Death Valley National Park in Inyo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Racetrack
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 2, 2025
1. Racetrack Marker
"...a curious dry lake, almost a perfect oval in shape, and resembling a racetrack. The illusion is heightened by the fact that an extraordinary rock formation near it appears to be a grandstand for spectators." -Phil Townsend Hanna, "Some Place Names," From Touring Topics Magazine XXII (1930)
You are looking at a playa a dry lake bed one of the flattest natural surfaces on earth, with the north end just two inches higher in elevation than the south end.
When it rains, mountain runoff carries fine mud and silt to the playa, collecting in a shallow lake. As the water evaporates, these particles settle to form the flat playa surface.
The Grandstand is a 73 foot high outcrop of bedrock, surrounded by a sea of sediment.
Rocks sometimes tumble from the mountains, landing on the playa and "racing" around, leaving mysterious tracks on the surface. These moving rocks are at the southern end of the playa, about a half-mile from here.
The playa is fragile and easily damaged. Please stay off when it is wet, and never drive onto the playa.
Erected by Death Valley
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Features • Notable Places • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.
Location. 36° 41.66′ N, 117° 34.29′ W. Marker is in Death Valley National Park, California, in Inyo County. It is on Racetrack Valley Road 26 miles south of Ubehebe Crater, on the left when traveling south. Located at The Grandstand trailhead. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Death Valley CA 92328, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least one other marker is within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Mystery Solved! (approx. 2 miles away).
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Racetrack (was here, next
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 2, 2025
2. Racetrack Marker
The Grandstand is visible on the dry lake bed.
More about this marker. The 26-mile-long dirt road might be impassible after rain or snow. High ground clearance vehicle recommended. Avoid traveling in remote areas during severe weather.
To see the moving rocks, drive 2 miles to the south end of the dry lake, then walk ½-mile to the eastern edge.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. - An additional Racetrack marker, and the nearest paved road, is 26 miles away.
Also see . . . The Racetrack. Death Valley National Park website has recommendations for visitors, and road closure notices. (Submitted on April 14, 2025.)
Photographed by Craig Baker, April 2, 2025
3. Racetrack Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 201 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 14, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
