The Racetrack and Grandstand

Last week we linked up with the Jeep Junkies, a local Jeep club. In conversation Vic mentioned that he was taking me to the Racetrack and Grandstand in Death Valley on Sat. A few members expressed an interest and, next thing we knew, Vic was the lead driver of a group of five Jeeps.

We began the off-road portion of our journey at the Ubehebe Crater parking area.

The first stop to take photos and stretch our legs was at Teakettle Junction which was 21 miles from the crater and just 6 miles short of our destination.

The Grandstand is a rocky outcropping, an island in the middle of the north end of the Racetrack. The Racetrack itself is a playa 3 miles long by 2 miles wide which is a dry lakebed. The lake dried as the climate changed 10,000 years ago and became beige-colored mud. The National Park Service believes the mud, a very fine clay, to be at least 1,000 feet deep. When wet it is an extremely slick surface.

The Grandstand and playa, still a few miles away, as we approach.

The surface.......

From low on the Grandstand.....

Rocks from the Grandstand and the surrounding mountains occasionally fall and roll onto this playa. Although no one has ever witnessed it, the rocks move and leave amazing trails. Scientists have come to the conclusion that this is caused by the rare combination of 1/2" or more of rainfall and winds of at least 50 mph. In a place where 2" of rainfall is the annual maximum, it truly is a rare occurence. Many of these tracks change direction. The dog (not ours) is Jeep who, with Vic, is trying to sniff out the mystery.

We walked out to the Grandstand before driving to the south end of the playa where most of the rocks with trails were to be found. We took lots of photos, oohed and aahed in amazement and ate a picnic lunch before heading further south to the Lippincott Grade. This descends 1800 ft in a short distance and makes for a breathtaking experience - lots of switchbacks and beautiful views. Unfortunately I was able to get only one photo - of 2 Jeeps following us - as it was getting late. The drivers wanted to be out before dark. We barely made it back to Ubehebe, a total of 97 miles off-road, before complete darkness set in. A perfect day.

And a Joshua Tree on the return.

All pix can be expanded by double-clicking.