Exploring Trona Pinnacles
San Bernardino County, California
Description
Added by Sal Cavazos
For the "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.
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. 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. Camping here is free and easy as it is BLM land.
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Reviews
One of the most drop-dead alien and surreal landscapes I have ever visited. A total delight to explore and camp at!
5.0
We only spent a couple of hours here but I would definitely come back to camp over night and stargaze. The roc formations are amazing and all the little nooks and crannies you could explore is kind of overwhelming. Never the less this is somewhere everyone should check out at least once
5.0
Spent a few hours at the pinnacle this week. We had the place to ourselves mid-week. October seems to be a great time to visit (mid-October, in particular) as the weather was great. It really did feel like we were on another planet. Recommend an SUV or AWD vehicle-probably would have been fine in a "regular" car, but nice not to have to worry. I hear that in the beginning of the month the "Trona smell" is stronger because the factory up the road is in full swing...
5.0
4 stars for the scenery and lighting. So I decided to take the girlfriend and the dogs out here this last weekend for a weekend trip. We arrived about an hour before sunset. It was amazing. The colors were unreal. It is May 22nd right now and I regret the timing more than anything. I'm a very experienced camper and figured the hot weather would be no problem at all. It wasn't a problem. The wind however was on another level. We suffered through the night and packed up right after sunrise (of course wasn't NOT going to get the photographs of the unbelievable sunrise!). HIGHLY recommend this place as a day trip arrive early in the morning or at sunset and then take off.
4.0
It was definitely other-worldly. I recommend coming in a car that can handle rough terrain, driving around some of the rough roads is fun, and on a dirt bike or ATV it looked really fun, though I didn't get to do it, others looked like they were enjoying it!
5.0
It was a cool hike, directions were easy to follow. Definitely want water and I made the mistake of going in the noon of the day so it was warm. Better to go when it's not the height of the sun.
4.0
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!
4.5
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Night Photography on the Road to Trona
Off-Road to McIver's Cabin
Hike to Fossil Falls
Camp Under Red Rock Canyon
Hike Nightmare Gulch
Hike the Hummingbird Spring Trail
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