5 Day Self Guided TourRidgecrest is an exciting new travel destination, and is the perfect hub for a wide variety of desert attractions. The unique beauty and history that is the Mojave Desert can be found all around - fascinating geological formations, ancient Indian cultural sites, unspoiled canyon trails, clear blue skies, spectacular sunsets and flawless starlit nights, antique and modern mining operations and endless photographic opportunities.
| Miles From Ridgecrest Los Angeles San Fernando Valley Lancaster / Palmdale Mojave Bakersfield Kernville / Lake Isabella Lonepine Bishop Las Vegas San Bernardino Death Valley | 160 120 90 60 120 60 60 120 230 110 130 |
 Begin the day in Ridgecrest with a visit to the Maturango Museum. The Maturango Museum offers exhibits and displays featuring both the natural and the cultural history and diversity of the Northern Mojave Desert. They offer changing art displays, lectures, children's activities, and a full gift shop.
 Call the museum at least two weeks in advance to sign up for one of their SPRING or FALL interpretive tours to Little Petroglyph Canyon. This canyon, located on the grounds of Naval Air Weapons Station, has the largest collection of ancient Indian rock art in North America. | U. S. Navy Museum of Armament & Technology | |
 The U. S. Navy Museum of Armament & Technology is located on the naval base, but is easily-accessible to the public. This museum features an up-close look at the technical advances made in the defense industry, through research and testing programs here at China Lake. The Sidewinder Missile is just one of the many weapons on display here.
 Just twenty miles east of Ridgecrest, the Trona Pinnacles provide an "other-worldy" effect for photographers and other visitors. The Trona Pinnacles comprise North America's most spectacular display of tufa towers. Over 500 towers of stone, some climbing 150 feet into the sky, create the illusion of outer space. Movie fans will recognize the Pinnacles from "Star Trek V" and "Planet of the Apes". |
 Step back in time to the wild days of the goldrush in the Rand Mining District. The living ghost town of Randsburg has maintained the look of the late 1800s, when it was a booming gold mining town with over 3,000 residents. Today visitors may stroll through its antique stores, have a sarsaparilla at a genuine soda fountain, or examine a bullet slug still buried in one of the local bars. Along with its mining and pioneer history, the Rand District is a popular film location and has been featured in movies starring Johnny Depp, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Billy Bob Thornton, Marlon Brando and Amy Brenneman, as well as music videos by Kathy Mattea, Neil Young, Jeff Beck, Kenny Loggins and Dwight Yoakam. | Desert Tortoise Natural Area | |
 Just southwest of Randsburg lies the Desert Tortoise Natural Area. This land is set aside specifically for the protection and preservation of the Desert Tortoise, an endangered species. The DTNA features an informational kiosk display, and self-guided interpretive trails. Visit during April or September to see the Desert Tortoise active!
 The little town of Garlock is the next stop. Another mute reminder of the gold rush, Garlock was once the supply center for all area miners. Buildings made of native stone still stand.
 The Burro Schmidt Tunnel is definitely an example of one man's determination! This 6'x6' tunnel was dug by hand through the solid rock of the El Paso Mountains and is approximately 1/2 mile long. It is as safe today as it was upon its completion! Also in this area, take the time to visit Last Chance Canyon. These beautiful pink and white cliffs, dotted with sparkling quartz and opals, are still the site of active mining camps. Four wheel drive recommended. | Red Rock Canyon State Park | |
 Red Rock Canyon State Park offers excellent photography and challenging climbing opportunities. Stop and admire the ever-changing colors upon these red, pink, orange and white canyons. Interpretive trails and campsites are available. |
 Route 178 West winds its way into the Southern Sierras via a stately Joshua Tree Forest. The gnarled branches of these ancient trees are quite intimidating, with their dagger-like leaves. Unique, pod-like, white flowers sprout from the branches each April.
 Beyond the Joshua Trees, Walker Pass lies at an elevation of more than 5,000 feet, and offers a spectacular view of the desert valley from high among the pines. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through here, taking hikers on their journey from Mexico to Canada via the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
 Lake Isabella reservoir is open year-round, and offers a variety of activities for the water sports enthusiast. Fishing, swimming, sailing and jet skiing can all be found here.
 Just north of Lake Isabella lies the little town of Kernville. Each February this little town is transformed into "Whisky Flat" (as it was known in the gold rush days), with arts, crafts, rodeo, food booths and fun. Year-round visitors will find quaint antique shops and restaurants.
 The Kern River runs through the heart of Kernville. This river is a paradise to artist and sportsman alike. The artist will find tranquility in its breathtaking landscapes and running water. The sportsman will find high adventure with great fishing and wild whitewater rafting!  Just one hour north of Kernville, visitors can marvel at the awe-inspiring sight of the Giant Sequoias. These trees are among the world's largest living things. Well-marked interpretive trails lead walkers through the huge sequoias. Campsites are available.
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| The awesome forces of Nature can be seen in the lava flows at Fossil Falls. Black lava cliffs were smoothed and shaped over thousands of years by the waters of the Owens River. Fossil Falls is the site of ancient Indian homesites and petroglyphs. Experienced rock climbers and repellers may want to take the challenge of the dangerously high, smooth cliffs here at the Falls.
 Further north, in Lone Pine, travelers may recognize the Alabama Hills as the backdrop for many old westerns - featuring the likes of Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. Look closely as you make the scenic drive through these hills and see visions of faces and animals in the shapes of the rocks.
 The highest point in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney towers at an elevation of 14,495 feet. A paved road climbs up to the portal and a gorgeous waterfall. Hiking trails abound, and picnic areas are available. | Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery | |
 North of Lone Pine, the Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery offers cool respite from the desert sun. Stand in the shade near the old mill pond, and feed the huge trout that live in its waters. There's fierce competition for food between the trout and the resident ducks! Children and adults will delight in the battle!
 Manzanar War Relocation Center was one of ten camps at which Japanese American citizens and resident Japanese aliens were interned during World War II. Located at the foot of the imposing Sierra Nevada in eastern California's Owens Valley, Manzanar has been identified as the best preserved of these camps. Don't miss this recent renovated National Historic Site. |
East of Ridgecrest via highway 178, travelers are offered a spectacular panoramic view of the Panamint Mountains and the desert valley below. This area is commonly used during testing of experimental aircraft, and offers a great vantage point for airplane enthusiasts.
 During spring and early summer, just off highway 190 (leading into Death Valley) travelers will find Darwin Falls to be truly an oasis in the desert! An easy half-mile hike through a canyon brings walkers to the cool waters and lush green of lower Darwin Falls.
 Just a handful of residents still live in Darwin. This living ghost town was once a bustling mining community. At one time, it was even suggested as the site for the California state capitol!
 The town of Cerro Gordo was the site of the largest silver mine in the continental U.S. Silver ore was mined by the tons, and was shipped out daily to Los Angeles via steamboats that crossed the deep waters of the, now dry, Owens Lake. This little town is now being restored, and interpretive group tours are available. With up to 45 various mineral specimens, Cerro Gordo is the ideal location for rock hounding. This historical site also offers unequaled photographic opportunities as well as horseback riding trails. For a day of unlimited exploration, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended.
Just in case these five tours aren’t enough to keep you busy...The Ridgecrest area offers abundant opportunity for mountain biking, off road vehicles, hiking, camping, horseback riding, rockhounding, rock climbing and fishing. The 20 Mule Team Museum is located on the southwest corner of Boron Avenue and Twenty Mule Team Road, just 50 minutes south of Ridgecrest, and contains memorabilia of Boron and its surrounding area. It is a renovated house form the old campsite at the Baker Mine, Pacific Coast Borax‘s (U.S. Borax’s) first underground mine in Boron. Many exhibits are housed within the museum, ranging from an early Boron kitchen and a beauty shop to scouting and school displays. There are fine examples of early mining equipment from some of the local mines. There are also exhibits of minerals from the U.S. Borax Open Pit and cutting materials from areas surrounding Boron. One of the highlights of the museum is a large illuminated mural of a Twenty Mule Team pulling a set of the original Twenty Mule Team Wagons in Death Valley. For years, the picture graced the bar of the Silver Dollar Saloon in Boron and was loaned to the museum when the Silver Dollar closed.  The grounds of the museum contain a number of outdoors exhibits which display various pieces of equipment including an old underground mining pump, a Cletrac Tractor, and a model of the surface of a working two-man underground mine constructed by Melvin English of Boron. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. everyday, the museum is located at 26962 20 Mule Ream Road, Boron, California 93516, or call 760-762-5810.  Now we go from man-made to some of God’s most beautiful creatures at the Exotic Feline Breeding Compound in Rosamond on Mojave/Tropico Road. The EFBC is open six days a week, Thursday through Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. There is no admission fee, although donations are gratefully accepted to help continue their important work of feline preservation. The compound offers close-up viewing of magnificent rare cats. EFBC houses more than 50 wild cats representing over 15 species ranging from the small Gordon’s Wildcat to the larger specimens such as Leopards, Jaguars, and Tigers. Visit the Exotic Feline Breeding Compound and learn about some of nature’s most majestic creatures. Explore the natural grounds and habitat as part of a docent-guided tour. You will be amazed at the "close-up" beauty of these creatures. Unlike traditional zoos, most of the animals who reside at the EFBC are only feet away, not yards. Take time to browse in the unique wild cat gift shop.  The Canyons of the Sierra Nevada Foothills make for a beautiful and full day. Located just north of the intersection of California State Highways 14 and 178, start with the southern most canyon, Indian Wells, and work north to Kennedy Meadows. Indian Wells Canyon is where John Manly found water after his group left Death Valley. The water still flows to make this canyon beautiful, year round. Traveling north on Route 395 three miles, the entrance to Short Canyon is at the intersection of Brown Road and Highway 395. April and May are the premier months to visit Short Canyon, the wildflower center of the high desert; but Short Canyon is a treat anytime. A mile or two north on Route 395 is the entrance to Grapevine Canyon featuring springs, rock formations, and looking back, a beautiful view of the Indian Wells Valley. Three miles farther north, opposite Brown Road, is the entrance to Sand Canyon. Continue past the gravel company and you discover an oasis in the desert with trees and plants as plentiful as Florida with streams and paths for the entire family to explore and enjoy.  Four miles north on Route 395 is 9 Mile Canyon Road, follow this switch-back mountain pass to meadows, Pinyon Pines, the Kern River and Kennedy Meadows campground. Less than an hour’s drive from Ridgecrest, Kennedy Meadows is the perfect "primitive" getaway. Whatever your idea of a desert adventure, we know you’ll find it in Ridgecrest! |
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