Title: Racetrack Playa in California - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

[Racetrack Playa Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Racetrack-Playa-Hotels.0-l553248621533114150-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to California](https://expedia.ca/Destinations-In-California.d206.Flight-Destinations)[Racetrack Playa Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Racetrack-Playa.d553248621533114150.Car-Rental-Guide)[California Vacations](https://expedia.ca/California.d206.Destination-Travel-Guides)

# Racetrack Playa Tours and Activities

![Racetrack Playa showing landscape views, mountains and desert views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/204000/204724-The-Racetrack-Dv-Ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Death Valley](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/203000/203341-Central-Interior-California.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Death Valley](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/203000/203342-Central-Interior-California.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Death Valley showing tranquil scenes and desert views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/204000/204737-The-Racetrack-Dv-Ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Death Valley featuring desert views as well as an individual child](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/204000/204735-The-Racetrack-Dv-Ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Racetrack Playa

Activities

---

---

#### The answer to a mystery that has puzzled scientists for decades lies in this dry lakebed, which is speckled with rocks that seem to move by themselves.

Racetrack Playa is a remarkable dry lakebed in the heart of a remote valley. The area is renowned for its rugged beauty and eerie landscapes, hemmed in by the Cottonwood and Last Chance mountain ranges. Drive around the awe-inspiring Racetrack Valley to reach the lakebed and discover formations, such as the Grandstand. Despite its immense size, the Racetrack Playa is extremely flat, which has allowed some spooky phenomena to occur. Explore the lakebed to solve the mystery of the “sailing stones.”

The journey to Racetrack Playa is almost as spectacular as the destination itself. You’ll pass broad desert plains, rugged ridges and distant mountains. Watch for peculiar spiky Joshua trees as you travel. Arriving at the northern end of Racetrack Playa, you’ll see the mesmerizing expanse of the dry lakebed coming into view. At least 10,000 years ago, the lake that was once here evaporated and left behind thick beige-colored mud. Look out across the dry lakebed, which is 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers) long and 1.3 miles (2.1 kilometers) wide.

Spot the monumental Grandstand northwest of the lakebed. This bedrock outcrop is comprised of quartz monzonite, which contrasts starkly with the playa. Walk out to the outcrop for stunning views of the Racetrack. For more strenuous exercise, take on the 6-mile (10-kilometer) round-trip hike to Ubehebe Peak along the old miners’ trail.

Continue south to reach the most mysterious section of the playa. Near the southeast corner, rocks have fallen from the surrounding mountains. These stones have left tracks behind them as they move across the surface of the flat lakebed. This phenomenon bewildered visitors until 2014, when a paleobiologist and an engineer reported their observations. Special climatic conditions involving thin ice sheets and light wind push the rocks across the surface of the mud.

Racetrack Playa is a very remote area of Death Valley National Park. It is at least a 3.5-hour drive each way from Furnace Creek. You’ll need a four-wheel drive with high clearance, as well as emergency supplies. There is a fee to access the national park.

## Plan a trip to see Racetrack Playa

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![The LEEF Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/114000000/113840000/113831500/113831485/55239c28_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### The LEEF Hotel

Citrus Grove

CA $655

per person

Feb 7 - Feb 14

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Edmonton (YEG) to Los Angeles (LAX)

8.4/10 Very Good! (326 reviews)

Clean rooms and helpful staff!

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2025

![Los Angeles Deluxe Suites - 2 Bedrooms & 2 Bathrooms](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/99000000/98270000/98260500/98260496/ebc393eb_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Los Angeles Deluxe Suites - 2 Bedrooms & 2 Bathrooms

Hollywood

CA $1,422

per person

Feb 7 - Feb 14

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Edmonton (YEG) to Los Angeles (LAX)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (80 reviews)

This apartment was perfect for what we needed. It is central to many parts so you could walk if you wanted. We did rent a car so it was great that free parking for 2 spots was available. It was clean and had everything we needed for our short stay. I'd likely come and stay again when I am back in the area

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2025

![Hollywood Inn Suites Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/28000000/27240000/27238100/27238098/918a7f8f_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Hollywood Inn Suites Hotel

West Athens

CA $656

per person

Feb 7 - Feb 14

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Edmonton (YEG) to Los Angeles (LAX)

8.2/10 Very Good! (1,622 reviews)

Room was spacious and it was very tidy and clean.

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2025

### Popular places to visit

![Death Valley National Park which includes desert views and a house](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/203000/203900-Death-Valley-Ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Lost Burro Mine

Preserved by its remoteness and the dry desert heat, the remains of an early 20th-century mine make it look as though it was abandoned just a few years ago.

[](https://expedia.ca/Lost-Burro-Mine-Death-Valley.d553248635919972576.Vacation-Attraction)

![Death Valley](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/203000/203336-Central-Interior-California.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Teakettle Junction

Seek out a remote and unusual tribute to a junction’s namesake, a display of kettles from distant lands.

[](https://expedia.ca/Teakettle-Junction-Death-Valley.d553248635919602297.Vacation-Attraction)

![Death Valley showing desert views and tranquil scenes as well as a small group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/203000/203290-Central-Interior-California.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Death Valley National Park

See an American desert in this expansive, sweltering U.S. national park. Find birds, wildflowers and snow-capped mountains here as well.

[](https://expedia.ca/Death-Valley-National-Park-California.d6025870.Vacation-Attraction)

![Panamint Dunes](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/7493c6cd67f15344c6984a982db0137a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Panamint Dunes

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Panamint Dunes during your travels in Death Valley. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Panamint-Dunes-Death-Valley.d553248633992544793.Vacation-Attraction)

![Red Pass](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/5d2e75bc658fdd99154928fc38149aaa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Red Pass

You can take time to visit Red Pass during your travels to Death Valley. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Red-Pass-Death-Valley.d553248621532641720.Vacation-Attraction)

![Father Crowley Vista Point](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/204000/204578-Father-Crowley-Vista-Point.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Father Crowley Vista Point

The perfect introduction to Death Valley is this lookout near the entrance, where fighter jets occasionally whiz by on their way to nearby Rainbow Canyon.

[](https://expedia.ca/Father-Crowley-Vista-Point-California.d553248635892187013.Vacation-Attraction)

---

## Best Lodging Options Near Racetrack Playa

## Check availability on hotels close to Racetrack Playa

[Tonight

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621533114150&startDate=2025-12-08&endDate=2025-12-09)[Dec 8 - Dec 9](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621533114150&startDate=2025-12-08&endDate=2025-12-09)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621533114150&startDate=2025-12-09&endDate=2025-12-10)[Dec 9 - Dec 10](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621533114150&startDate=2025-12-09&endDate=2025-12-10)

[This weekend

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621533114150&startDate=12%2F12%2F2025&endDate=14%2F12%2F2025)[Dec 12 - Dec 14](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621533114150&startDate=12%2F12%2F2025&endDate=14%2F12%2F2025)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621533114150&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025)[Dec 19 - Dec 21](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621533114150&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025)

![Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel - Inside The Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/107000000/106100000/106093500/106093423/w2000h688x0y0-bc823526_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel - Inside The Park

51880 California 190 Death Valley CA

[](https://expedia.ca/Death-Valley-Hotels-Stovepipe-Wells-Village-Hotel.h106093423.Hotel-Information)

![Panamint Springs Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/20000000/19720000/19716600/19716510/9cf990ed_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Panamint Springs Resort

40440 Highway 190 Panamint Springs CA

[](https://expedia.ca/Panamint-Springs-Hotels-Panamint-Springs-Resort.h19716510.Hotel-Information)

![Trails Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11480000/11471400/11471332/170dfa46_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Trails Motel

633 S. Main St Lone Pine CA

[](https://expedia.ca/Lone-Pine-Hotels-Trails-Motel.h11471332.Hotel-Information)

![Best Western Frontier Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/7900/7827/12e23496_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Best Western Frontier Motel

1008 S Main Street Lone Pine CA

[](https://expedia.ca/Lone-Pine-Hotels-Best-Western-Plus-Frontier-Motel.h7827.Hotel-Information)

![Walk to Main St! 20 min drive to Whitney Portal. High speed internet](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/54000000/53570000/53562200/53562151/4b1dc2ee_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Walk to Main St! 20 min drive to Whitney Portal. High speed internet

 Lone Pine CA

[](https://expedia.ca/Lone-Pine-Hotels-Walk-To-Main-St-20-Min-Drive-To-Whitney-Portal-High-Speed-Internet.h53562151.Hotel-Information)

![Comfy Bungalow](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/91000000/90160000/90153400/90153354/415adcc0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Comfy Bungalow

 Lone Pine CA

[](https://expedia.ca/Lone-Pine-Hotels-Comfy-Bungalow.h90153354.Hotel-Information)

![Mt Whitney Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/14000000/13280000/13278500/13278406/5212ba2b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Mt Whitney Motel

305 NORTH MAIN STREET Lone Pine CA

[](https://expedia.ca/Lone-Pine-Hotels-Mt-Whitney-Motel.h13278406.Hotel-Information)

![3Br 2Ba Ultra Basecamp](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/37000000/36060000/36053000/36052918/d18db062_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

3Br 2Ba Ultra Basecamp

225 N Mt Whitney Dr Lone Pine CA

[](https://expedia.ca/Lone-Pine-Hotels-3Br-2Ba-Ultra-Basecamp.h36052918.Hotel-Information)

![Quality Inn Lone Pine Near Mount Whitney](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/990000/988700/988637/48ca255f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Quality Inn Lone Pine Near Mount Whitney

1920 South Main Street Lone Pine CA

[](https://expedia.ca/Lone-Pine-Hotels-Quality-Inn-Lone-Pine-Near-Mount-Whitney.h988637.Hotel-Information)

[See all 26 properties in Racetrack Playa](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package&regionId=553248621533114150)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.