Mysteriously moving rocks at The Racetrack © Patrick Merritt
The Racetrack is a dry lakebed located in the northwestern corner of the park and home to an unexplained phenomenon: moving rocks known as sailing stones. It’s difficult to explain where they’re going and how they’re getting there. No one has actually seen the rocks move, but proof of movement lies in the trails left behind these heavy boulders. Some rocks have traveled more than 1,500 feet. It could be an elaborate prank, but scientists believe a combination of rain and wind allows the rocks to “move” on this extremely flat and dry lakebed. Rain reduces the friction between hard rock and the earth’s surface. Winds of 50 mph or more are capable of pushing the boulders across this slippery substrate. Ironically, in a place called “Death Valley,” the rocks of the Racetrack come to life and move about the valley.
It’s one of those sights you have to see for yourself to believe. Access it via Racetrack Road (high-clearance recommended), which begins at Ubehebe Crater at the very north end of Scotty’s Castle Road. The road is rough washboard, so be prepared for a flat tire, and expect the 26-mile (one-way) trip on Racetrack Road to take about 2 hours each way.