Racetrack Playa | DVNP

Have you heard of the Sailing Stones in Death Valley National Park?  In May 2021 I took an adventure out there to see them for myself!

To get to Racetrack Playa, home of the infamous sailing stones, you'll need to start with a 4x4 vehicle.  From the entrance sign at Ubehebe Crater it is 27 miles and took us 2.5 hours to drive to ONE WAY.  We had planned to be there for sunrise, as we were told that is the ideal time for photographs (to catch the tail of the stones in the dry lake bed's shadow) and we greatly underestimated the time it would take on those last 27 miles.  We did get there quite early still, so you will see the tails' shadows in some of the photos above.

Things to keep in mind if you venture out this way.
+  Make sure people know you're going (that are not going) and have a check in time with them when you return.
+  Ensure you have twice as much water as you think you need.  We're in the desert - dehydration is real.  And while you're at it, grab a couple electrolyte drinks, too.
+  Make sure your 4x4 is properly equipped.  If you're renting a Jeep from one of the DVNP places, ensure you know where the tire jack is, how to change a tire, ask them to check the fluids with you, ask if there is a fire extinguisher on board.
+ Don't go alone.  If you can go with a second vehicle - amazing!  If you're going with one vehicle, at least have a second adult with you.


Want to see more of my Death Valley adventures?
Check out the Day Trip post with an itinerary for ANY vehicle to do a complete day trip to DVNP and see all the cool sites!