The Trona Pinnacles are an otherworldly geological phenomenon located in the California Desert National Conservation Area. This remarkable landscape consists of more than 500 tufa spires, some as high as 140 feet, rising from the bed of the Searles Dry Lake basin. These spires are composed primarily of calcium carbonate (tufa) and were formed in an ancient lake during the Pleistocene era, as freshwater springs seeped up through the lake's alkaline waters to create this spectacular formation. The Pinnacles have served as the backdrop for many science fiction films and TV shows, due to their alien-like appearance, and are a magnet for photographers and nature enthusiasts. The area, accessible by dirt roads, reveals a history of climatic change and is a classic representation of the Earth's geological processes. Suggestions:
Bring plenty of water
Anticipate 5 miles of rough, sometimes sandy, dirt road
There is no cellular coverage; be careful. People do get stuck.
Don’t visit if it recently rained
The area can be busy on weekends
Visit on moonless nights for best star viewing
The Starlink system, and an Ecoflow River 2 and 220W solar panel worked perfectly! Kudos to Elon!
