The Racetrack in Death Valley National Park

The Racetrack is a unique feature located in Death Valley National Park, California, USA. It is a dry lake bed that stretches for about 2.8 miles, where rocks seem to be moving on their own, leaving long tracks behind them. The exact cause of the movement of these rocks has puzzled scientists and visitors for decades.

The rocks, some of which weigh several hundred pounds, leave a distinct trail as they move across the surface of the playa. Many theories have been proposed to explain the phenomenon, including strong winds, earthquakes, and even extraterrestrial activity. However, the most widely accepted explanation is that the rocks move when a thin layer of ice forms on the surface of the playa, causing them to slide along in the wind.

Visitors to the Racetrack can view the moving rocks from a distance, or hike out onto the playa to get a closer look. The road to the Racetrack is rough and requires a high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle, so visitors should plan accordingly.

The Racetrack is one of the most popular and unique attractions in Death Valley National Park, and it remains a mystery and a source of fascination for scientists and visitors alike.