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://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621533114150/71ebf718-c88a-4857-9f2f-cecc78890a9e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Death Valley](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621533114150/36266798-2f02-48f6-956b-5db2da26ef0a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Death Valley](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621533114150/dae8481d-b4a7-4397-8abc-15a02a9006cd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Death Valley showing tranquil scenes and desert views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621533114150/4fd74c22-81b4-4f9a-ab11-03029eb526c8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Death Valley featuring desert views as well as an individual child](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621533114150/678bc6b2-4925-49e3-b054-1f4b46872d84.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. ![Hyland Motel Van Nuys](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2390000/2384500/2384431/3546f5f1_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Hyland Motel Van Nuys CA $440 per person Jun 3 - Jun 7 found 1 day ago Roundtrip flight included Vancouver (YVR) to Los Angeles (LAX) 6.8/10 (659 reviews) Walls are thin so you hear the other people in the room which was unpleasant room was clean and not smelly Reviewed on Mar 21, 2026 ![Encore Inn Inglewood ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/119000000/118100000/118098300/118098292/41a368f2_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Encore Inn Inglewood Lockhaven CA $681 per person Jun 10 - Jun 13 found 16 hours ago Roundtrip non-stop flight included Toronto (YTO) to Los Angeles (LAX) 6.4/10 (144 reviews) Clean room w/ a shower. Reviewed on Jan 2, 2026 ![Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, a Hyatt Luxury Resort ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/60000000/59830000/59823000/59822958/b4256d33_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, a Hyatt Luxury Resort CA $2,583 per person Jun 7 - Jun 14 found 1 day ago Roundtrip non-stop flight included Toronto (YYZ) to San Diego (SAN) 8.8/10 Excellent! (257 reviews) I have stayed all over Southern California and this location and vibe can’t be beat! Very few kids stay here it is more for adults but my 18 year old daughter and I had the perfect time. The staff is great and very accommodating. For sure take a chance on this one . Tucked between Carlsbad and Encinitas. Reviewed on Mar 21, 2026 ### Popular places to visit ![Death Valley National Park which includes desert views and a house](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635919972576/63e0cdb8-9e0b-42e0-9464-549654a28aa0.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://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635919602297/6570c42c-634a-405b-a2de-5f9e99ddab79.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Teakettle Junction 4/5(1 review) 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://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532641725/552c7428-e41f-414e-bab6-232f646dbbb3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Death Valley National Park 5/5(36 reviews) 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) ![Sunset in Death Valley National Park☠️❤ ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/54985/5646f57c-f89f-4e1b-b075-1546ef515487.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Panamint Dunes 4/5(2 reviews) 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) ![0_16259](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532641720/164d0cda-8280-4a36-ab77-3ebc76d21507.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 showing landscape views, hiking or walking and desert views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635892187013/34d88ef3-4660-4d41-9ee6-267c27d5e260.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®ionId=553248621533114150&startDate=2026-03-22&endDate=2026-03-23)[Mar 22 - Mar 23](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621533114150&startDate=2026-03-22&endDate=2026-03-23) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621533114150&startDate=2026-03-23&endDate=2026-03-24)[Mar 23 - Mar 24](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621533114150&startDate=2026-03-23&endDate=2026-03-24) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621533114150&startDate=27%2F03%2F2026&endDate=29%2F03%2F2026)[Mar 27 - Mar 29](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621533114150&startDate=27%2F03%2F2026&endDate=29%2F03%2F2026) ![Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel - Inside The Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/107000000/106100000/106093500/106093423/e63fe4ae_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/da410545_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) ![Best Western Frontier Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/7900/7827/aa2a6af0_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) ![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) ![Walk to Main St! 20 min drive to Whitney Portal. High speed internet](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/54000000/53570000/53562200/53562151/8b852e2d_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/e9126724_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Comfy Bungalow Lone Pine CA [](https://expedia.ca/Lone-Pine-Hotels-Comfy-Bungalow.h90153354.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/1000000/990000/988700/988637/6cbfdea1_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) ![Lone Pine Budget Inn](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/77000000/76610000/76605500/76605403/f6b7de94_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Lone Pine Budget Inn 138 W Willow St Lone Pine CA [](https://expedia.ca/Lone-Pine-Hotels-Lone-Pine-Budget-Inn.h76605403.Hotel-Information) [See all 26 properties in Racetrack Playa](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=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.