The Great Outdoors Around Ridgecrest
Talk to any resident of Ridgecrest about what it's like to live there, and they'll likely call out a few things first: the calmer life, the sense of community, and the endless nearby natural wonders. We compiled this list to showcase our nearby attractions and activities. We hope that it will be a tool for you to discover those natural wonders!
ANCIENT BRISTLECONE PINE FORESTInyo National Forest - Special Places (usda.gov)Trip Duration: Full Day If you are looking to see the oldest trees in the world – the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest will not disappoint! With over 4,000 years of age, this beautiful ancient forest of twisted and gnarly wonders of the world are a must-see for all ages. This forest is located in the White Mountains just above Bishop, CA. You can hike through the groves of ancient bristlecones and let your imagination wonder through the thousands of years these trees have lived.
BISHOPhttps://www.cityofbishop.com/Trip Duration: Half Day The city of Bishop, CA is located on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, along the banks of the creek it’s named after. Slightly less than two square miles, Bishop is known as the small city with a BIG backyard! Not only is this town famous for being the perfect destination for outdoor activities, but also culture – mining, agriculture, and Native American heritage are the foundation of Bishop.
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DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
https://www.visitcalifornia.com/things-to-do/death-valley-national-park/
Trip Duration: Full Day
Did you know Death Valley National Park is the largest national park? (of course, outside of Alaska!) Full of great canyons to explore and very unusual rock formations, sand dunes, and colorful mountains to discover. This is not just any old desert – it’s also home to the lowest point in North America (and second lowest in the entire western hemisphere). There are many options to discover Death Valley National Park – just a few include mountain biking, hiking, backcountry driving, and camping.
FOSSIL FALLS
https://www.visitcalifornia.com/experience/fossil-falls/
Trip Duration: Few Hours
Wanting to check out historic lava flows that were sculpted in the Ice Ages? Fossil Falls shows the results of the combination of volcanism and glacial meltwater which resulted in both Owens Lake and Owens River many years ago. There is a short hike that’s about a quarter mile long to check out the geologic formation. Campsites are available as well!
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm
Trip Duration: Full Day
The intersection of two desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, meet in Joshua Tree National Park. The park covers over 800,000 acres and gives the opportunity to enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, photography, rock climbing, and much more! At night, there is outstanding stargazing – you might even get lucky enough to see the Milky Way at Joshua Tree.
KERN RIVER
https://www.rivers.gov/rivers/kern.php
Trip Duration: Half Day / Full Day
Do you love to hike, fish, and even whitewater boats? If so – the Kern River is a destination to see. This river flows through beautiful Sequoia National Park with unique wild trout and vividly colored hybrid trout. There are also waterfalls, open meadows, and granite domes that you’ll see along the hiking trails.
LAKE ISABELLA
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sequoia/recarea/?recid=79911
Trip Duration: Half Day / Full Day
Outdoor enthusiasts love Lake Isabella – especially those that enjoy water sports, boating, and fishing – Lake Isabella is a must-see! With some of the most reliable afternoon winds, this is one of California’s most popular windsurfing areas and is also close to LA & Bakersfield. Canoeing, hiking, and camping options are also available.
LONE PINE
https://www.visitcalifornia.com/places-to-visit/lone-pine/
Trip Duration: Half Day
Lone Pine, CA is the gateway to both Mount Whitney and Death Valley. This classic western-inspired town has both the highest and lowest elevations in the lower 48 states, each within just an hour's drive of the other! Not far from Lone Pine is Inyo National Forest – a great destination for camping, hiking, and even rock climbing.
MAMMOTH LAKES
https://www.visitmammoth.com/
Trip Duration: Full Day
Mammoth Lakes is known for beautiful mountain views and magnificent alpine lakes. The adventures change with the seasons – from skiing in winter, to hiking the mountains in the summer. Check out Mammoth Lakes and you won’t be disappointed with the endless wildlife and scenery!
MOUNT WHITNEY
https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/whitney.htm
Trip Duration: Full Day
Did you know the highest mountain peak in the contiguous US is located close to Ridgecrest? If you love to hike summits, you must check out Mount Whitney! A closer look is also available by letting your car do some mountain climbing. You can wind the zig-zag 13 miles-up Whitney Portal Road – gaining nearly 5,000 feet in elevation to see the sights as well.
TRAIL OF 100 GIANTS
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sequoia/recarea/?recid=79825
Trip Duration: Half Day / Full Day
Take a 1.3-mile stroll and see the famous, giant sequoias in our area that are approximately 2000 years old! The Trail of 100 Giants is located inside Sequoia National Forest, which covers over 1 million acres across three California counties. You’ll enjoy the lush forest and small meadows, in addition to the massive, colorful Sequoias that are equally awe-inspiring.
TRONA PINNACLES
https://www.blm.gov/visit/trona-pinnacles
Trip Duration: Few Hours
Trona Pinnacles is located just outside of Ridgecrest in the Mojave Desert. Here, you’ll find some of the most unusual geological features – more than 500 spires, some even up to 140 feet tall! These Pinnacles were formed underwater from 10,000 – 100,000 years ago in Searles Lake. Trona Pinnacles have been featured in many commercials, films, and television shows such as Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, Lost in Space, and Planet of the Apes. Hike Pinnacles to see these natural wonders for yourself!
View our adventure map below!
