Outbound Collective logo

Trona Pinnacles

San Bernardino County, California

4.6/5
based on 7 reviews

Description

Added by Sal Cavazos

For an "other-worldly" experience, Trona Pinnacles is a must-see. It's no wonder this place has been used to film many Sci-Fi movies. Giant tufas surround you in this eerie yet peaceful location where they turn into towering silhouettes draped in a background of billions of stars.

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.
Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin
Camping
Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife
ADA Accessible

Trona Pinnacles Reviews

Got to the pinnacles in an economy car, however I can see the roads have potential for needing higher clearance. Have fun and be safe!

Love this place! Get there early a.m. and see an amazing sunset and/or moonset! Alway bring a camera and lots of water! Got to the pinnacles in a

It's best to go in the spring, early in the AM during a new moon!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Trona Pinnacles OHV Route

Night Photography on the Road to Trona

Five Fingers Trail

Off-Road to McIver's Cabin

Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway

Walker Pass Campground Trail