reach the Racetrack playa. Even in the super duper 4 wheel drive Sportsmobile, that washboard road makes you vibrate for a good few minutes after you've stepped onto solid ground. If you get a chance to view these sliding rocks, I highly recommend you do. Google it ahead of time, but you will be amazed. read more

Racetrack Playa - sliding rock - Parks Near Me - Death Valley, California

About an hour into our two-hour drive out to the Racetrack, I muttered, "This had better be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, because I am NEVER driving this road again!" I want to be very clear here: THIS ROAD IS TERRIBLE. The route from Ubehebe to Racetrack Playa is 27 miles of SEVERELY washboarded dirt. The resulting vibrations are so intense that the nuts holding the two-inch bolts that attach my truck's toolbox UNSCREWED and the box started sliding away. I was certain that other parts of my truck were going to start coming off soon, as well as possibly parts of my body. I drive a high-clearance truck with 4x4 and off-road tires, but it was no help. The only thing that will help in this situation is the ability to soften your tires. That said, we saw many people out there in AWD hatchbacks and 2WD sedans, because apparently these people care nothing for their cars. With that out of the way, now let me say: it was totally worth it. The hours and hours of rattling teeth are a small price to pay for the experience of absolute peace and isolation you achieve out here. I completely agree with Robin S below that one of the finest things you can do is to walk out into the middle of the playa, sit, close your eyes, and just...be. I know that sounds pretty hippy-dippy, but I'm telling you...the warm, hard earth below you, the complete silence all around you...it is magical. But then there are also ROCKS to see! Here's some more important info: don't make the mistake like we did (and looks like others have as well) in thinking that the first parking area (with interpretive signs) is where you are going to see the rocks. That is the parking area to go out and see The Grandstand. It is worth a stop, but the only rocks you will find out there are the ones that people have pushed across the ground in frustration because they can't find any sliding rocks. No, you have to keep going down the road for that. The sliding rocks are at the opposite end of the lake, where you will find another parking area and more signage. From there it is about a half-mile walk out onto the playa to where the rocks are sliding. Need I say that after you have driven all this time on that terrible road that you better get your butt all the way out there and see those damn rocks?! A few years ago, the mystery of the sliding rocks was solved, but that does not in any way make them less amazing. To see the distance that some of these rocks--big ones, small ones, round ones, square ones--have traveled across the playa is pretty breathtaking. Be prepared with an extra battery for your camera, because you are going to take a ton of photos! I DO recommend that everyone make this trip at some point! Just don't take it lightly. Be prepared to spend the whole day getting there and back, be prepared for the painful road, and above all, be prepared with LOTS of water, food, and sunscreen. You are truly headed out into the desert wilderness if you attempt this trip! read more

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Jan 2021 road condition was actually quite good. Minimal wash boarding until the last bit, didn't even need 4wd (but definitely would recommend heavy duty tires). Walk out from the second parking lot to see the best rock trails. read more

The Racetrack is one of the iconic areas of Death Valley. During rare but violent rain storms, high winds push rocks inches at a time across a mud flat a mile across and several miles long. When the sun returns the mud dries out and cracks, stranding the rocks in place with trails behind them. Getting to the Racetrack requires is a bit of an adventure. A skilled driver with a high clearance 4x4 vehicle has a choice of three routes in/out. Personally I love the Lippincott Mine Road up from Saline Valley. Those with a 2wd passenger car can make it via the graded dirt and gravel road from Ubehebe Crater (to the north). But even so, it should only be attempted by skilled drivers. If you get nervous pulling in to the gravel lot at the farmer's market, this road is not for you. Finally, be mindful of the summer heat. The Racetrack is higher elevation than Badwater Basin but it still gets FREAKIN' HOT out here in the summer. Carry plenty of water. read more

Racetrack Playa - Rocks seemingly race across the dry ground, leaving trails behind them - Parks Near Me - Death Valley, California

I have seen and read about the race track. No horse here. This is Death Valley. We arrived on Sunday morning. There was no one in sight. The gravel road coming to the area made our ride very bumpy and bouncy. Come here on an SUV or wheels that can go on rocks. The slight desert breeze was not so hot before 8am. I managed walking on the flats toward the rocky mountain or island in the middle. Hey... I saw many rocks. I did see a rock with its track and 2 tracks that is nearby. However, I don't think this is the famous one. What is the exact location of the famous rock with the track? It was around 10am and the heat is increasing. The weather forecast says 114 deg by 12 noon.. I also didn't want to stay long because my skin was burning. I got bitten by a fire ant and it was painful. Lots of fire ants crawling around. Thank god they don't have wings. This was quite exciting. If you want to visit, also bring a kettle that you no longer want. Include a marker to write your name and date on the kettle. Look for the kettle junction. Make sure your car won't breakdown, otherwise you could die in Death Valley. One more thing. No bathroom. Do your liquid intake on your way out. Sept is still hot. I can't wait to come back again. read more

Racetrack Playa - A rock with its track - Parks Near Me - Death Valley, California

Getting here is the challenge...we have visited the Playa twice, once in 2015, and again in the winter of 2017. Both visits we had bluebird weather, and the Racetrack all to ourselves. Wear sturdy shoes and pack water and sunscreen, as the hike out to the east side of the playa is where the real rocks play. We hiked out and took photos of several of the rocks that had great tracks across the playa. Some were small, others were the size of microwave ovens. The scenery here is just stunning, and we love the desolation and remoteness of this location. Our camp for the night was just down the road at Homestake...primitive, and with a pit toilet that hasn't exactly been maintained. Bring your own trail gold for success. Getting to the Racetrack is best acheived by airing down your tires and a well suspended 4WD vehicle. You could get here in a passenger car, but the ride will be slow and full of bad vibrations. The washboard sections along the access road are legendary, bring a spanner wrench to check bolts that may have vibrated loose during travel...or mix a margarita and let it shake/shake/shake until you've destinated. Then drink hearty weary desert traveler, you have earned that sip!! read more

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A lot of people either didn't go or didn't think it was worthy. But it's always better to see the real thing than just googling about it. A 4x4 and some homework will get you prepared and safe on the road. And it's so peaceful and quiet in an area with no one most of time. Do remember to start early and get out before getting dark. read more

Racetrack Playa - Parks Near Me - Death Valley, California

Pretty spectacular! Highly recommend. It does take a while to get there and you have to take a 4WD vehicle but it is so worth it! The Playa itself is incredible-- a mirror flat dry lake bed made of clay which has been compacted, in the center is a stunning rock formation lovingly called "the Grandstand." And of course there are the moving rocks. You have to drive to the south edge of the playa and walk about half a mile onto the playa to see them. Incredible!! read more

Racetrack Playa - Explaining moving rocks - Parks Near Me - Death Valley, California

What a very long drive to get here, but well worth it. We came in from the north, and it took a long while on a washboarded dirt road to get to the first spot to pull off. We went out and explored the playa and had a great lunch. We drove down a bit further to where the rocks "race" and there were only a couple people out and about which made it really nice for photo opportunities. It was super cool and well worth the half days drive to get there. I would recommend a 4x4 with high clearance, but you might make it out there in something else if you're experienced on these kinds of roads. read more

Racetrack Playa - Parks Near Me - Death Valley, California

What a neat place to go and see. Based in the tracks the rocks leave in the ground, I was expecting the grind to be much softer. I was surprised that it was very hard. Cool pattern to the ground, and neat that they explain how the rocks move on the info board when you come in from the south. Highly recommend. Though make sure to bring a jacket, the wind can be fierce. read more

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I've been fascinated watch shows about the moving boulders since I was a kid I finally got to go my advice is don't drive your car the roads really bumpy and your only going a few miles an hour. It is scenic looking up at the mountains but the boulders just sit there on a dry lake bed. Wish they were moving that day but they weren't I'll have to keep watching on TV. Bring water and food it gets hot read more

5 stars? I don't agree. With all of the amazing things to see in Death Valley this is not worth your time. Some small rocks with snail trails. And stop messing up the area! At least have some respect for the place and the people who enjoy it. But seriously, don't bother unless you are taking lippincott mine road to saline valley, or going through for some other reason. Teakettle junction was more noteworthy. (Do not take lippincott mine road without a capable vehicle) read more

Racetrack Playa - Kinda neat - Parks Near Me - Death Valley, California

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I was here last summer in July ... it was so hot .... stock up on water ... but I am delighted .....

26 or 27 miles off road on this route is no joke. The sheer length of 26 miles off road is a long time. Think again just how long 26 miles is going off road. And that's one way! There is another route to get to the Racetrack. This route via Ubehebe Crater is more manageable but for a long long way. I don't know about anyone else traveling on this washboard road but it is bumpy as heck and the sheer vibration of the unpacked and unpaved road is taxing and worrisome. We were in a Toyota Tacoma 4x4 with stock tires. Going through with a 2 wheel drive is fine but I wouldn't feel comfortable driving without a 4x4. We varied in speed based on the road conditions. Some areas you could drive up to 27mph others we were good at 8mph --even in a truck. On the way out we saw an abandoned mini SUV Hyundai off to the side, looked like it broke its rear wheel axel. We didn't see many sliding rocks. Looked like people took the rocks or moved the rocks around. You could see people drove on the lakebed. We had to walk out pretty far to find one sliding rock. I assume it's best to visit a couple days after the rain and wind. Without seeing the main attraction, it was still breathtaking to see the mountain range and the different colors of the area. Great trip and worth the off road adventure. read more

I felt compelled to write a review on this amazing place after visiting it, mainly because of our experience. I figured it would be helpful for anyone who is planning on visiting. You can read others reviews below me to find out why you should go. It is amazing! I won't get into that, but I did want to write about how to get there, since not many have mentioned that. We were driving from San Diego to Death Valley and I knew that I wanted to hit this place on our visit. I googled it, and it showed us that there was a route that went north from Hwy 190 on a road called Saline Rd. I had no idea, so we decided to head that way. I have a 4wd Toyota Tacoma and figured we could handle whatever we encountered. We got to the turnoff and headed into the unknown. It was pretty rough to say the least. The first 10 miles were washboard roads and medium sized rocks that required careful navigation. Once we got up the side of the mountain we encountered some large washouts that tested our truck. We made it through after 2 hours and were heading down the backside, with only 4 miles to go until the Playa. However, we encountered some roads on the last leg that would be impassible unless you had a 4x4 Jeep and nerves of steel. Being 27 miles in hte middle of nowhere does something to your confidence if you don't have means to change a tire or extra gas! We turned back and decided to head in from the recommended way. If you head north to the Ubehebe Crater, there is a gravel road that leads you to the Playa. It is 27 miles of washboard roads but it is about 10 times better than the road coming from the South. You could do it in a 2wd car, we saw a Ford Mustang on the road, but I wouldn't recommend it. It is doable as I said, but I wouldn't feel comfortable doing it. I would recommend a 4x4 vehicle with a spare tire. There are some sharp rocks that could cause a flat. Let me end by saying, it is totally worth the trip! The rangers said it was a 2 1/2 hour to the site, but we made it in 1 hour 15 minutes. Make sure you take plenty of water along, as it can get hot, even in November! Enjoy, and remember to be safe! Tell someone where you are going before you head out! read more

Five if you drove to Racetrack Playa with a 2WD. I made it with a Honda Accord.

A memory of a lifetime! It's among the strangest natural wonders of the world. And very pristine, since very few people go there. You can do it in a regular sedan if you are driving from the Ubehebe crater. However, I would suggest drive an SUV, that's what we did. read more

This place is absolutely awe-inspiring. The silence out there is striking. We got there just before sunrise and it was just incredible watching the lines of light peel across the playa. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us and it was breath-taking. That said... HEED THE WARNINGS from Yelpers about the road to this place. We have 4WD w/ off-road tires and the shaking not only unscrewed bolts from parts of our tailgate, but also tore, yes TORE, rivets from our camper shell that were holding the back window in place. We passed two 2WD vehicles that had recently been abandoned on the road on the way out. We initially parked in the first parking area not realizing there was a second parking area further down. The 1st PARKING AREA is the best place to get up close and personal with THE GRANDSTAND. The 2nd PARKING AREA is best for the SAILING STONES. It is ~1 mile down - quite a trek in between to walk, but all flat. Please be aware that there is no cell signal, no wi-fi, no normal way to call for help in the area. Plan your Death Valley trip thoroughly ahead of time. Take maps and an actual GPS. You can get a free map at Panamint Springs gas station on your way in. We found that the GPS on our phones would work with no signal, but we could not set any new destinations without signal. We also took a GPS S.O.S. system in case we found ourselves in trouble. The heat and the isolation are very real. I was fearful for the tourists at the gas station who nonchalantly announced that they'd just look up where to go on their phones only to find that their phones were useless for communication with the outside world. Go, enjoy it, it's stunning - just educate yourself on the area and stay safe. It really is an experience, joyous and surreal. Highly recommended. read more

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I did it in a Toyota Camry. Check the road reports and just don't drive more than 20 mph or go too late in the day (in case you do have an accident) and you should be fine. Parts of the road don't look bad, but be warned: don't speed if you are in a 2wd because there are some potholes that will cost you an axle and you can't see them until it's too late. If you back off of the road into the sand to turn around in a 2wd, you won't have any traction and you WILL get stuck. Take lots of water and as another poster said, please take your garbage with you. read more

There's nothing I can say that can do this location justice. It is my favorite place in the state of California - just go there.