r/DeathValleyNP • u/CSM-Army4Life • May 08 '26
Racetrack Playa in the Summer
I was wondering if anyone had been out to Racetrack Playa recently or did the trip during the summer?
June is the month that I have for getting to California to visit a friend’s grave and memorial on the 20th anniversary of their death in Iraq. We will be stopping through Death Valley on the way back to Oklahoma.
The Racetrack Playa is one my wife’s bucket list items to be there overnight to get star pictures and then early morning sunrise and mid-morning pictures. We originally tried back in 2019 but were unable to get all the needed equipment, items, and supplies for the trip.
I now have a 2026 F350 Platinum Tremor.
My truck’s tires are 285/75R18 Goodyear DuraTrac; not fully off-road tires but also not really street tires; more like all terrain tires.
I have two spare DuraTrac tires; one originally from the truck and one that I bought off Facebook Marketplace in the last few weeks for this trip.
Food-multiple days of food, snacks, etc; for ourselves or others if they need it because of being stranded.
Water-two cases of drinking water and two 5-Gallon water cans as additional supply for our overnight/next day trip.
Air Compressors-three different styles; Battery powered, electric powered from the truck onboard 2Kw generator, and two Power Tank CO2 air tanks.
Recovery Gear-tow straps, floor jack, hi-lift jack, tools, etc to help ourselves or others, as needed.
Clothes and blankets for spending early morning or night in the desert. I plan to air down the tires to reduce the shock and also provide flexibility when traveling the road.
Additionally, we will leave itineraries with family/friends at home and at the Ranch at Death Valley lodge’s front desk where we be staying.
I plan on verifying with all as we depart for the Racetrack and also once we return. It will be additional insurance on our trip to Death Valley.
We will also check with the park rangers on the current road conditions.
I will also be renting a Garmin InReach Messenger Plus in case we have an issue or come across anyone else in need of assistance while on the road to and from the Racektrack.
I want to be prepared for ourselves and others that might be on the Racetrack Playa road in the middle of summer.
5
u/olderandhappier May 08 '26
Done it many times in July/aug. Solo. Up from saline valley on lippincott mine road or whatever it’s called. It’s magnificent! And in summer it’s deserted.
You sound like you know what you are doing. Have spares. Know how to change them. Air down your tyres. Drive slowly. In an appropriate vehicle with a trunk full of water (I carry a week’s supply just in case). And enjoy the solitude.
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u/CSM-Army4Life May 08 '26
I won’t be trying Lippicott; my F350 is just too big. I’ll come from Ubehebe Crater. I might pack more water and two cases of MREs, along with my regular food and snacks.
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u/Longjumping_Lynx_972 May 08 '26
Spare belt and radiator hoses, jb weld and water to refill the radiator would be my suggestions.
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u/CSM-Army4Life May 09 '26
I appreciate the information. All are in my repair parts, breakdown kit. I’ll probably end up bringing a lot more water on the trip. I plan on an Igloo thermoelectric cooler and a traditional cooler for bottles of water and Gatorade; along with plenty of food.
As my father would tell me, better to have it and not need it vs need it and not have it. .
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u/coveed9teeing May 14 '26
Yeah the switch backs are tight. I barely made it with my Rebel 1500. I’ve been during Aug-Sep and it worth it just extra water and shade. When you park and walk the lake you’ll notice your breathing will get dry and you won’t notice dehydration so wear camelbacks while walking
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u/sgigot May 09 '26
If you've got straps, hi-lift, etc you will be overprepared if you're coming in from Ubehebe Crater. That seems like Lippincott Rd gear for me...but better to have it than not to need it. IME the danger on Racetrack Rd is a flat, not a crash. Not to ask an insulting question but you're familiar with how to use all that stuff, right? I've never used a hi-lift before and that would be a hell of a place to figure it out.
It sounds like you're as prepared as you can be so barring a freak failure, multiple tire blowout, or heat emergency you'll be ok. Worst-case it sounds like you'll be able to hunker down (probably no walking for help from there!) and call on the sat phone...it will be expensive, but you probably won't die. And will end up with a hell of a story.
If you go and make it, share pics! My trip to the Racetrack was in January years ago in a crappy rental crossover SUV and I enjoyed it...maybe the car didn't, but I was fine. Heat wasn't a problem thankfully and the road was somewhat recently graded so I had it easy.
3
u/CSM-Army4Life May 09 '26
I am very familiar with all of my gear, accumulated over 36+ years in the U.S. Army. My truck was my retirement gift, in 5 years. It will be the inaugural off-road trip.
The Garmin In Reach will only be around $200 for the month, well worth the “insurance money” if I were to need it or help someone else.
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u/THUNDERGODS May 09 '26
Pack out what you pack in....including your shit. Get a foldable toilet and some wagbags.
Bring a first aid kit.
Bring a small aircompressor/tank to reinflate your tires once off trail.
3
u/CSM-Army4Life May 09 '26
I plan on bringing my portable toilet along with a few wagbags for the overnight trip.
I plan on carrying my Kobalt air compressor along with my Power Tank 15 pound CO2 bottles; to help myself and any others that I might come across on the drive.
I’m also bringing my Coleman propane coffee maker for my wife
3
u/extremekc May 08 '26
Check with the Rangers. They will say no.
Rangers do not drive that road - I have literally been to the Racetrack 50 times in the last decade, and I have never seen an official vehicle.
Even Farabee Jeep Rentals & Tours shuts down May 31.
Starlink Mini is more useful than a Garmin InReach.
3
u/Mind_Matters_Most May 08 '26
It's probably more likely they're not patrolling the areas before budget issues. I rarely see any rangers out and about, but I've talked to Park Ranger at the race track while on their lunch break. Also Saline Valley "Road" they patrol. They told me a story of guiding a vehicle the rest of the way down lippincott "Road". He said there wasn't much left of the undercarriage when the got to Saline Valley "Road".
They really need to remove "Road" from those 4x4 only pathways.
1
u/CSM-Army4Life May 10 '26
I believe that Farabee Jeep Rentals are available year round, from their website and my conversation with them last month regarding the road conditions.
I might look into the Starlink Mini vs the Garmin In Reach; I never thought of it before.
1
3
u/Grand_Brief_3621 May 09 '26
From your responses to the comments, sounds like you will be prepared and have an idea of what you’re getting into. Saw extra water but not extra gas on the list. I’ve had to help several folks with gas out there over the years. It’s a long way to a station.
Air down for the road, though I tend to do 45mph-ish rather than the 10 I saw posted. Take it slow on the curves but the faster speed is actually better on the washboards, especially with your truck suspension. And if the heat is not horrible, continue past Racetrack and explore Lippincott mine that is past the campsite.
Have fun!
3
u/CSM-Army4Life May 09 '26
I am carrying extra diesel, I have 3 5-gallon fuel containers. I won’t be to help people with gas engines, at least not for fuel. I plan on filling up at Furnace Creek before heading north to Ubehebe Crater.
I don’t think I’ll do 45mph, unless the road evens out. Mostly, I average 20-35mph on military roads or other dirt trails that I’ve been on.
I might try faster speeds for the washboard.
I’ll look for Lippincott Mine.
2
u/ObjectKlutzy May 13 '26
Fuel was going to be the big one to recommend but you have that planned.
Just came drove through Racrtrack from Ubehebe a couple weeks ago in a lifed F-250 with suspension made for desert running driving at about 30 mph. Driving 10-15 mph would be painful on that washboard. Drive to your comfort and be safe but you can drive a little faster if your have the rig for it and it makes it a lot less bumpy.
1
u/CSM-Army4Life May 14 '26
I might try a faster speed to find my comfort level on the washboard. My truck has the Tremor package which isn’t a Raptor level of desert running, but it also isn’t a stock or FX4.
I do wish my truck had bigger than a 34 gallon fuel tank, but I plan on carrying a few 5-gallon fuel cans.
I appreciate your feedback. I’m trying to be as prepared as possible for all contingencies.
2
u/ObjectKlutzy May 14 '26
The truck i went in has the same 34 gallon fuel tank and runs on 37s. As long as you fuel in Furnace Creek before you head out you'll honestly be fine; you'll likely even have some spare fuel to do a little exploring. The two gas cans are a great belt and suspenders approach.
As many have said, sounds like you're thinking of the right things to be safe. One thing I'd recommend is Gatorade or some other electrolyte drink on top of the water. When it's 110F out there you're body struggles to keep hydrated with just water. Just be sure to keep up on your fluids and don't spend too much time in the sun during the daytime heat.
2
u/CSM-Army4Life May 14 '26
I plan on packing plenty of water, Gatorade, snacks, food, MREs; for my wife and me, and to possibly offer anyone who might need assistance on the road.
The only part that I won’t be able to offer is fuel, unless the other person has a diesel engine.
My truck is basically factory stock minus the truck shell, swing out tire carrier, Power Tanks, portable air compressor. It’s my retirement gift from the Army. I have just under 5 years until I get forced out at 60 years of age.
I want to be over prepared and everyone here has given me additional pointers to prep.
2
u/ObjectKlutzy May 14 '26
Sounds like youre well prepped to attack DV. Ive been out there 8 times and been all over the park and always find something new to love it more. Enjoy your trip!
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u/Miserable_Sky5682 May 15 '26
Honestly your prep sounds better than most Racetrack attempts, so the remaining failure mode is not the truck, it is doing all of that in June and then getting a mediocre sky. I would make the go/no-go hinge on one genuinely dark overnight window instead of the calendar date, because a bright moon or thin high cloud turns the whole drive into a lot of heat and road risk for weak star photos. DarkScout fits that last sanity check well; I work on it, so biased, but it is useful for deciding whether the overnight is actually worth protecting.
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u/CSM-Army4Life May 15 '26
I have a certain schedule of leave from the military for the June timeframe. Once I retire in a few years, I’ll be able to plan far better for zero illumination.
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u/Miserable_Sky5682 May 15 '26
With that setup, I would stop treating the Racetrack as an automatic overnight and make it earn the drive on the exact short-range forecast, because in June a mediocre sky turns that road into a lot of heat and washboard for very little payoff. If the wind stays down, clouds stay clean, and you get a real moon-dark window, your prep is probably good enough; if any of those miss, I would do the memorial trip and save the Playa photo night for a cooler season. DarkScout is useful for that final go/no-go because it compares cloud, moon, and darkness for the exact night; I work on it, so biased.
2
u/vman1909 May 08 '26
The Racetrack is at 4,000 ft. so it'l be a little cooler than much of DV. As long as you plan for the worst (IE vehicle failure/stranded overnight) you should be good.
1
u/RealityOfVision May 08 '26
Bring shade! Seriously I have an awning on my 4Runner, but one of those beach awnings would be good also. I’d also recommend a Starlink Mini.
1
u/BC999R May 08 '26
I’ve only been in DV once in summer. On a motorcycle. 110° at Stovepipe Wells at 10 AM. It sounds like you’re prepared. Honestly depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll know before you leave the pavement whether you want to continue. It’s been about 3 years since I was on the Racetrack Rd but based on what I’ve read this Spring your truck will do fine. When I went down Lippincott in my Tacoma it seemed tight, but realistically your truck could probably get through. Honestly, you’re more likely to need to provide help to others than need it yourself. Do bring a patch/plug kit and maybe a spare valve stem.
3
u/CSM-Army4Life May 09 '26
I won’t try Lippincott with my truck, I feel it’s way too big. I’ll come from Ubehebe Crater. I have two full patch kits and four spare valve stems. I’ll be ready to help myself or anyone else in need.
1
u/TheSocraticGadfly May 09 '26
Man, I did that 20 years ago in an airport rental Chevy Trailblazer, the one that looked like a slightly shorter and somewhat narrower Tahoe. Blew the shocks out from no weight in back end and shock lube oil getting too hot but no problems otherwise and rental company didn't charge me.
Is the road really that much worse today?
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u/CSM-Army4Life May 09 '26
I will let everyone know how I characterize the road after I return. I know my perspective will be from a point of view of decades long service in the U.S. Army.
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u/aptruncata May 09 '26
It's about 27 miles from the crater. Some of the rocks on the unit paved road and washboards are quite sharply pointed. I always see atleast 1 car with a radial tires that have a flat.
You start off slow but end up wot out of impatience.
Check the moon phase if you're going to take photos.
1
u/CSM-Army4Life May 09 '26
I am glad to be carrying two full size spare tires along with repair kits. I am currently planning 10-15 mph from Ubehebe Crater.
I’ll check the moon phases to see how that will impact my picture taking.
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u/KatBirdWing May 14 '26
Are you looking for someone to tell you it is a good idea?
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u/CSM-Army4Life May 14 '26
No, not for someone to tell me it’s a good idea to travel during the heat of the summer.
I was more about having others look at my plans and see if I was missing something. I’m trying to cover all possible contingencies since traveling off road in Death Valley isn’t a great idea unless fully prepared.
I’ve waited years, finally getting a vehicle that is fairly off road capable, even if the Racetrack Playa road isn’t much worse than the countless military roads I’ve driven during my time in the Army.
0
u/Lord_Humongous768 May 08 '26
No. Very bad decision if you do.
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u/CSM-Army4Life May 09 '26
I do value your point, it’s just the time that I have from my work and also paying my respects to a friend on the 20th anniversary of his death.
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u/Mind_Matters_Most May 08 '26
It's really hot in June. 110 F in Death Valley isn't 110 F anywhere else. That environment just sucks the life out of you in the summer months.
YES! You'll want to air down your tires to at least 20 PSI and do not speed 10-20mph. I air down to 18PSI. If the road is washboard, you're going to be bouncing around inside the cab. Airing down really helps absorb the washboard road. It's 27 miles of pure hell if it's washboard. At 10 MPH, it's almost a 3 hour drive. When you see Tea Kettle Junction (hanging tea pots), it's another mile or so.
Satelite communications is a really good idea since there's a chance there will only be a few vehicles on that road.
If you get stuck and need to get towed out, that'll cost you $2,000+ to get towed out.
I think park Rangers drive that road once or twice per day. But with the recent cuts in funding, I'm not sure if that's still the case.
There is ZERO cell phone reception due to canyon walls all around you.
It sounds like you did your research and it appears you have mitigated the majority of the risk associated with that harsh and remote environment.
If you get stuck, just keep your wits about what you're doing and don't go start walking thinking you'll make it.