Natural

Racetrack Playa — Sailing Stones

Death Valley, CA

Coordinate unverified

Perfectly flat dry lakebed where rocks slide across clay leaving trails up to 820 ft long. The mechanism — thin winter ice sheets pushed by wind — was only confirmed scientifically in 2014. 27 miles of rough dirt.

Field facts

RegionDeath Valley, CA
Coordinates36.6847, -117.5584
MysteryConfirmed 2014 ice+wind
TrailsUp to 820 ft long
Access27 mi dirt road
VehicleHigh clearance 4WD
FeeDeath Valley NP entrance fee
Best seasonWinter (for ice phenomenon); roads best in cooler months

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Plan ahead. Leave no trace. Verify current access before traveling.