Trona Pinnacles

Overview

Trona Pinnacles

The Trona Pinnacles are a unique geological features in the California Desert Conservation Area. The unusual landscape consists of more than 500 tufa spires, some as high as 140 feet, rising from the bed of the Searles Dry Lake basin. The pinnacles vary in size and shape from short and squat to tall and thin, and are composed primarily of calcium carbonate (tufa). The Trona Pinnacles have been featured in many commercials, films, and still-photo shoots.

The Trona Pinnacles were designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1968 to preserve one of North America’s most outstanding examples of tufa tower formation.

 

Know Before You Go

  • There is no potable water or developed facilities other than a single vault toilet on site.
  • Pack out all trash. There are no trash services. In the desert environment, even natural items like orange peels take years to decompose.
  • Travel on existing roads and trails. Vegetation in this climate can take decades to recover when crushed by off road driving or parking.
  • Have a great time. The Trona Pinnacles are a great place to explore natural wonders and experience your public lands.

Trona Pinnacles

Geology and History

Rising from the bottom of what was once an ancient lakebed, the Trona Pinnacles represent one of the most unique geologic landscapes in the California Desert. Over 500 of these tufa (or calcium carbonate spires) are spread out over a 14 square mile area across the Searles Lake basin. These features range in size from small-coral like boulders to several that top out at over 140 feet tall.

The Pinnacles were formed between 10,000 and 100,000 years ago when Searles Lake formed a link in a chain of interconnected lakes flowing from the Owens Valley to Death Valley. At one point during the Pleistocene, the area was under 640 feet of water.

 

Adventure is at Your Fingertips

Phone

Addresses

Bureau of Land Management
Ridgecrest Field Office
300 South Richmond Rd.
Ridgecrest
California
93555

Geographic Coordinates

35.68143, -117.39033

Directions

The Trona Pinnacles are located approximately 20.0 miles east of Ridgecrest. Access to the site is from a BLM dirt road (RM143) that leaves SR 178, about 7.7 miles east of the intersection of SR 178 and the Trona-Red Mountain Road. The 5.0-mile long dirt road from SR 178 to the Pinnacles is usually accessible to 2-wheel drive vehicles, however, the road may be closed during the winter months after a heavy rain.

External Map