Mysterious moving rocks. Jeffery Aiello Nestled in a remote valley between the Cottonwood and Last Chance Ranges, the Racetrack is a place of …
Reviews
Tripadvisor
4.5/5 · 275 reviews
5-star
67%
4-star
11%
3-star
11%
2-star
11%
1-star
0%
Recent reviews
Any rating
Loading reviews...
May 2, 2024
I am a photographer. So visiting Death Valley without seeing the Racetrack would be unthinkable. I have researched the reason why does it take so long to get there. Knowing the tough road conditions … Full review by Isaac W
Aug 10, 2023
If like me you heard about this place as a kid and always wondered what it was like - it’s exactly how you imagine only better. I have been to Death Valley lots of times but only made it here this y… Full review by pauldB7564MD
Apr 13, 2021
We saw the phenomenon close to Pantamint Springs at Dry Lakebed Road. The ground feels like leather--so cool. Full review by elizabeth k
Hi, I plan to visiot racetrack soon. I see ppl are saying vandalism in racetrack, especially seeing few rocks. I'm worry about getting them and not seeing moving rocks. Could somebody confirm ?
A:
I have heard the same that you have, but I can't imagine that you would go and not see any rocks. The rocks don't move while you are there, but you see the rocks at the end of …
I have heard the same that you have, but I can't imagine that you would go and not see any rocks. The rocks don't move while you are there, but you see the rocks at the end of their trails --- some winding. They just recently found out why these rocks move on this old lake bed. It has to do with just the right conditions in winter --when it rains and freezes the top layer of water; also it has to be windy and the wind will move sheets of ice with the rocks embedded in them. Really interesting. If I was going to Death Valley now, even having heard what you have, I would still go to the Racetrack.
Hi there, did you have to hike to the racetrack where you see those large huge slided rocks? If yes, how long and strenuous was the hike? where did you rent your high clearance vehicle? How much was it? Thank you!
A:
Plenty of answers above. But to specifically answer your question, once you get to the Playa, there is a road you can take heading opposite of the Grand Stand, where you can park …
Plenty of answers above. But to specifically answer your question, once you get to the Playa, there is a road you can take heading opposite of the Grand Stand, where you can park and then go onto the Playa itself. There are berms along the edges to keep vehicles from getting onto the Playa to preserve it. So you park at the end and then go onto the Playa and walk over to the rocks. The Playa is very large, and you're free to hike over to the Grand Stand or off to the side where there is another area to explore. Bring plenty of water as its very arid out there. In August/September the temps are still very high. Also because the Playa is open terrain wear a nice brimmed hat and long sleeves and pants to keep the sun from burning you, too. The hike itself is not strenuous except for the heat and distance. But its flat land (that's why its called a Playa). Rental of high clearance vehicles is really something you have to shop for. THere are no car rental agencies in Death Valley. I rented an SUV in Vegas that had some clearance but not enough. On another trip I got lucky with a 4x4 Toyota 4-Runner from Enterprise also in Las Vegas, and it had more clearance. They recommend 10 to 18 inch clearance for some tough terrain. The ride out from Ubehebe Crater or from Hunter Mountain is fraught with large rocks and sharp objects that can cause a flat so bring spare tires. I also suggest making sure you have the best tow insurance around because a tow out of that area is going to cost $1,000 or more.
What route would be better to the racetrack playa. Saline valley rd or racetrack rd?
A:
The road up from Saline Valley is probably the worst road in DVNP, which is saying a lot, because it has been closed from "major" landslides, and is plagued with these over many …
The road up from Saline Valley is probably the worst road in DVNP, which is saying a lot, because it has been closed from "major" landslides, and is plagued with these over many years off and on. The Switchbacks are epic in their sharpness and shortness. Of course the Ranger Station at Furnace Creek will have the latest scoop. My wife and I made it up to about 3000 feet from Saline Valley, and the landslide was completely impassible and looked impossible for a lizard to climb. On some maps and my GPS, it's called "Ubehebe Road". But the proper name is "Lippincott Mine Road", and the latest Google Search will back me up. I have gone down twice in years past, and the ride was both stunning and frightening. Going off would be likely fatal. Ah... the stupidity of my youth. "Best Answer": Go there from the Craters, and GO NICE AND SLOW to protect your tires as the rocks are sharp. Don't be afraid to take all day for the whole trip. P.S., Hiking the Racetrack Playa by yourself is a beautiful and great lesson in the word "solitude". Best of luck.
Hi, I have a BMW SUV 5X. Could it be used to drive on the racetrack trail in the death valley? Thanks a lot!
A:
I took a ten year old MDX to the racetrack and did not have any issues. I think this trip is exactly what these urban SUVs are made for. while the ride is bumpy, it is certainly not the …
I took a ten year old MDX to the racetrack and did not have any issues. I think this trip is exactly what these urban SUVs are made for. while the ride is bumpy, it is certainly not the worst I've been on. What makes it "extreme" is simply the distance involved. I can think of 3 concerns I would have when taking a car off-road in list of importance, they are - the body. there are no objects jutting out which might scratch your car - the undercarriage. I assume you X5 has a similar ground clearance to the MDX. In that case there should not be any problems - the tires. You always run "some" risk of puncture off road. But I don't think it is any worse here. Make sure you know how to change a tire :-)
Save
Share
More
