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.

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

Searles Lake has Borax. For that matter most of the area and its history are essentially the tale…read moreof Borax and other minerals that folks far more heartier than myself came to this area (as well as Death Valley) and braved Dante's Inferno like conditions. The only town, Trona, has a few places to stop and 2 gas stations now and while the prices are high befitting its remote location it's an essential stop. Death Valley is not just a name. It can be brutal for the unprepared so I always stop here and fill up for added safety margin. There are some things to do like the Trona Pinacles etc. Beyond that its JAHM or Just Another Historical Marker

Since they opened back up I love going here the staff is reallly really nice especially Maria, she…read moreis one of my favorites,,she always so happy and nice , never got anything wrong , she brings an spark then that place , she very helpful as well

Area is clean and staff is friendly. Multiple lanes available. Food isn't the best. I didn't enjoy…read morethe pizza that much and was not impressed with their other items.

I wouldn't go out of my way to play this course, it is nice to have something in town. There is no…read moresand in the bunkers, either weeds or water. Very friendly staff and good food.

This course has seen better days and management. Even if your desperate to play, they only have 23…read morefunctional carts and the course maintenance is poor at best. The restaurant is good with a nice view but otherwise this course is a hard pass.

Wow words cannot say how much I appreciate the DMV. I have been to many DMV locations and everyone…read moreto have been the workers appear to not enjoy their jobs. I live in the Inland Empire and due to Covid it has wrecked havoc not just on peoples lives but also personal schedules. My son had a permit that was expiring and he had only two days to take the behind the wheel test. The only choices I had was Blythe or Ridgecrest I choice hating to drive far but it was closer than my other choice. I arrived at the office 1 hour ahead of time and my son was able to take his test. During the test their was an incident and Natalie was his examiner. I have nothing but praise for Natalie and the office manager. This office should be a role model for all DMV in terms of customer service and care. They greet you with a smile and are eager to help you with your concern, not with a frown and discouragement. The office is very orderly small but I get it small town. I telling anyone who is willing to wait the entire day in an DMV office or in the hot sun should rethink it. You can use that time to drive up north and enjoy a welcoming smile and great service. It's people like Natalie who encourages the kids to do their best even though she has her job being the examiner she puts them at ease. The drive up to Ridgecrest maybe a little long but the wait is very short. It's people like Natalie and the Ridgecrest DMV that makes people drive up worth the while. I hope this post doesn't ruin a good thing and send flocks of people up north, what I wanted to do is tell everyone their is a DMV in Ca. that will send you off with a smile and a long but short drive home. It's worth the drive than spending the day at DMV south of there. THANKS Natalie and the Ridgecrest DMV staff!

Based on the location this is the Department of Motor Vehicles…read more I have been to four different California DMV's: Long Beach, Santa Monica, Culver City, and Ridgecrest. That's not counting the Nevada DMV in Las Vegas. The Ridgecrest DMV, hands down, the very best. I have never had to wait more than 5 minutes in line. The people working there are friendly, efficient, and actually know what they are doing. Whenever my boss based in Los Angeles had to deal with the DMV, he made an excuse for coming up to Ridgecrest in order to use the Ridgecrest DMV. They are that much better.

RAC is of the nicest & cleanest gyms I've been a member of. They clean continuously & daily. The…read moreequipment is new and regularly maintained. Staff is always welcoming & friendly. I highly recommend this gym. The membership price is worth the cost given the amenities (pool, sauna, steam room, equipped locker rooms, new equipment, hours of operation, etc.) & overall friendly service.

Love this gym! Very nice staff and the cleaning lady's are very thorough! The clientele is…read morefriendly too!

This is really a five- star DMV. It's small inside, but not chaotic like some. Employees were…read morefriendly and efficient. My son took his drivers test today, and passed; they all wished him good luck. Great DMV!! 8/8/25

Closed Tuesdays and Thursdays now. The wait times are through the roof. This used to be one of the…read morebest DMV locations in So Cal. Now it's as bad as the rest of them.