Sailing stones

Large rocks weighing up to several hundred pounds move across the flat desert floor, leaving distinct trails in their wake that extend hundreds of feet.

The first documented observation of the moving rocks occurred in 1915 when prospector Joseph Crook noticed the peculiar stone trails across the desert surface.

Scientists spent decades developing theories about the stone movement, ranging from magnetic fields to extraterrestrial forces, until research revealed the true mechanism.

Visitors can observe the sailing stones by driving two miles south of the Grandstand parking area and walking half a mile toward the southeast playa.

The rocks move when winter rain creates shallow ponds that freeze overnight, forming thin ice sheets that wind pushes across the desert surface.

GPS coordinates: 36.68129,-117.56269

Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:17