Trona Pinnacles

The Trona Pinnacles in the California Desert National Conservation has a very unusual-looking landscape, which consists of hundreds of tufa spires reaching about 140 feet, all with varying shapes and sizes.

From the drive-in to the drive-out, bone-chilling and awe-inspiring landscape as far as the eye can see. Caterpillars, spiders and the "company providing" sound of an owl will help you feel right at home in an otherwise "other-worldly" location. The terrain is rough as these giants were formed from calcium and alkaline thousands of years ago. Four-wheel drive is suggested but not required. Dress appropriate for the seasons. Beware of summer days as it can reach 115-120 degrees.

GETTING THERE:
The Trona Pinnacles can be accessed through a 5-mile BLM dirt road (RM143), from State Highway 178. Vehicles that have 2-wheel drive are okay to enter, but be aware that after heavy rains it's not safe to pass, because you may get stuck in the mud. Also, if you do not have a 4-wheel drive, stay out of the sand washes.

Continue along the road until you start to see the pinnacles, it's very hard to miss. Park anywhere along the side, and start exploring.

CAMPING:

• Camping here is free and easy as it is BLM land
• There is no water or developed facilities aside from a single vault toilet 
• Please pack out all of your trash as there are no trash services. Even food and other natural items can take years to decompose in this environment
• Only travel on existing roads and trails. Vegetation can take decades to recover when crushed by off-road driving or parking

OTHER NOTES:

• Temperatures reach 115 degrees in the summer months, so plan to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon during this season.
• Fun Fact: The Trona Pinnacles is a popular film location, used in movies such as Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek, Disney's Dinosaur, and Planet of the Apes.