Water: There is no water available anywhere along this route. Be sure to carry enough water for the trip and extra in case of emergency

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Leave-No-Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles. Carry out all trash. Do not burn or bury toilet paper or trash. Fires allowed in Homestake Dry Camp fire rings only. Please don't camp at the playa itself.

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Flora Considerations: Tall grasses, brush

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Fauna Considerations: You won't see much during the day but some birds, rodents, and reptiles do come out at night.

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Route Specific Considerations: There are many things to take into consideration when visiting Death Valley.

 

Seasons: Time of the year will drastically influence your experience. In the summer, Death Valley sees some of the hottest temperatures on the planet. It is not recommended to do this route during the summer. There is no shade. The road starting by Ubehebe Crater is a very rough and remote road. The racetrack itself sits just under 4000ft elevation. Winter will be cold especially at night. 

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Road: From Stovepipe Wells to Ubehebve Crater you'll be on a maintained paved road (although it does wash out on occasion). From Ubehebe to the Racetrack it is a very rough path that requires a high-clearance vehicle with heavy-duty tires. Flats are very common. You should carry a full spare and have the tools and the knowledge to be able to change it. There is no cell service in most of Death Valley. We carried a Garmin Mini in case of emergencies. If you are able to contact emergency services, help still might take a long time to arrive. From the Racetrack to Homestake Dry Camp was full on washboard, it was in our opinion the roughest part of the trip.

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Please Note: The surface of the playa is very fragile. Driving on it or anywhere off established roads is prohibited. Do not move or remove any of the rocks. When the playa is wet, avoid walking in muddy areas and leaving ugly footprints. This prevents others from enjoying this unique area. Driving offroad is strictly prohibited.

 

Like any wilderness trip, you accept a certain amount of risk when you go into it. You are responsible for assessing how comfortable you feel with that risk and understanding your own physical abilities as well as the state of your vehicle. Always tell someone where you're going, when you plan to exit the wilderness, and who they should contact in case you don't report in.