Located in the Mojave Desert, the Trona Pinnacles are one of the most otherworldly and unique places in all of California, if not the entire United States. Though it’s sandwiched between two well-known outdoor destinations – Mt. Whitney and the Eastern Sierra to the west and Death Valley National Park to the east – don’t let its relative obscurity stop you from visiting. Its mystical spires seem to inexplicably rise from the desert floor, creating a dramatic scene straight from an alien planet. On a recent trip to the desert, I spent a night at the Trona Pinnacles camping and exploring these geological wonders. Here’s everything you need to know about this National Natural Landmark!
About the Trona Pinnacles
Just three hours from Los Angeles and four hours from Las Vegas, the Trona Pinnacles are a highlight of the California Desert Conservation Area. Consisting of over 500 spires, these strange yet captivating formations vary greatly in size and shape, with several towering 140 feet up from the desert floor. To preserve the Trona Pinnacles, in 1968 the U.S. Department of the Interior designated them a National Natural Landmark. These days, the public can experience the Trona Pinnacles up close via camping, hiking, off-roading, and other modes of outdoor recreation.
Geology
The Trona Pinnacles are found in the Searles Dry Lake basin, which once was completely filled with water. The spires, or tufas, formed between 10,000 and 100,000 years ago when ancient hot springs fractured the lake bed and allowed the calcium-rich groundwater to interact with the carbonated brine in the then-filled Searles Lake. The resulting calcium carbonate precipitated out of the lake water and over time formed the tufa towers we see today. Now that the lake has completely dried up, they stand as relics of what once was.
When visiting the Trona Pinnacles today, you’ll notice that they’re categorized by their location and appearance. In the park, you’ll find three groups and four tufa shapes.
Three groups
The Trona Pinnacles are divided into three groups based on their geological age.
Four Tufa Shapes
The shape of an individual tufa is a result of many factors, including hot springs location, size, flow, chemical composition, and the lake water level. At the Trona Pinnacles, there are four distinct tufa shapes.
In Pop Culture
Because of its unique and otherworldly appearance, as well as its proximity to Los Angeles, the Trona Pinnacles are used as a backdrop for many film, television, music video, and commercial productions. You’ll recognize these tufas in movies such as the 2001 remake of Planet of the Apes, Pitch Black, and Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. Artists including Lady Gaga, Rhianna, and Toro Y Moi, as well as brands like Squarespace and Christian Dior, have also filmed projects here.
Reaching the Trona Pinnacles
The Trona Pinnacles are about 25 miles east of Ridgecrest. From town, head along CA-178 E for about 17 miles. To your right, you’ll see a large dirt pullout and clearly marked signs directing you to the tufas. Now on a dirt road, continue for another five miles to reach your destination.
Vehicle Requirements
You need to follow a dirt road about five miles to reach the tufas. While it’s accessible to 2-wheel drive vehicles, I highly recommend driving a high clearance all-wheel drive car – my Subaru Crosstrek handled the road just fine. That said, avoid visiting in the winter after heavy rains, as the road may closed. Also, if you plan to drive to less visited sections, a vehicle suitable for off-roading is a necessity. Even in my car, I almost got stuck a few times.
Nearby Attractions
The Trona Pinnacles are only a few hours from several notable California nature destinations. To the northwest, you’ll find the Alabama Hills, Mt. Whitney, and the greater Eastern Sierra. To the southwest is Red Rock Canyon State Park. And to the northeast is Death Valley National Park.
If you’re visiting one of these places, consider adding on the Trona Pinnacles as a fun side trip or a beautiful place to spend the night.
When to Visit
Because the Trona Pinnacles are located in the California Mojave Desert, avoid visiting in the summer as temperatures will consistently reach triple digits. Fall, winter, and spring are all ideal times to see the tufas, but make sure to check the weather beforehand as the road sometimes closes after large rainstorms. You can reach out to the Bureau of Land Management for the most current information.
For an extra treat, try to visit in early spring after it rains. You might catch the wildflowers blooming, painting the otherwise beige landscape with pops of color. The flowers usually only last a few weeks before they succumb to the desert heat, but they are worth seeing if you can.
Recreation Opportunities
Popular activities when visiting the Trona Pinnacles are camping, hiking, off-roading, and stargazing. While not a premiere hiking destination, there are a few short trails in the middle group that will route you through the tufas, allowing you to experience these geological wonders up close.
There are also several off-roading paths, including a scenic driving loop around the middle group, that you can explore. Make sure to only stay on existing roads, as vegetation is fragile and can take decades to recover if crushed. You’ll need an all-wheel drive car with high clearance to drive on the more remote and washed-out roads.
Because the Trona Pinnacles are in the desert and removed from most light pollution, it’s an optimal stargazing location in California. For the best experience, visit during a clear night during a new moon.
Trona Pinnacles Dispursed Camping
There are no established campgrounds at the Trona Pinnacles, but dispersed camping is allowed. It’s free, doesn’t require a permit or reservation, and you can stay up to 14 days within a 28 day period.
When choosing a place to camp for the night, there are a few best practices to remember. Drive on existing roads and keep an eye out for established campsites when choosing a place to set up your tent. You’ll also have to be self-reliant, so make sure to pack everything you need beforehand. And finally, pack everything out—leave the campsite better than you found it.
If there are no fire restrictions in place, then you’re allowed to have fires at the Trona Pinnacles—just carry your California Fire Permit and use established fire rings.
If you plan on camping at the Trona Pinnacles, then you’ll want to check out our article all about desert camping! There’s lots of helpful information to prepare you for your time in the desert.
Amenities
Aside from a single vault toilet, amenities are non-existent. This means that you’ll need to be self-sufficient when visiting the Trona Pinnacles. Bring plenty of water, pack out all your trash, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Cell service is also potentially spotty. Verizon is my cellphone service provider, and while I had reception in some areas, it was non-existent in others. Make sure to download everything beforehand, including driving and hiking maps, and be prepared to spend most of your time without service.
My Time Exploring the Trona Pinnacles in the California Desert
I visited the Trona Pinnacles this past spring to explore more of the BLM land in California. Here’s a recap of my experience!
Arriving at The Trona Pinnacles
After spending the morning and early afternoon hiking in the Eastern Sierra, I drove down from the mountains to the Trona Pinnacles. It was a stark change from a cool, alpine environment to a hot and dry desert.
I made a quick pit stop in Ridgecrest and then drove along CA-178 E for about 20 minutes until I reached the entrance to the Trona Pinnacles. I briefly got out of my car to read several plaques and informational signs, which highlighted the geology and history of the area, before driving five miles along a dirt road to reach the tufas.
The road was a little bumpy but otherwise easily drivable – I had no issues in my Subaru Crosstrek. Along the way, I crossed a railroad track and saw several stationary train cars. According to the signage, this is the shortest regulated railroad in the country. Finally, I reached a large dirt parking lot next to a few towering spires.
Exploring the Tufas
I first started along the scenic driving loop, which routed me around and through the tufas in the middle group. This short road took me about 10 minutes to complete and is a great way to experience the Trona Pinnacles up close if you don’t want to leave your car.
After finishing the loop, I put on my hiking shoes and explored these geological formations up close. Several trails weaved in and out of the tufas and I wandered with no set route or destination. Experiencing the Trona Pinnacles up close truly made me realize how massive and alien-like this national natural landmark is. It’s hard to imagine that at one time these tufas were completely submerged.
I wanted a closer look at the northern group, so I returned to my car and attempted to drive over. However, the road was much harsher and, after getting stuck a few times, I decided not to test my luck any further and instead stay by the middle group.
Camping Next to the Spires
I saw many dispersed campsites and finally settled on a spot near an impressive row of tufas. The site also had cell service, which was a bonus as I was solo camping. There were a few other groups within eyesight, but if I was looking for greater solitude I definitely could have chosen a more remote spot.
I set up my tent and continued to explore the area as the sun set. I was awestruck as the sun dropped below the horizon and painted the landscape in yellow, orange, and red hues. Watching the tufas transform in the fading light was an experience I won’t ever forget.
Once it got too dark to see, I cooked a simple dinner and set up my camp chair to do some stargazing. After a hot day, the temperature finally cooled off and since I was far away from most light pollution, the countless stars and the Milky Way were on full display. I spent at least an hour staring up at the heavens and soaking in the beauty above me (as well as witnessing a string of lights quickly move across the sky, which turned out to be a Starlink satellite train but what I thought were UFOs at the time) before retreating to my tent to sleep.
Waking Up for Sunrise
I woke up early the next morning and quickly rushed out of my tent to catch the sunrise. After how beautiful the sunset was, I wanted another opportunity to see the desert glowing in the golden hour light. I climbed to a lookout point and soaked in the views as the sun lit up the landscape around me.
Once the desert started to heat up, I knew it was time to leave. I made a quick breakfast, packed everything up, and drove home, my soul filled by the Trona Pinnacles.
Trona Pinnacles Cost Breakdown
Here’s the cost breakdown of my trip, minus food, transportation, and camping equipment expenses.
Total: Free!
The Trona Pinnacles are a true California gem and I can’t wait to be back! If you’re itching for an adventure like this one, then reach out! We at GoForth are experts at turning your outdoor dreams into a reality. Click on the button below to learn more about our offerings, and contact us if you’re ready to take the first step toward a life outdoors!
