The Racetrack Playa - 1.0 Miles Round-Trip

Stunning scenery meets geologic intrigue at the Racetrack in Death Valley National Park. The Racetrack is a Playa - or dry lake bed - located in a remote valley between the Cottonwood and Last Chance mountain ranges. Fine mud and silt occasionally wash down from surrounding hills and become suspended in a shallow, temporary lake with no natural outlet.

These particles settle evenly over the lake bottom, maintaining a level surface as the water evaporates; such makes playas the flattest natural surface on earth.

Unique to this playa - and origin of its moniker - are the improbable moving rocks across its surface. Some are quite large and have traveled 1500'; though no one has actually seen the rocks move, pronounced tracks in the playa surface attest to this activity.

Many theories have been offered to explain this rare phenomenon: the most plausible suggests that a specific combination of rain - perhaps ½ inch (enough to slicken but not soften the surface) - and wind - approximately 50 mph - enable rock movement.

Freeze-thaw cycles may also facilitate movement. No matter the true cause, the Racetrack's profound beauty, size and isolation make it one of Death Valley's most compelling attractions.

There is no trail over the Racetrack - simply enter from one of two designated parking areas and wander across as you see fit. The north parking area lies .25 miles from the Grandstand, an elevated beacon of misplaced quartz monzonite in a sea of open space.

The south parking area sits approximately .5 miles from the highest concentration of moving rocks on the Racetrack's southeast perimeter.

You needn't venture far from either entrance to experience the Racetrack's grandeur, though deeper travel provides greater perspective on the surrounding landscape.

Passage is quick and easy over the playa's flat surface, however extreme desert conditions warrant standard preparation such as extra water and full sun protection - no matter the duration of your visit. Keep your bearings on the parking area and eye on the time as you explore.

Rain softens the playa surface, making it susceptible to footprints and other unnatural impressions that can last for years. To preserve the Racetrack in its natural state never enter when wet or damp, remove rocks or carry in new ones. Driving on the Racetrack is strictly prohibited.