Trona Pinnacles National Natural Landmark — Attraction in Ridgecrest

One of my favorite places to visit, especially during a full moon. Bring plenty of photo space, it’s beautiful. Any vehicle can make the trip as long as there hasn’t been any recent rains. Otherwise use mud whomping vehicle. Dirt road lots of bumps, it’s a Wash Board PATH TO PINNACLES.

1st time advice. There are no maps or assigned route once you venture off the 178. Go during day light hours.

No.143, skinny road signage, is the main route to Pinnacles and back to 178. There are more numbered signs once you arrive and trip around the many roads, but 178 will always get you back to where you started.

Heading there from Ridgecrest, you will see a sign posted stating Trona Pinnacles on right. Dirt entrance will take you past 2 cement landmark markers with info. Drive down the washboard dirt road and Turn Right @ 1st Fork in road, not left! You should see trains, at your left till you cross over tracks and again, that train should be on your left, if not you accidentally turned left at 1st fork…go back! 4ish miles till next sign stating “Trona Pinnacles Natl Land” 60+feet till 1st Cluster of Info Signage at the over-look, go left after those and keep the ledge close to your right as you drive for a minute or two. Look for a row of rocks that lead you down the hill. This will take you past another cluster of Info signs like you just saw above.

You’ve just entered into the valley of the Pinnacles…Welcome, yay!

Drive past that 2nd cluster of Signs and make a Right, not left, at the next fork…

Bathroom Park here if you want, sign-in for BLM Rangers if you wish and don’t forget to check out the cave across from the bathroom, foot access only.

Use the bathroom as a visual land marker for remembering where that hill (cluster of signs) is to get back up and out of the valley again.

It’s breath taking beautiful!

NO CELL PHONE SERVICE/WATER/ELECTRIC/LIGHTS, TRASH OR GAS. BE KIND,LEAVE NO TRACE OF YOUR VISIT BEHIND. Take it all out of the desert Protect wildlife. #BOONDOCKING #OFFHIGHWAY #WILDLANDSCAPE #NOSHADE #NOPICNICTABLES #BIRDS #COYOTES #JACKRABBITS #DESERTTORTOISE #WASHBOARDDIRTROAD

Pinnacles all look the same after a bit so getting lost is Easy. Seriously use video footage to record self-made rock formation designs at cross roads to avoid walking in circles. Been here a hundred times and still manage to get lost during black moons, fog and cloudy nights when I can’t see the stars.

It still looks like it did a million years ago. Minus the Public Toilet Building. Check out my “Public Toilet” for nicer photos of the pinnacles around the…Public Toilet...

This was part of an impromptu camping ⛺️ and star gazing plan that we were invited to. 3+ hours drive to get to the camping ground from Orange County. Witnessed the rise of milky way galaxy and plenty meteor showers! Had good night nap under the sky full of stars and woke up to a beautiful sunrise.

Couple of things to keep in mind- high ground clearance vehicle recommended. If you wish to take your usual sedans here , you will run at risk of flat tires. Last mile of road leading up to Trona structure is NOT paved , has pointy rocks and crystalized salty rocks. You won’t need permit for camping but keys to use public restrooms are paid.

Trona is known for its dark skies which makes it a great location for star gazing and...

Fantastic, futuristic historical landmark known for the beautiful pillars that were formed underseas during the last Ice Age. The remnants are easily accessible and one can wander around the multiple walking trails, drive on the dirt roads, or find a camping spot.

There is nice signage along the road, although following Google Maps might not get you to where you need to be, but the car roads can easily be seen.

Recommend having a sturdy car since the road consists of mostly gravel and dirt.

There is one public restroom that is...