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Death Valley NP, California
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The Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park is known for its mysterious sailing stones that leave long tracks behind them, a phenomenon that was only recently explained by scientists as a result of thin ice sheets moving the rocks during rare rain events.
The Racetrack is a dry lakebed, or playa, surrounded by the Panamint Range, and its flat, cracked surface is a result of the evaporation of water that occasionally fills the basin.
The ideal time to visit is during the cooler months of fall and spring, as summer temperatures in Death Valley can exceed 120°F (49°C).
Reaching The Racetrack requires a high-clearance vehicle due to the rough, unpaved roads leading to this remote area of Death Valley National Park.
As part of Death Valley National Park, The Racetrack is protected under federal law, and visitors are encouraged to leave no trace to preserve its natural beauty.
