The Racetrack

@michaellaxphoto

California

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Teakettle Junction

A mysterious remote dry lake bed located deep within Death Valley National Park. A layer of cracked mud blankets its surface in small hexagonal patterns, which gives the playa an otherworldly appearance.

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Difficult

Accessbility

Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

$25 Death Valley National Park entrance fee for vehicle and passengers

Pack

Telephoto lens (70mm)
Plenty of food and water

How to get there

N36° 40' 52.68"W117° 33' 45.72"

Using the provided GPS coordinates, your Maps app will lead you onto Racetrack Valley Rd., a 28-mile rough gravel road which eventually rounds the western side of the playa to a parking area with descriptive signs by the National Park Service. Per the NPS: The road to Racetrack Valley begins near Ubehebe Crater. Normally, it is recommended for high-clearance vehicles with heavy-duty tires as it can be rough and washboard. 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. Twenty miles in you will reach Teakettle Junction. Follow the road straight ahead to the Racetrack playa.