Racetrack Valley Road North

Trail Overview

This rocky trail starts in the north at the Ubehebe Crater. It travels through a long canyon in the Panamint Range between Tin Mountain (8,927 feet), Dry Mountain (8,678 feet), and White Top Mountain (7,493 feet). It connects with the Racetrack via the Hunter Mountain trail. You will pass Teakettle Junction, where Racetrack Playa, Hunter Mountain, and Ubehebe Crater intersect. Teakettle Junction is a unique shrine in Death Valley National Park; early settlers associated tea with a nearby water source. It is a tradition to leave a kettle to bring good luck to travelers. Racetrack Playa is home to the famous "sailing rocks," where rocks as large as 600 pounds move on a flat area, making a track on the ground. Ubehebe Crater is a large volcanic crater that is 600 feet deep and half a mile across. A paved parking and hiking trail are available, but there are no restrooms and spotty cell signal. The paved section of the park can be accessed from here. Normally, it is recommended for high-clearance vehicles with heavy-duty tires, as it can be rough, washboarded, and prone to washouts and sharp rocks. Off-road driving is prohibited as the desert is very fragile and vehicle tracks can remain for years. Watch for Joshua trees along the way. Often confused with cacti, Joshua trees actually are a type of yucca that can grow up to 30 feet tall.

Photos of Racetrack Valley Road North

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Difficulty

The gravel, rocky road to the Racetrack is rough, and good tires, 4x4, and high clearance are usually required. Standard rental vehicles are not recommended, and often get flat tires. Use extreme caution on this road in the summer heat. There is no cell phone coverage in the area.

Technical Rating