Where Are The Famous Death Valley Mud Cracks

Whenever I am in Death Valley National Park, one of my favorite adventures is to look for mud cracks. I cannot express how accomplished I felt the first time I found some, and also a tad silly for not noticing them sooner! So in this article, I’ll share some of the Death Valley mud cracks I captured over the last few years and give you tips on where you can find some too.

About Death Valley National Park

Nestled within the vast expanse of the Mojave Desert, Death Valley National Park stands as a mesmerizing testament to the raw beauty and extremes of nature. Renowned as the hottest and driest national park in the United States, Death Valley captivates visitors with its otherworldly landscapes.

From the iconic Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, to the towering Panamint Range that frames the horizon, every inch of Death Valley tells a story carved by geological forces and the passage of time. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes shimmer in the sunlight, offering a surreal spectacle against the backdrop of rugged mountains. Visitors can witness the vibrant hues of Artist’s Palette and marvel at the rugged canyons and ghostly remnants of historic mining operations.

Despite its ominous name, Death Valley thrives with life, featuring unique flora and fauna adapted to the harsh desert environment. A journey through Death Valley National Park is a profound exploration of resilience, stark beauty, and the unparalleled wonders shaped by the forces of nature.

What Are Mud Cracks?

Mudcracks are sedimentary structures that form in muddy sediment as it dries and contracts. They are most commonly found in mudstones, but can also be seen in other sedimentary rocks such as sandstones and shales.

The cracks form when the mud is exposed to drying conditions, such as those found during droughts or seasonal changes. The contraction of the mud causes cracks to form, with each crack running perpendicular to the direction of drying. These cracks may range from a few millimeters to several centimeters in size and can be preserved for millions of years if they are buried quickly enough by subsequent deposits.

Mudcracks can provide important information about past environments and can help geologists understand ancient climates and landscapes. They are found in many places around Death Valley National Park, and this video shows some I found alongside the road in September 2021, just a few miles away from Furnace Creek.

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Death Valley Mud Cracks Photo Gallery

Furnace Creek

Drive slowly around Furnace Creek, keep your eyes open, and be mindful of your surroundings. These are very easy to find and access near where one might sleep.

A few miles away from Furnace Creek

I found these near a popular trailhead a few miles from Furnace Creek and they are worth the hunt.

Edit in January 2024: I just got back from another trip to Death Valley and there are plenty of mud cracks to be found!! Drive slow and look at your surroundings! This video was filmed on January 19, 2024!

Stovepipe Wells Area

Watch out for mud cracks around Stovepipe Wells. I had not thought about seeing mud cracks near where I found these, so finding them gave me such a burst of energy.

Further afield in a very remote area

I’ll soon write a post about my adventure to Racetrack Playa. But in the meantime, here are a few photos I took when I went there in September 2021.

***Use extreme caution***
The Racetrack Valley Road was impacted by flood damage in the summer of 2022 and 2023! This road is Native or Dirt and typically only recommended for High Clearance 4 Wheel Drive Vehicles.
I rented a 4×4 from Farabee Jeeps to go there, and I would highly recommend them.

Tips For Finding Death Valley Mud Cracks

Finding mud cracks can be a fun and exciting adventure, but it requires some knowledge of where to look. However, if I gave you the GPS locations where I found mine, I would take away 90% of your fun. In addition, they are not always in the same place. The deepest ones I’ve found so far were right on the side of a road on September 8, 2021 (check out this YouTube video), but they were not there anymore when I returned to the park a few months later. So, GPS coordinates would not necessarily help you anyway.

With that in mind, here are some tips for finding mud cracks instead:

• Drive slowly enough to be able to see cleaned-up traces of mud on the road.
• Pay attention to road signs as you drive through the park. Wherever you see flash flood signs will usually be a clue that mud cracks may have formed nearby. Park safely alongside the road and explore around.
• Look for flat areas where water has recently receded because this could be another spot where you may find dried-up mud with visible cracking patterns.
• If you see cars parked at seemingly random deserted places alongside the road, stop by also to see if there are cracks around. Most often, where they parked is NOT random and you’ll see cracks within walking distance. Worth a try!
• when you do find mud cracks, be sure to practice Leave No Trace and leave them as they are, so others can enjoy seeing them too!

With these tips, you should be able to find some interesting examples of mud cracks! Just pay attention to your surroundings, some are very accessible to anyone.
Were you able to find some? Let me know in the comments below when you return from your trip!

Post originally published on March 2, 2023, and last updated on January 24, 2024.