Racetrack Valley Road — Death Valley’s Sailing Stones Playa via Hunter Mountain
Rocks that move. Silence that doesn't.
You earn the Racetrack. From Ubehebe Crater, the 27-mile dirt road to Racetrack Playa grinds over washboard so violent it shakes bolts loose — and that’s on a good day. The route climbs through Tin Pass before dropping into the playa basin, a 3.5-mile dry lakebed so flat and pale it looks like a mistake in the landscape. The sailing stones — rocks weighing up to 700 pounds that have carved visible tracks across the mud — are real, documented, and still unsettling to stand next to. Teakettle Junction marks the fork; hang a left and you’re committed to the valley floor. The playa surface is fragile: drive only on the hardened edges.
This is high-clearance 4WD territory minimum, with sharp volcanic rock that eats tires for lunch — bring two full-size spares, not just a donut. No fuel, no water, no cell service anywhere on route. Nearest reliable services are at Furnace Creek, roughly 55 miles southeast. Best window is October through April; summer temps exceed 115°F and can cook your engine before you reach the playa. No permit required, but the NPS charges a park entry fee. Dispersed camping is not allowed on the playa itself; use designated sites at Homestake Dry Camp.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 27 mi / 43.5 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5000 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Furnace Creek, CA |
| Land manager | National Park Service — Death Valley National Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | NPS Racetrack Playa page NPS Death Valley Backcountry |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Racetrack Valley Road?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get you there, but the 27 miles of relentless washboard and embedded rocks are brutal on tires, suspension, and wheels. Run at least a full-size spare — many rigs have limped out on a flat. Low-clearance vehicles like stock SUVs and 2WD trucks have no business on this road.
Is Racetrack Valley Road open in summer?
It's technically open year-round, but summer temps in Death Valley regularly exceed 120°F and have killed people. October through April is the only sane window. Spring and fall weekdays are ideal — fewer people, survivable temps.
Do you need a permit to drive Racetrack Valley Road or camp near the playa?
No permit required to drive the road or access the playa. Death Valley National Park charges a $35 vehicle entrance fee (valid 7 days). Backcountry camping is allowed 1 mile or more from paved roads, 100 yards from water sources, and outside of day-use-only areas — the playa itself is off-limits for camping.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The entire road is the hardest section — it's 27 miles of sharp decomposed granite washboard that will loosen every bolt on your rig and shred tires that aren't in good shape. There's no single dramatic obstacle; the trail kills you slowly through vibration, hidden rocks, and flats. Drive it between 15-25 mph to find the sweet spot where the washboard smooths out slightly.
How far is Racetrack Valley Road from the nearest gas station and should I worry about fuel?
Furnace Creek is the closest reliable fuel stop, roughly 55+ miles away via Ubehebe Crater Road after you exit. Fill up completely before you leave, carry extra fuel if your rig drinks it, and plan for the return leg — there is no gas anywhere near the playa and cell service is completely dead the entire route.
Trail track
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