Ultimate Guide To Trona Pinnacles Camping: Things You Need To Know

What if I told you there’s a place in California that effortlessly blends an otherworldly charm with natural beauty? As we settled into our car camping site at Trona Pinnacles, I felt a sense of awe looking at the towering rock formations illuminated by the evening sun’s golden glows.

We were making the long drive from Northern California towards Death Valley, making Trona Pinnacles the perfect stop for the night. After choosing a campsite, we were just in time to watch the landscape transform as the sun set.

Perhaps the best feeling in Trona Pinnacles is knowing that you’re a part of this amazing landscape for the night. As we sat in silence listening to the desert sounds, I felt the rest of the world fade and felt completely relaxed.

When I first thought of going camping in Trona Pinnacles, I had so many questions since it’s my first time going dispersed camping on public land. Hence, I put this article together hoping it will give you a clearer idea of what to expect.

In this guide, I’ll be sharing interesting facts about Trona Pinnacles, how to get there, and things you need to know about camping here.

About Trona Pinnacles

To understand why Trona Pinnacles is such a special destination, here are some cool and useful facts to know.

How were the Trona Pinnacles formed?

So, what’s the deal with those funky-looking rock formations anyway? Those towering spires are actually ancient calcium carbonate deposits that formed underwater a long time ago. It was once submerged by a lake that was connected to Searles Lake nearby, and over time, the water receded. Hence, these otherworldly structures were left behind for us to marvel at.

The ground is sandy and rocky, and areas near the protruding rocks sometimes feel a little bouncy. You’ll also find that the rocks have a coral-like texture that’s very rough and hard. People love to hike and go overlanding around these rocks as they explore the different structures.

Where is Trona Pinnacles

Trona Pinnacles is just off Highway 178, which is on the way for most people visiting Death Valley from California. It requires driving along 5 miles of dirt road to get to the cluster of pinnacles. Read on for more tips on how to get there.

Nearby attractions

One of the best things about Trona Pinnacles is its proximity to some other amazing destinations. If you have time, consider extending your trip to explore nearby attractions like Death Valley National Park, Red Rock Canyon State Park, and the iconic Alabama Hills.

The closest established town is Ridgecrest, which is about 20 miles west of Trona Pinnacles. You’ll also find the eerily empty town of Trona in the Searles Valley which once enjoyed an economic boom from mineral mining activities. Do also look out for the quirky Fish Rocks between Trona and Ridgecrest.

What is the Trona Pinnacles famous for?

Trona Pinnacles is famous for its tall rock formations which makes it look like you’re stepping into another world. It was even designated a National Natural Landmark by the United States in an effort to preserve this incredible landscape.

Filmmakers also love this place for its otherworldly and almost dystopian look. Trona Pinnacles has been featured in a few movies like Planet of the Apes, Star Trek, and Lost in Space. It’s the perfect destination to explore a real-life movie set.

Lady Gaga’s “Stupid Love” music video was also filmed in Trona Pinnacles, where she was portrayed as a futuristic punk/desert-warrior. If you’re familiar with those specific scenes, why not try to recreate them while you’re here?

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Trona Pinnacles is during winter. Temperatures are milder during this season, making for a much more comfortable camping experience. It does get chilly at night but is still relatively mild.

I would avoid summer as it can be scorching hot, with temperatures soaring into the triple digits (Fahrenheit). It can also get dangerous if you don’t have enough water during summer, for example if you get stranded.

How to get there

Trona Pinnacles isn’t exactly tucked away in a hidden corner of California, but it’s definitely off the beaten path. In fact, you can see the pinnacles as you’re driving along Highway 178.

To get there, head east on Highway 178, where you’ll eventually encounter a dirt road leading to the pinnacles. There are several road signs to look out for that tell you when you’re approaching the Trona Pinnacles entrance.

From the entrance, Google Maps will direct you down a dirt road called Pinnacle Road. It is generally flat enough for most vehicles to access. However, if you’re planning your trip during the rainy season, exercise caution, as washboard road conditions and puddles are common. The road may also be closed in case of heavy rain.

Navigation tips

When navigating the dirt roads leading to Trona Pinnacles, it’s essential to have a reliable GPS system or offline maps downloaded to your smartphone. You can use Open Street Map or Gaia, which are both handy apps that I learnt about only after our camping trip. It has the defined BLM roads mapped out and you can see how to get to different groups of pinnacles which are marked with triangles.

Pay attention to landmarks and signage, and don’t hesitate to ask for directions if you encounter other travelers. In addition, be mindful of your fuel levels and ensure you have enough gas.

One of the landmarks to look out for is the Trona Pinnacles Info Center. Here, you’ll find a map of the recommended scenic drive and walking route. There’s a signboard that points out the 3 different groups of pinnacles – the northern, middle, and southern.

You’ll also find a structure that houses the only vault toilets available here near the middle group of pinnacles. The scenic driving loop, which is visible on Google Maps, circles around the middle group so it’s the easiest to access.

What type of vehicle do you need

Trona Pinnacles isn’t exactly the kind of place you want to take your shiny new sports car. While the road is passable for most vehicles, it can get a bit rough especially after a good rain. If you’ve got access to a high-clearance vehicle, I’d recommend bringing it along for the ride.

Nonetheless, I saw various reviews talking about how people didn’t really have an issue bringing their sedans into Trona Pinnacles. People also did bring in RVs and campers, so I think accessibility is not a big issue here.

Camping in Trona Pinnacles

We entered the scenic driving loop near the toilets and drove in an anti-clockwise direction before setting up camp at our chosen spot here.

Are camping permits required?

Now, here’s the good news – camping at Trona Pinnacles is free and doesn’t require a permit. That’s right, you can pitch your tent or sleep in your car here for up to 14 days.

The entire area is so vast that there’s plenty of space for those who want to come here to camp, which is probably why permits are not required. In any case, it didn’t feel crowded at all and we found a good campsite with ease.

Picking a campsite

There are no designated campsites so you can pick any spot you like. A good way to explore the area is by taking the scenic driving loop around the middle group. This is a good option because you’ll travel on well-established roads which minimizes damage to vegetation that takes a long time to recover from off-trail parking and driving.

If you want to venture further into the northern group, you could probably head eastward via the BLM dirt road labelled RM3145 or RM9245.

We chose to sleep in our car in the middle group, though we saw several groups with rooftop tents as their chosen shelter when camping at Trona Pinnacles. You could also camp here, but the ground can be quite hard so at certain spots you may need to use rocks to hold down your guy lines.

Is it safe to camp at Trona Pinnacles?

When it comes to safety, bear in mind the daytime temperatures and be prepared for any emergencies. It’s important to bring plenty of water, food, and appropriate clothing for both hot and cold weather.

There are some animals here which we might have heard through the night but couldn’t really identify what it was. It was probably the usual desert wildlife like falcons, ravens, kit foxes, coyotes, and kangaroo rats.

If you’re worried about any unexpected incidents, you could always camp in the middle group where there tends to be more people who can help you. Alternatively, pick a spot nearer the entrance in case you need to make a quick and straightforward exit.

Are campfires allowed?

Campfires are allowed at Trona Pinnacles as long as you have a California Campfire Permit (required for campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stoves). Bring your own firewood if you intend to start a campfire.

To be safe, you can also check for any fire restrictions that might be in place in the Ridgecrest region. Besides that, there are a few guidelines to follow:

• Keep a clear five-foot area around your campfire with no flammable objects overhead or nearby
• Have a round-point shovel handy (at least 35 inches long) to quickly respond to fires that get out of hand
• Put out the fire completely before leaving it

You may find some campsites where prior groups have left an established fire pit. To minimize land use impact, try to reuse those same spots for campfires.

Amenities and Facilities

There isn’t much near Trona Pinnacles when it comes to amenities and facilities, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Toilets

There’s only one vault toilet in Trona Pinnacles near the middle group (no running water). If you’re camping further out, you may want to bring your own toilet supplies.

That means to bring a ziplock bag that can store your toilet paper before you’re able to dispose of it properly. Leaving it behind is not only unsightly but also takes a long time to decompose in this dry and arid desert landscape.

In case no one has told you this before, you need to either pack out your solid waste or bury it at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from commonly used campsites and trails. I’ll probably just drive to the vault toilet if I have to go number two.

Alternatively, bring a pop-up toilet tent with a portable toilet seat so you get to enjoy privacy and convenience when cleaning up.

Lastly, don’t forget to bring some hand sanitizer.

Groceries

Before you head out to Trona Pinnacles, be sure to stock up on all your camping essentials. Ridgecrest is your best bet for groceries and supplies.

Cell service

Let’s face it – disconnecting from the outside world is one of the best parts of camping. Cell service can be spotty at best out at Trona Pinnacles, so don’t count on it here.

If you’re continuing to another location after camping at Trona Pinnacles, make sure to plan your route in advance and take the necessary screenshots before heading out.

Things to bring for camping at Trona Pinnacles

Similar to regular camping in the front country, you’ll need to be well prepared to enjoy a good time boondocking at Trona Pinnacles. I also have an article about the best road trip gifts for couples to enjoy more adventures.

Water

I can’t stress this enough – hydration is key when you’re camping in the desert. Be sure to pack plenty of water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, as there are no water sources available at Trona Pinnacles. When you think you’ve packed enough water, go ahead and throw in a little extra, just to be safe.

Food and cooking supplies

Sometime I feel like I go camping to eat food at cool places. Stock up on all your favorite camping snacks and meals before you head out to Trona Pinnacles. Don’t forget the essentials like a portable stove, cooking utensils, and your favourite coffee.

Clothing

When it comes to clothing, layering is your best friend. Days can be scorching hot, while nights can get chilly, so be sure to pack accordingly. And don’t forget to bring a sturdy pair of hiking boots which will be useful for scrambling over rocky terrain.

Here’s my go-to outdoor gear!

This article uses affiliate links where I make a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

First Aid Kit

Accidents happen, even in the great outdoors. Be sure to pack a well-stocked first aid kit with all the essentials, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.

Flashlights or Headlamps

When the sun goes down, the desert can be a pretty dark place. Lights are essential for navigating the area at night, especially if you plan on stargazing, and makes for a cozy dining set up.

Be sure to pack plenty of lights such as a trusty flashlight or a high-powered headlamp. It’s also prudent to bring extra batteries to avoid being left in the dark.

Trash Bags

Be sure to bring trash bags to pack out all your trash and dispose of it properly when you leave. After all, we want to pass on the joy of camping at Trona Pinnacles by leaving it better than we found it.

Maps and Navigation

While the main road is relatively straightforward, having maps or GPS navigation can be helpful, especially if exploring off-trail. I recommend Gaia, Open Street Maps, or good ‘ol Google Maps.

Frequently asked questions about Trona Pinnacles

Wow, that was a lot of information! In case you’ve got more questions about Trona Pinnacles, here are some that are frequently asked.

Can you shoot guns in Trona Pinnacles?

Shooting guns is not allowed at Trona Pinnacles, and you’ll see signs reminding you about it.

Are dogs allowed at Trona Pinnacles?

Good news – dogs are welcome at Trona Pinnacles! Just be sure to keep them on a leash at all times and clean up after them. Don’t forget to pack plenty of water for them too.

What to do in Trona Pinnacles besides camping

Camping is just the beginning when it comes to exploring Trona Pinnacles. You can take some time to hike through the tufas in the middle group via the well-established walking trails. If the sky is clear, you can even try stargazing. I bet astrophotography will be amazing here with the interest rock structures in the foreground.