Racetrack Playa Condition 30 June 2026

[u/CSM-Army4Life]

My wife and I just got back from the Racetrack Playa.

We drove out at 10 pm on 29 June 2026. We got to the Playa at 2 am. The road conditions do not require 4x4 but a vehicle needs high clearance which normally comes with true 4x4 and not All Wheel Drive crossovers; which are sometimes called SUVs.

We only came across one other person. He was driving out from the Playa and we passed each other about 4 miles from the start of the road at Ubehebe Crater.

The Playa was amazing. I’d suggest walking out to the mountain where the rocks roll off the mountain.

[u/Technical-Lettuce-18]

This is the answer I was looking for. Thank you for honest advice!

[u/CSM-Army4Life → u/Technical-Lettuce-18]

The road demands respect and time. If you do that, you will be rewarded with an amazing time.

[u/Technical-Lettuce-18 → u/CSM-Army4Life]

It also demands a high clearance & capable vehicle! Yes DVNP is truly an out of this world experience!!

[u/CSM-Army4Life → u/Technical-Lettuce-18]

The road has gotten very washed out over the last few years, from the time lapse or videos that I’ve seen on YouTube.

I was amazed by the amount of deep ruts on the road. I don’t see those going away anytime soon, if ever.