I've a bit of the wanderlust running through me, and it's getting stronger with each day passing…read more To try and negate some of this growing restlessness, I thought perhaps reviewing one of my past adventures would help to calm the stormy seas inside of me before I go insane. I have a dirty past. Quite literally. I am one of very few chicks that dug dirt and rocks from a very tender age (mind the bad pun). And they continue to excite me even after a decade away from school. There's hardly anything more exciting than hiking to gods know where for some geologic/paleontologic mindjob. Was that TMI? Oops, my bad. But, please, don't go anywhere! Allow me to share one of my fondest geology trips with you. I loved my majour in college. What's not to love about a study that allows you to spend more than half of your collegiate time outdoors, rain or shine? I was never much one for classroom settings. Don't let the geeky exterior fool you. I'm the type to bring a laptop out into the wild unknown to play my video games. ^_- Whoever said you can't have it all? All that's missing is a wonderful companion to share it all with. My Spring Fieldtrip assignment was to map Rainbow Basin, outside of Barstow, California. I believe the area we had to map was about 3 square miles, up and down peaks and in and out of valleys. 9 glorious days did we spend out there. Rainbow Basin is a gorgeous stretch of land. If you haven't been there yet, promise me you will. If only for a day. The best part is during sunset in the main valley. There's a specific point in the valley where you crest a rise and just sit there, waiting for the magickal moment where the sun dips just low enough in the sky to light up the cliff face where there's a huge syncline composed of various oxidized layers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rainbow_Basin.JPG). These layers, composed of various different minerals, oxidized over time to produce different shades of colours - red, purple, yellow, green, blue... The beauty is when the sun lights up these different layers to give you the most amazing display of coloured rock ever. Hence, the name of the basin itself. I'm thinking of a road trip back there this summer to view this phenomenom once more; only this time, I'll be bringing a camera to document my memories. Will you join me? Bring your sleeping bag, but forget the tent. We'll snuggle under the summer stars together.

Beautiful place. Love the colors and formations. Geology is wonderful. Enjoyed the scenic drives as…read morethe valley walls get closer and closer as your car wanders through the basin. The road Is nicely graded that goes through a wash. Very epic, scenic panoramic views. Highly recommend spring, fall or winter times to visit as it can get hot!! We went in February, Not too far of a drive from Barstow or on the dirt road. We also hiked among the Mojave desert vegetation and enjoyed the Joshua trees. Think we got a glimpse of the lakebed with Goldstone. Great picture taking opportunities!

+ Interesting hiking spot. There isn't one defined trail at Ricardo Campground. Rather, it's more…read morelike a network of paths. Please come and create your own adventure. + The highlight of this hiking area is the badlands that resemble Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Lotta ridges and cliffs formed by millennia of erosion. . 2 restrooms by the trailhead. First hiking parking lot restrooms I've seen without roofs. Has its own pros and cons: + The stench doesn't condense in one room. - But no weather protection. + Easier to communicate for help in case of emergency. - Less privacy. Also, - Hot, dry climate. - No shade. + Nice that there are restrooms throughout the grounds, - but the water fountains aren't working. -- Have to pay $6 digitally to park there. Can't we just slip $6 in physical bills somewhere and call it a day? Better yet, make it $2 or free altogether? lol

If you're looking to camp and you don't want to drive too far from Los Angeles, Red Rock Canyon…read moreState Park is a great option. They have several campgrounds which is first and first serve. There's also several hiking spots in the area, which are less than a mile. There's also a visitor center, which has a lot of information about the park and clean bathroom. Great spot for photos!

I have had the Desert Tortoise Natural Area (DTNA) on my list of places to visit for a few years…read more Since I was camping nearby, I jumped at the opportunity. Passing through sleepy and imprecisely-named California City then on to the sandy Randsburg Mohave Road, it became clear why the desert tortoise -- California's official state reptile -- has been facing extinction. Housing has encroached and off-road vehicles play in this habitat seemingly disconnected from the consequences of their actions. Reaching the DTNA, the large amount of special fencing at the perimeter illustrates the amount of effort required to protect these animals. A gravel parking lot, pit toilet and small interpretive kiosk are the only amenities so come prepared for the visit and the weather. Interpretive brochures are available on the trails to lend perspective and, perhaps, more importantly, lower expectations. I walked all of the flat trails and aside from some small lizards and long-eared rabbits, I saw no tortoises or even the really venomous Mohave green rattlesnakes. If you're into creosote bushes, though, this is the place for you. Unfortunately, there's not much to inspire taking out the camera. So, did I like my experience? Well, I wasn't sure but I sorted this out as I sat watching the sunset back at my campsite. It's not about the visitor at all: it's about the tortoise. It's reassuring to know that this protected area exists and that many volunteers and experts have devoted so much of their time to the cause of saving the tortoise. That feels good. Selfishly, I'll be back in the Spring when the desert flowers are blooming and maybe I'll be lucky to see a tortoise or two basking in the milder temperatures.

Call it a bit of beginner's luck but my three children and two nieces, ages3-15, and I had a great…read moreexperience. We got some guidance from Ms. Sharon on some earlier tortoise sightings and took that loop. We saw plenty of lizards, including a couple horned lizards, caterpillars, gopher and rattle snakes, empty tortoise burrows and finally just before turning to head back, a desert tortoise. Mission accomplished! He was burrowed but we still saw him. Yes the bathroom isn't that great but it was clean in general. Don't look in the whole, lol. It's a fine piece of construction for an outhouse. I believe I saw a sidewinder just outside the preserve fence while I was trying to find the entrance. It was moving so fast and peculiar from average snake. Tip: stay on Randsburg-Mohave Rd to get to entrance.

It was sunset on the trail... I had never been to Ridgecrest before…read more An important little place in the middle of a desert. As for this trail hike, we took a moderate one up the mountain to the peak to sit and take in the views on all sides. It really depends who you go with. The desert can be a lonely place. Especially as the day comes to a close, it is so quiet here, it could be just you and your thoughts. Sobering. We saw some rabbits and lizards. Be on the watch for coyotes and rattlesnakes. The steep trek down I thought, was harder than going up. Make sure you have really good hiking shoes. If you come here on a whim let's say, sandals or flip flops are not going to cut it. Bring plenty of water, very hot in summer and keep in mind that there are no bathrooms here. Please pick up all your trash. This was a beautiful, clean place. The parking area felt safe and fortunately for us, there were not a lot of people there on this given Sunday. I would go back in a heartbeat. The summit views were spectacular and I always welcome the exercise and time to reflect. It can also feel very romantic. I love the desert.

I just arrived in town and this was suggested to me at the Maturango Museum, as a quick place to go…read moreto become acquainted with some of the local plants. There were a couple of trail heads, the one behind the college having a parking lot close to the road. I walked a bit to see what was there and took some photos. I'm sure it would be more interesting the further out a person could go. It reminded me of bike rides in a state forest in Florida and I'm sure a quicker view would be more interesting but less productive for photography.

Another amazing night spent at Mountain Park. Took about 9 kids for my sons party. Awesome place…read morefor the kids to play and explore. Roasting hot dogs and eating s'mores, what more could you want on a beautiful Tehachapi night? Highly recommend if you have never been here.

If you're looking for a park in the middle of nowhere, but still just outside town, where you can…read morecamp or visit on a day trip, this is your place. Granted you have to be in Tehachapi, or know where Tehachapi is, or be wanderIng around southeastern California, or have a sweet GPS. Given all the above transpiring, if you find yourself in the lucky position of needing to do a summer XC run with your sophomore weak-of-heart running daughter, just don't tell her about the steep uphill. You do get to run back down afterward anyway. Should you be able to trick your kids into the run or perhaps a hike, magnificent views await at the overlooks partway and all the way up. We're talking Twitter-background-wallpaper-quality shots (not that I would know). Should I wind up randomly or intentionally in T-town, I'll take another hike, provided I can talk the daughter into it ("no honey this isn't the one you remember, it's an easy hike":).

My wife and I really enjoyed our visit here and our walk through the tunnel…read more The drive in from Highway 14 is tough if you have a standard, low, 2wheel drive car. I don't recommend it. I drive a 2 wheel drive Explorer that is a little higher and wider tires. It took 50 minutes of careful driving to get to the tunnel. No huge rocks or washouts but a lot of loose deep sand that requires your attention. Be prepared, drive the right car and don't let the drive in stop you from visiting. There are enough signs along the way, better to call the trail markers, so you won't get lost. I used Waze and it took out any guess work. Once at the tunnel the opening looks very small and many people think that it means you need to crawl through and won't go. But just go in 15 feet or so and you can stand up all the way and it is good. My wife was very concerned and didn't want to go in until she could see me standing fully upright once I got all the way inside. My wife carried a lantern with 360 light and I had a flashlight with a thinner beam for more distance. It was a perfect combination. When you are inside you can look back and see the light at entrance getting smaller but cannot see light at the far end. Don't worry, there is a 90 degree tun near the end that blocks your view of the exit but it is there. Deep inside it really does feel like an adventure. It's just spooky enough to make you feel like you accomplished something by getting all the way through. My wife was flat out scared but was determined and did it. There is a great view spot at the far end. We walked off to both sides of opening and loved the views. There was a couple coming the other way on our way through and it was kind of fun meeting nice people in such an otherworldly place. Inside the tunnel it does not smell, there was only the tiny amount of dust we kicked up with our feet and no wind. Eerily quiet. You can still see the ore cart tracks in a couple places and it really brings to mind the immense amount or labor and dedication, or possibly obsession, this man had to finish it. It's stunning to contemplate. Go and walk it but don't just walk it, take the time to appreciate this one man, hand dug, 38 year creation.

Always fun to go there with the kids lots of exploring to do here. A high clearance vehicles is…read moreneeded. Awesome place

Extremely beautiful area!! Similar to the painted hills in Oregon, this rural wonder is a must if…read moreyou're near Barstow. The road is a little ways off but there's helpful signage once you've typed in the location. The winding and rolling road has many spots to stop and get out of the car to look at the gorgeous rock formations. Peak sunset spot and view is right by the destroyed green piano and then the loop takes you back out to the main road. We came in December and we were all alone !! While it may not be as grand as the Grand Canyon the multi colored rocks and stacks are similarly beautiful here and the opportunity to get closer is even better. Practice leave no trace and be aware of your surroundings as the rocks can look quite precarious.

A trip to Rainbow Basin will make you feel like you're on a different planet. It's a unique drive…read moreon a one-way unpaved road through some of the most striking geological formations I've ever seen. As other Yelpers have said, the photos don't do justice to the subtle variations in color that you'll see. Visiting in spring, lots of wildflowers and the Joshua trees were in bloom as well. Tips: Make sure your car is in good condition and take water. I made the drive in just a regular car with no 4-wheel drive and I was fine but check road conditions first. It's free! Don't forget to charge your phone and take your real camera.

Definitely a super hidden gem in the Kern River Valley…read more Kern River Preserve has always been on my list of places to visit and finally, over the summer, I had a chance to explore. Mind you, the heat can be somewhat unbearable in July. And in all likelihood Spring and Fall are the more common seasons. A little background of the Kern River Preserve. It's actually owned by the National Audubon Society. It's also located in one of the largest contiguous riparian forests in the stata at 3,000 acres. There is a small visitors center. I highly suggest calling before arriving to find out if there will be a docent or guide. Best times to visit are spring. You'll get the best of flora and fauna with blooming flowers and migratory birds. ' The Kern Audubon Society is a wealth of knowledge and happy to help with info.

I've had great times at the Kern River Preserve. Lots to see and learn about. Very interesting…read more Sometimes, well before Covid anyway, people would come and they would have something going on at the preserve where other people would come and show what animals or plants, just anything that you could literally find at the preserve that they had ppl bring their stuff and teach us about different snakes that are Indigenous to this area and won't harm you, and which will. People have been here before and pointed out the difference in good plants, harmful plants, plants people have different not wonderful reactions to like stinging nettle and what it looks like. It's really interesting stuff. Call and find out if there are tours or if the trails are open for hiking due to covid, as maybe the trails are overgrown??? Some on the backside of the lake look very bad. I was given tours there when we were in jr college at Cerro Coso Community College in Lake Isabella (21 yrs ago). I've had them teach us things too when there's an event, so look for that. I don't know if anything's going on their since Covid? Ask them about the turkey vultures, and volunteer to count them if they're still doing that! That was a blast! Trina (Guerra) B.

Tomo-Kahni (translated "winter village") was the site of a Kawaiisu Native American Village. The…read moreHistoric Park is located along a ridge in the Tehachapi Mountains. The site can only be accessed by guided tours which are held two Saturdays per month during the spring and fall months. On the 1.5 mile walking tour you'll get to learn about the Kawaiisu people and how they used to live. You'll also learn about some of the native plants, such as the ephedra plant which was used to make a stimulating tea and the burned charcoal was used to make decorative tattoos. You'll get to see various bedrock mortars where the would crush acorns into their staple meal. You'll pass by large boulders covered in vibrant and colorful neon green and orange lichen. The tour ends at the Ceremonial Cave, also known as Creation Cave or the Teddy Bear Cave. It's really more of a rock shelter. Inside there are well preserved pictographs. The cave is said to be guarded by a supernatural grizzly bear that lives within the rock face that guards the cave from unworthy intruders. Overall it was a vary enjoyable visit. The tour starts at 8:30 AM at the Tehachapi Museum. After a 30 min orientation you'll caravan to the site. We got back to our car around 1pm. The fee for the tour is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6- 16. There is also a $10 registration fee. You can call 661-946-6092 for tour information and reservations.