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I love this place, 365 days a year. There are no gates, no lights, no cell phone or emergency services...it's the wild. If you don't have 4WD, avoid trying to get here after the rain. Choose the first fork on the right after on this no signage dirt path...the train on the track at the stop cross should be on your left when you first start your trip there. The photo in my images shows the train I'm talking about, but this taken on my way back. Leave no trace behind.
I have seen pictures from here before and we passed it a few times going to Death Valley over the last few years but this time we decided to stop and check it out. The pinnacles are similar to the tufas at mono lake. Keep in mind it is over 5 miles each way on bumpy dirt roads just to get out there, and after a rain you have to watch out for mud and pot holes to avoid getting stuck. I did not have 4x4 but probably would be recommended. There is a covered bathroom out there. The pinnacles are cool to look at and take pictures of, it feels prehistoric. The ground can have some very sharp rock so make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear. We also were treated to a prop plane flying by and overheard, not very high off the ground, and then they did a landing very close by. Glad to visit after the rain though, because there were some great reflection pictures to be had. I think the drive was worth it and will go back, especially to get some night sky pictures.
Such a beautiful place. After you get onto the dirt road, just send it. The faster you go, the less you'll feel (until you get to the extremely jagged rocks about a half mile from the Pinnacles lol). If you're concerned about clearance, don't worry so much. I took my little Civic Si and was able to get from the beginning to the dirt road to the pinnacles in a very short time (I was going around 55mph until I hit the jagged rocks). Once you get to the pinnacles, the road that goes around/through them can get rocky.. just choose your lines wisely if you have a low clearance vehicle. My undercarriage was unscathed. Other than the above, everything about this place is awesome. It's an awesome place to camp, ride dirt bikes, mountain bikes, side-by-sides, etc. It can get windy (like, VERY windy) at times so check the weather before you go, as there is literally nowhere that you can go to not get hit by it. My friends and myself, and my girlfriend went, and we camped in the center of the Pinnacles. It was peaceful, with almost no bugs. We did see a baby desert fox though! We had gone on a Saturday and it wasn't busy, partially because there was like 20mph winds all day until around 5PM. You will have cell phone service in some spots (depending on service provider). Scenic, spacious, and close enough that it's worth driving to. Just go!
On a Sunday afternoon in February, my brother drive us to Trona after our Mammoth excursion. It is in middle of nowhere near Ridgecrest. The long drive is bumpy so best to drive a truck or 4x4 jeep. I heard this where Star Trek 5, Buck Rodgers tv show, Land of the Lost was filmed which was cool. As I got closer, the pinnacles looked so weird and it used to be under the desert lake. I seen plenty of trucks camping here or off roading here. Tip-drive slow
Do you want to hear the best in house music and Bollywood hits? Come to Trona Pinnacles, your outdoor party palace. I hadn't been here in years. This used to be a quiet place that few, except off roaders, visited. Fast forward to 2021 and I was truly surprised by the number of small crowds and loud music that has invaded this once serene natural wonder. Actually, I was impressed with the choices playing at high volume on Friday and Saturday nights and, honestly, I was tempted to join a few of these groups as the beats were enticing. I was cranky, though, because I had to come back to Trona a few times over a month attempting to find fewer people so I could play with some long-exposure photography. To say that it was difficult is an understatement. Most of my after dark photos on these visits had to be deleted because people and party lights -- yes, party lights -- got in the way and ruined the shots. Granted, Trona ain't Death Valley and it doesn't attract those crowds but Trona has obviously achieved its own cult status so you better be prepared for an anything goes atmosphere here.
A fairly nice free dispersed camp spot that looks like Mars. Just be sure to fill up and get everything done at Ridgecrest because there's ZERO cell reception there. No amenities, not even trash. Pack in and out everything. Only a bathroom is provided. Went with a normal car (driving no faster than 15 mph, 25 minutes from Highway) and made it just fine when the roads are dry. Be sure to check the weather as there are places where I can see can be flooded if it rains. Trona Pinnacles is an empty, dispersed camping spot that's got fantastic sunrise and sunset views. Located about 6 miles from the main highway on an off-road path, and about 3.5 hours from Orange County, CA. You can hear the jet fighters from the air force base nearby during the day. At night the Milky Way is very visible. At night though, it's SO windy. Be sure to have your tent tied down hard because the wind will knock over everything, even in the little spot I got. That spot that I got is a little cul de sac when you turn left of the restroom upon entering the place. Stay on the trail marked with a rock fence, and you're good. In August it was pretty hot in the day. Thankfully I only stayed one night, which honestly is all you need. Only complaint is seeing that the last camper before me left a bunch of bottles that I had to remove, really hurts seeing nature littered with Triple Redd's! Overall, fun place for an overnight sedan or 4x4. A lot of little things that makes this place interesting for your next camping trip.
I had read about the Trona Pinnacles for some time and going here was on my bucket list. Cross off one more thing. As another reviewer noted, there is no cell phone coverage anywhere in the Searles Valley. The town of Trona has little in the way of services, so make sure you get gas in Ridgecrest before coming here. As for the road, there were a few places on the way in where you have to steer around large holes in the road caused by damage due to rain and then driving in the soft mud. You do not need a special vehicle. I have a Xterra 4x4 and there was no need it. Take your time driving in and you'll be fine. There are a number of interpretive markers to explain how these tufa formations came about. Read the markers and learn what they are. The pinnacles go on for quite a distance and there are dirt roads to access the different areas. There are parking areas and from them you can get closer to the formations by following the rock lined paths. Please stay on them and don't follow the use trails that people have made to get a stupid selfie. Enjoy the natural setting and leave no trace that you were there.
Though this is a bit of a drive from the Reno area, you can definitely camp and social distance here. Starkly beautiful, strange, and far from the beaten path. We spent some of our Covid time here this past fall. A primitive dry camping area in Southern California, one can't get anymore distant that this can you? Take everything you'll need to stay here and don't forget to pack it out as well. Disbursed sites among the pinnacles and one pit toilet. The light on the formations in late afternoon creates beautiful shadows and highlights. If you are looking for peace and quiet while enjoying the long views, check this one out on a future journey.
Here, the time definitely stopped. Standing on the highest point and looking down, couldn't but feel like I too had the part in the western movie. Just waited to spot wild horses or cowboys riding thru the valley. The terrain looks unforgiving. One can't but ask itself how does anything survive here. Had a 2-wheel car and It was fine, as long as terrain is not wet. If wet, wouldn't advise to attempt even in a 4-wheel drive unless you are familiar with driving in a mud. We visited on Sunday and we saw only one more couple there on the other side with the pick-up truck. The area must look even more beautiful when cloudy or after the rain.
Where the Cosmic Rocks and Star aligned.. WARNING; Don't use a regular car, there will be jagged rocks that can blow your tire. There will be no cellphone usage at all,you'll have zero reception. I recommend a truck, suv and tires that are durable for going through a bunch of rocks. Also bring a good camera if your planning to take a good shot of the Milky Way. Coming from LA county, it'll take 3 hour's to get here. Pretty smooth drive, GPS was on point all the way. You can choose to come during the daytime or night. Once your here you'll feel like your in a different planet, like your in the Star Wars or Star Trek movies. I came during the night, it was pitch black and the stars were the only thing glowing. This is the part where your mind will venture... All in all a good adventure, journeying to something different then your average hike. Good with your partner, family or friends. Put this one in your 2019 books..
Otherworldly, strange, desolate, and quiet. Do I have your attention now? Those that are attracted to those words are going to love Trona Pinnacles. It's a fantastic place for day or night exploring. I do both, waiting around past sunset (which is pretty great looking on the tufas) and taking Milky Wa, light painting, and star trails photos in the evening. This place can be accessed from Highway 178 via a 5-6 mile dirt road, which is often "washboardy". Half of you are wondering, "Can my 2WD car go on this?" The answer is yes. I have gone in a Ford Escape and a GTI on this. The latter requires one to go rather slow because of the low clearance and tiny tires. The tufas are left over from an ancient lake bed. Many science fiction movies are filmed here, and you'll see why.
After hearing about this place from locals, my hubs, pup and I decided to take a quick trip out around 6pm. Since it's still summer, it was definitely the perfect time to go. It takes about an hour to get there from Ridgecrest and probably would be shorter time of we had a car that had 4-wheel drive. It's only 7-ish miles from where the 178 and dirt road meet, but it took us about half an hour to reach the pinnacles. There's a great look out spot prior to entering the landmark, that gives you a little history about the pinnacles which is cool (especially if you don't know the history). Once we made it in, we were hesitant to drive all around the landmark because we kept seeing post that said 'no motor vehicles' but did notice a couple other cars parked on semi steep inclines. The paths seem like it's more for 4 wheeler type vehicles or dune buggies. I would highly recommend wearing hiking or shoes with a good grip, because the inclines are higher and the dirt is loose. Not the mention, the rocks are pretty sharp. You definitely wouldn't want to slip and fall down! Near the bathroom, which is right at the entrance, is a little cave/cell. We didn't stay too long since it was starting to get dark, but we will definitely be back to star gaze.
I was in the area and the Maturango Museum people told me that this was a great place to visit for interesting rock formations. How could I resist, especially after a trip to Death Valley? The trip to Pinnacles Road from Ridgecrest is easy, but it feels as though it takes the same length of time to get from the main road to the Pinnacles themselves. The road is somewhat well-maintained, if you could the washboard-like surface of the heavy equipment treads flattening the various problems. It's obvious that there had been some damage to the road recently, probably from flooding. Once I parked at the open area at the top of road, I walked to the Pinnacles themselves. It looks as though they're far away but it didn't take long at all. There were enough people driving down there and I wanted to leave my car out of it. We destroy enough already. Walking up to get some video and photos, it was slightly difficult and thankfully, I wasn't trying to climb anything. Would I call this fun? Maybe, I would not, but it was interesting and the time was right, and I got some dizzying video clips, plus some good photos.
Out of this world! Free admission but make sure the roads are in good shape. I drove out in an SUV and some parts of the road were a little sketchy. Once you arrive at the Pinnacles, you can hike up really close to see them first-hand. The pinnacles were created out of tufa ("porous rock formed as a deposit when springs interact with other bodies of water" per Wikipedia), when the area was under a lake. If you visit in spring, you'll see some wildflowers as well. Very interesting spot and worth a stop on your way to Death Valley. Highly recommended! read more
6 months ago
Though this site gives some amazing history about the pinnacles I would not have known otherwise, the road to get here is very long, very rocky and in some places questionable if I should cross them. It was extremely hot even though it's April. I didn't walk around as the temps too high. The highlights - you cross over where the salt has dried from the lake ( wash your car as soon as you can as salt bad for it!), the beautiful scenery of the pinnacles (obviously) but the mountains behind them, the history lesson, the train cars sitting on the tracks was kinda fun and interesting and best of all the Navy flying planes doing test runs. Loved that. So hard to believe so much of this was under water and that where these were created. It's other worldly with how alive our planet is and constantly changing. It's free to come here but be warned about deep sand, very rocky roads and the heat. Bring water and have plenty of gas in the tank. There's nothing around for quite a ways. read more
First time out here on Monday, I'm from Bakersfield so it's been gloomy and coming up the moi rain it was sunny. Getting here was easy, I thought about taking my Tesla but glad I brought the SUV, a few areas for high clearance vehicles. This place was out of this world to explore, it's felt surreal. Took tons of pics and hikes around them. I would definitely recommend exploring this place. read more
2 years ago
I love this place, 365 days a year. There are no gates, no lights, no cell phone or emergency services...it's the wild. If you don't have 4WD, avoid trying to get here after the rain. Choose the first fork on the right after on this no signage dirt path...the train on the track at the stop cross should be on your left when you first start your trip there. The photo in my images shows the train I'm talking about, but this taken on my way back. Leave no trace behind. read more
I have seen pictures from here before and we passed it a few times going to Death Valley over the last few years but this time we decided to stop and check it out. The pinnacles are similar to the tufas at mono lake. Keep in mind it is over 5 miles each way on bumpy dirt roads just to get out there, and after a rain you have to watch out for mud and pot holes to avoid getting stuck. I did not have 4x4 but probably would be recommended. There is a covered bathroom out there. The pinnacles are cool to look at and take pictures of, it feels prehistoric. The ground can have some very sharp rock so make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear. We also were treated to a prop plane flying by and overheard, not very high off the ground, and then they did a landing very close by. Glad to visit after the rain though, because there were some great reflection pictures to be had. I think the drive was worth it and will go back, especially to get some night sky pictures. read more
6 years ago
Such a beautiful place. After you get onto the dirt road, just send it. The faster you go, the less you'll feel (until you get to the extremely jagged rocks about a half mile from the Pinnacles lol). If you're concerned about clearance, don't worry so much. I took my little Civic Si and was able to get from the beginning to the dirt road to the pinnacles in a very short time (I was going around 55mph until I hit the jagged rocks). Once you get to the pinnacles, the road that goes around/through them can get rocky.. just choose your lines wisely if you have a low clearance vehicle. My undercarriage was unscathed. Other than the above, everything about this place is awesome. It's an awesome place to camp, ride dirt bikes, mountain bikes, side-by-sides, etc. It can get windy (like, VERY windy) at times so check the weather before you go, as there is literally nowhere that you can go to not get hit by it. My friends and myself, and my girlfriend went, and we camped in the center of the Pinnacles. It was peaceful, with almost no bugs. We did see a baby desert fox though! We had gone on a Saturday and it wasn't busy, partially because there was like 20mph winds all day until around 5PM. You will have cell phone service in some spots (depending on service provider). Scenic, spacious, and close enough that it's worth driving to. Just go! read more
6 years ago
On a Sunday afternoon in February, my brother drive us to Trona after our Mammoth excursion. It is in middle of nowhere near Ridgecrest. The long drive is bumpy so best to drive a truck or 4x4 jeep. I heard this where Star Trek 5, Buck Rodgers tv show, Land of the Lost was filmed which was cool. As I got closer, the pinnacles looked so weird and it used to be under the desert lake. I seen plenty of trucks camping here or off roading here. Tip-drive slow read more
Do you want to hear the best in house music and Bollywood hits? Come to Trona Pinnacles, your outdoor party palace. I hadn't been here in years. This used to be a quiet place that few, except off roaders, visited. Fast forward to 2021 and I was truly surprised by the number of small crowds and loud music that has invaded this once serene natural wonder. Actually, I was impressed with the choices playing at high volume on Friday and Saturday nights and, honestly, I was tempted to join a few of these groups as the beats were enticing. I was cranky, though, because I had to come back to Trona a few times over a month attempting to find fewer people so I could play with some long-exposure photography. To say that it was difficult is an understatement. Most of my after dark photos on these visits had to be deleted because people and party lights -- yes, party lights -- got in the way and ruined the shots. Granted, Trona ain't Death Valley and it doesn't attract those crowds but Trona has obviously achieved its own cult status so you better be prepared for an anything goes atmosphere here. read more
A fairly nice free dispersed camp spot that looks like Mars. Just be sure to fill up and get everything done at Ridgecrest because there's ZERO cell reception there. No amenities, not even trash. Pack in and out everything. Only a bathroom is provided. Went with a normal car (driving no faster than 15 mph, 25 minutes from Highway) and made it just fine when the roads are dry. Be sure to check the weather as there are places where I can see can be flooded if it rains. Trona Pinnacles is an empty, dispersed camping spot that's got fantastic sunrise and sunset views. Located about 6 miles from the main highway on an off-road path, and about 3.5 hours from Orange County, CA. You can hear the jet fighters from the air force base nearby during the day. At night the Milky Way is very visible. At night though, it's SO windy. Be sure to have your tent tied down hard because the wind will knock over everything, even in the little spot I got. That spot that I got is a little cul de sac when you turn left of the restroom upon entering the place. Stay on the trail marked with a rock fence, and you're good. In August it was pretty hot in the day. Thankfully I only stayed one night, which honestly is all you need. Only complaint is seeing that the last camper before me left a bunch of bottles that I had to remove, really hurts seeing nature littered with Triple Redd's! Overall, fun place for an overnight sedan or 4x4. A lot of little things that makes this place interesting for your next camping trip. read more
I had read about the Trona Pinnacles for some time and going here was on my bucket list. Cross off one more thing. As another reviewer noted, there is no cell phone coverage anywhere in the Searles Valley. The town of Trona has little in the way of services, so make sure you get gas in Ridgecrest before coming here. As for the road, there were a few places on the way in where you have to steer around large holes in the road caused by damage due to rain and then driving in the soft mud. You do not need a special vehicle. I have a Xterra 4x4 and there was no need it. Take your time driving in and you'll be fine. There are a number of interpretive markers to explain how these tufa formations came about. Read the markers and learn what they are. The pinnacles go on for quite a distance and there are dirt roads to access the different areas. There are parking areas and from them you can get closer to the formations by following the rock lined paths. Please stay on them and don't follow the use trails that people have made to get a stupid selfie. Enjoy the natural setting and leave no trace that you were there. read more
4 years ago
Though this is a bit of a drive from the Reno area, you can definitely camp and social distance here. Starkly beautiful, strange, and far from the beaten path. We spent some of our Covid time here this past fall. A primitive dry camping area in Southern California, one can't get anymore distant that this can you? Take everything you'll need to stay here and don't forget to pack it out as well. Disbursed sites among the pinnacles and one pit toilet. The light on the formations in late afternoon creates beautiful shadows and highlights. If you are looking for peace and quiet while enjoying the long views, check this one out on a future journey. read more
5 years ago
Here, the time definitely stopped. Standing on the highest point and looking down, couldn't but feel like I too had the part in the western movie. Just waited to spot wild horses or cowboys riding thru the valley. The terrain looks unforgiving. One can't but ask itself how does anything survive here. Had a 2-wheel car and It was fine, as long as terrain is not wet. If wet, wouldn't advise to attempt even in a 4-wheel drive unless you are familiar with driving in a mud. We visited on Sunday and we saw only one more couple there on the other side with the pick-up truck. The area must look even more beautiful when cloudy or after the rain. read more
Where the Cosmic Rocks and Star aligned.. WARNING; Don't use a regular car, there will be jagged rocks that can blow your tire. There will be no cellphone usage at all,you'll have zero reception. I recommend a truck, suv and tires that are durable for going through a bunch of rocks. Also bring a good camera if your planning to take a good shot of the Milky Way. Coming from LA county, it'll take 3 hour's to get here. Pretty smooth drive, GPS was on point all the way. You can choose to come during the daytime or night. Once your here you'll feel like your in a different planet, like your in the Star Wars or Star Trek movies. I came during the night, it was pitch black and the stars were the only thing glowing. This is the part where your mind will venture... All in all a good adventure, journeying to something different then your average hike. Good with your partner, family or friends. Put this one in your 2019 books.. read more
Otherworldly, strange, desolate, and quiet. Do I have your attention now? Those that are attracted to those words are going to love Trona Pinnacles. It's a fantastic place for day or night exploring. I do both, waiting around past sunset (which is pretty great looking on the tufas) and taking Milky Wa, light painting, and star trails photos in the evening. This place can be accessed from Highway 178 via a 5-6 mile dirt road, which is often "washboardy". Half of you are wondering, "Can my 2WD car go on this?" The answer is yes. I have gone in a Ford Escape and a GTI on this. The latter requires one to go rather slow because of the low clearance and tiny tires. The tufas are left over from an ancient lake bed. Many science fiction movies are filmed here, and you'll see why. read more
After hearing about this place from locals, my hubs, pup and I decided to take a quick trip out around 6pm. Since it's still summer, it was definitely the perfect time to go. It takes about an hour to get there from Ridgecrest and probably would be shorter time of we had a car that had 4-wheel drive. It's only 7-ish miles from where the 178 and dirt road meet, but it took us about half an hour to reach the pinnacles. There's a great look out spot prior to entering the landmark, that gives you a little history about the pinnacles which is cool (especially if you don't know the history). Once we made it in, we were hesitant to drive all around the landmark because we kept seeing post that said 'no motor vehicles' but did notice a couple other cars parked on semi steep inclines. The paths seem like it's more for 4 wheeler type vehicles or dune buggies. I would highly recommend wearing hiking or shoes with a good grip, because the inclines are higher and the dirt is loose. Not the mention, the rocks are pretty sharp. You definitely wouldn't want to slip and fall down! Near the bathroom, which is right at the entrance, is a little cave/cell. We didn't stay too long since it was starting to get dark, but we will definitely be back to star gaze. read more
9 years ago
I was in the area and the Maturango Museum people told me that this was a great place to visit for interesting rock formations. How could I resist, especially after a trip to Death Valley? The trip to Pinnacles Road from Ridgecrest is easy, but it feels as though it takes the same length of time to get from the main road to the Pinnacles themselves. The road is somewhat well-maintained, if you could the washboard-like surface of the heavy equipment treads flattening the various problems. It's obvious that there had been some damage to the road recently, probably from flooding. Once I parked at the open area at the top of road, I walked to the Pinnacles themselves. It looks as though they're far away but it didn't take long at all. There were enough people driving down there and I wanted to leave my car out of it. We destroy enough already. Walking up to get some video and photos, it was slightly difficult and thankfully, I wasn't trying to climb anything. Would I call this fun? Maybe, I would not, but it was interesting and the time was right, and I got some dizzying video clips, plus some good photos. read more
I've been to Trona Pinnacles several times now for overnight camping. My recent visit was a few days ago. The other worldly landscape has been featured in some movies/film. A few pointers....the nearby town of Trona has very little in terms of supplies so be sure to stock up before you enter the pinnacles. During spring and summer months, you should be ok with a 2WD vehicle. Other months you may need a high clearance 4WD vehicle. It's located about 5 miles off the main road. There's no services and virtually zero cellular signal. Take plenty or water and supplies with you. Pack out everything you take in and that includes the trash. It's a great place for solitude, quiet and to get away from everything. It's an awesome location to stargaze and for nighttime photography. read more
Trona Pinnacles is a BLM national landmark located in Searles valley near the town of Trona. A bit off the beaten track but if you find yourself in area, check it out. The tufa towers, which formed fairly recently (geologically speaking) as remnants of a series of lakes that existed in this area of Southern California in the Pleistocene, are pretty neat to photograph and hike around. They're also fragile, so take care. read more
4 years ago
I came here with some friends for an album photoshoot, makes for a great backdrop!! devastatingly beautiful sights read more
Unreal. There's something about crossing the main highway onto this dirt road and driving towards the pinnacles that can't be explained. You feel like you're leaving Earth and driving to a scary hidden planet with no means to survive. There's nothing here. Absolutely nothing. Just these incredible tufas that beg you to climb them. The views from the top of any of the tall tufas are magestic. Just barren desert as far as the eye can see. Only looking in one direction will you see the town of Trona in the far distance, and even then it looks like a deserted mining town. If you like adventures into the middle of nowhere, I highly suggest the pinnacles. As a side note, just outside the highway my boyfriend and I rescued a dog being chased by a pack of coyotes. There were two dogs being chased, but we could only rescue one. The other one wanted nothing to do with us. We were able to chase the second one to the BLM Fire Department near Ridgecrest and told them the story. A firefighter told me that heartless people dump their dogs (and cats!) out there all the time to die. The firefighter told us the best option was to keep her if we could, which we did. She didn't have a collar or microchip. We named our little girl Trona, because without the Trona Pinnacles we would have never saved her life. I'm posting this for fellow Yelpers to keep an eye out for lost and wandering dogs in the desert. Please pick them up if you can and try to take them to a rescue if you can't keep them yourself. There are some really sick people in this world. read more
5 years ago
This is one of my favorite camping spots. It's never overrun by tourists like nearby Death Valley. You can almost always find a spot to set up without even seeing another camper. It's conveniently located to the town of Trona where you can buy anything you may have forgotten, like ice or firewood. The sunrises and sunsets are beyond belief, the way the light plays off the surfaces of the tufas. Speaking of the tufas, what magnificent and beautiful formations! They far surpass many of the surrounding desert features. The road out is rough but doesn't require any special vehicle, such as 4 wheel drive or high clearance, although I imagine it helps. Finally, I have to mention the stars! Wow! I was awoken at 4am by the sound of random wildlife, and was lucky enough to see the milky way! It was one of the most satisfying moments of my life. If you're looking for a chill spot, with less intense regulation, and few other people, this is the spot! read more
6 years ago
Great place for astrophotography. Gets a bit busy on the weekends however which can make night shooting a little challenging (people walking at night with headlamps on, cars driving through the area etc). With Verizon I had good cell service. Two to four bars throughout the main area. read more
13 years ago
I can't check in while here lol...no satellite! I've been here many times. Last was when they were putting up the new road signs. This place is over 100,000. Yes old. Once you arrive at the spires/pinnacles, you will be standing in an area once under water...the ocean. This place can be accessed in just about any vehicle given the fact that it hasn't Rained within a few days. It's like driving in mushy clay. If you have a small car, like mine, you will hit soft areas and your car will sink here and there and lose traction. There are rocks and small boulders from beginning to end and its an all dirt access road. Bring a few boards with you and a shovel so when you get stuck...you just need to bury the boards beneath your stuck tires for traction...no problem. But prepare to get tons of clay under your car lol. It's part of the trip I like anyways. It rained about 2 days before I took the drive. There were a few puddles and don't drive in them even if they look shallow...the wet clay underneath is mushy for up to 2 feet. This place is magical and beautiful. There is so much to see. Catch the sunset. Catch a full moon. Catch a moonless night and prepare to see every star above your head. It's the middle of nowhere man. It's nature so be prepared to be in aww. Bring lots of water! There is nothing there. At night you will have a million moths around your light so just use a flashlight and keep walking to avoid this. Stationary light collects the desert winged things. read more
18 years ago
An incredibly striking landscape. The scale is hard to comprehend from just photos. I second the warning about tires; the road in is rough, and covered in sharp rocks that could do serious damage. Also beware of roads that turn sandy as one could easily get stuck! You can be all alone out there (I saw no one between 10am and 4:30 pm) so not a place you want to run into trouble. Once you've taken reasonable precautions, the, enjoy. It is a great place to explore, and take pictures if you are so inclined. Distances are greater than you might expect as you are spending as much time going up and down over hills and valleys, as you are traversing the land. Bring water and have some sort of hat or shade. Having said all that, it was a blast, and I came back for a second day. read more
5 years ago
8 years ago
Easy to access and spectacular scenery. Takes about 10 minutes once you get off the hwy and well worth the drive. read more
11 years ago
You can't be into exploring and not want to check out Trona, especially considering that from LA you are only about 3 hours away from these odd things emerging from the ground. There are more than 500 tufa spires, some as high as 140 feet and yet you can get a feel for them in a relatively short amount of time. Of course, you can stay longer and hike or even camp if you want to, but there are no "official campgrounds" to speak of. You are in the Mohave Desert, meaning hot ain't nothing until you endure Mohave hot in the middle of the day during the summer months so pack plenty of water, dress appropriately and try and stick to fall, spring and winter months to visit. It's cool to see the backdrop of movies/tv shows such as Star Trek, Planet of the Apes and Los in Space to name a few. But for me, it was really cool to see these up close and personal from my sense of wonder and awe at the diversity that exists on our planet. These things growing out of the ground are just bazaar in the neatest way! If you have time and like exploring, I would definitely squeeze in seeing the town of Randsburg either before or after your visit to Trona...it's only about an hour away! read more
8 years ago
This was my very first visit here, but not my last. You can easily spend an entire day exploring the peculiar rock formations. A five mile drive from the main road, you will find this place mesmerizing. There are clearly marked trails everywhere. Perfect for overnight camping. Please bring maps ATT has no reception here. Pack your trash. Oh and yes drive slow. read more
8 years ago
Most definitely a nice place to lay under the stars with the kids, roast some marshmallows, and enjoy the silence. We had a blast! We will be back! read more
8 years ago
Had a great three days camping here! Definitely worth visiting. Beautiful sunsets and sunrises, also seeing the stars at night was amazing!! read more
11 years ago
Great place to explore just make sure it's not in the middle of the day in August. You can hike and even camp here. The unusual landscape consists of more than 500 tufaspires (porous rock formed as a deposit when springs interact with other bodies of water), some as high as 140 feet (43 m), rising from the bed of the Searles Lake (dry) basin. The pinnacles vary in size and shape from short and squat to tall and thin, and are composed primarily of calcium carbonate (tufa). They now sit isolated and slowly crumbling away near the south end of the valley, surrounded by many square miles of flat, dried mud and with stark mountain ranges on both sides. read more
15 years ago
19 years ago
18 years ago
RIDGECREST, CA is a small city with a population of about 28,000. A short trip to the northeast along Route 178 brings you to TRONA PINNACLES, and a short trip to the southwest along Route 14 brings you to RED ROCK CANYON STATE PARK. Both of these parks have geological features that are more interesting than most of the geological features that are found in Death Valley. At any rate, for visiting Trona Pinnacles I recommend renting a 4-wheel drive from one of the agencies in Ridgecrest. Although ordinary passenger cars frequently take the 7-mile drive over the lumpy washboard road from Route 178 to the Pinnacles themselves, I would not want to risk a broken axle. At any rate, for all of my 40 or so weekends in the various deserts in southern California, I had a new 2011 Honda Fit (the beautiful model, before they changed it to be small and ugly), and I did not want to put any stress on my new car with a lumpy, washboard dirt road. Most of the pinnacles at TRONA PINNACLES are clustered in a relatively short area, that can be circled on foot in an hour or less. But in the huge desert area to the south, there are more isolated pinnacles. From the photographer's point of view, the pinnacles will have a different personality, depending on the time of day, and depending on the elevation. The most spectacular photos that I've seen are taken from an airplane near sunset, and at this time the shadows are long and dramatic. Of course a GoPro mounted on a quadcopter can also be used to take dramatic photos at TRONA PINNACLES at any time of day. I was fortunate during my visit to have a deep blue sky that was decorated with a passing array of dramatic clouds. You can see my photos that are posted here. The area does not appear to be dangerous in any way, in terms of getting lost, or punctured by a well-meaning cholla cactus. It is well-known that Trona Pinnacles as well as Red Rock Canyon State Park have been featured in a number of science fiction movies. The pinnacles is virtually free of plants while, in contrast, Red Rock Canyon has Joshua Trees, a nature trail with a variety of cacti, and a gift shop. To conclude, if you plan to visit Trona Pinnacles, you need to have other things planned for your day, because Trona Pinnacles can keep you occupied for only a couple of hours at most. Also, I recommend buying THE TINCAL TRAIL:A HISTORY OF BORAX by N.J. Travis and E.J. Cocks. This book provides a scholarly (but easy to read) account of the salt mining industry at Trona Pinnacles (Searles Valley), in Death Valley, and places in between. read more
10 years ago
Little gem hidden in the high desert!! When in the fwy heading to Trona don't blink ... You may miss the entrance. Keep the eyes open after you pass "Fish Rocks" in your left side !! You still have to drive a few miles from the FWY but the location is magnificent ! read more
13 years ago
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Ask the Community - Trona Pinnacles
Did anyone see any motorhome taking the drive here? I have a 30 footer motor home that I'm planning on driving here.
I've seen a few. I also saw an old rainbow school bus camping there. All mobile. Make sure the roads are dry and take some flat boards or the grip boards for tires on the way…
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12 years ago
