Trail Overview

A large loop winds through mountains and across the desert inside Death Valley National Park. Great scenery with stops at an old mining camp and Racetrack Playa, known for its mysterious moving rocks. If you're on the north side of the park, you can start the loop from Waypoint 04 by heading south on Racetrack Valley Road from Grapevine Station south of Scottys Castle. Street legal vehicles only. Pay park fee.

Photos of Racetrack via Hunter Mountain

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Difficulty

Moderate: Conditions vary depending on recency of maintenance. Lippincott Grade is not maintained. Steep and narrow in places with possible washouts and large ruts. Usually okay for stock 4x4 SUVs with higher ground clearance. Call ahead to be sure.

History

The Lost Burro Mine operated off and on between 1907 and 1938 under different ownership. It was one of the richest gold mines in the area. Mystery of the moving rocks: Some scientists think the moving rocks at the Racetrack are simply pushed by the wind when the playa is wet. Others think the surface must also be icy.

Technical Rating

Derek Gregg

Dec 27, 2025

Open

There is a slide just west of hunter mtn rd. It was passable w 4Runner but tight.

Joshua Leonardo

Dec 26, 2025

Open

A massive boulder blocked the road

Jim Nardulli

Oct 29, 2025

Open

Some of the worst washboard - the newer rubicons did better in terms of ride. Aired down to 15 in my LC100 with 33’s - 10 ply tires rode rough. Great spot to stop and make lunch.

CemenTRDgen CemenTRDgen

Apr 18, 2025

Open

Hunter Mountain has been freshly graded and widened. It is now a smoothly graded dirt and gravel road with no rock obstacles. A stock high clearance 4x4 can easily make it without issue. Rating should be revised to a 3 or 2.

Bantha Overland

Mar 21, 2025

Open

Some mud holes (12-18” deep) and wet spots due to snow melt from the sides of the trail or small water runoffs. Otherwise some small rocks and good conditions.

Marc Raymond

Dec 24, 2024

Open

The trail up the mountain was very rough. I did it on my 1250 GSA. Trail is definitely narrow and not for a very wide 4 x 4 vehicle. Steep incline very rocky.

Thomas Carpio

Nov 14, 2024

Open

Some deep ruts halfway ascending hunter mountain, it was easy after that.

skrinix k

Apr 28, 2024

Open

two or three mud sections while ascending up hunter mtn road (first few miles when entering from saline from hwy 190), they are MUCH deeper than they look. got stuck with my lockers on, and a tundra was stuck further up the road. if you go, stay to the left as much as you can, it’s the only clear path right now. trail is clear the rest of the way after those three mud sections.

Ernesto Lopez

Jan 20, 2024

Open

This is only for the portion between Lippincott Pass and Racetrack Rd, where this is a graded dirt road free of obstacles.