Mikka M.

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.

Keith A.

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.

Nicholas G.

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!

Josephine C.

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

Paul L.

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.

George L.

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.

Norm K.

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.

Amy R.

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.

Tanja N.

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.

Larry N.

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..

Ken L.

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.

Shirl C.

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.

Nobuyuki S.

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.