Trail Overview

Located in California's Mojave desert just outside Death Valley is the otherworldly Trona Pinnacles. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the 3,800 acres here feature more than 500 odd-shaped tufa towers. The Trona Pinnacles are the largest of their kind in North America, towering as tall as 140 feet!

Photos of Trona Pinnacles Scenic Route West

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Difficulty

Expect terrain that is roughly graded dirt and gravel with loose sand. This is a great place to escape if you want a unique desert experience. The spires, also called tufas, give the area an out-of-this-world scene. At night, it is one of the best places to see the stars, as it is far from any light pollution. It is also an amazing place to dispersed camp. If you do plan to camp, there are only vault toilets and no running water or electricity. The dry high desert may result in extreme temperatures depending on when you go. Also, it can be very windy and dusty--something to keep in mind before setting up a tent.

Technical Rating

Shane Ruiz

Jan 03, 2025

Open

The weather during the day was absolutely perfect, making for an enjoyable and scenic outing. However, the roads leading to the Pinnacles were quite dusty, which is no surprise given the area. A little rain would certainly help settle the dust, but considering it's Trona, that's unlikely anytime soon. As the evening set in, the conditions took a dramatic turn. Winds kicked up to an intense 54.9 MPH on Friday night. It was brutal to say the least, and definitely something to be prepared for if planning an overnight stay. The trails around Trona Pinnacles are easy and straightforward. No advanced truck or off-road vehicle is necessary to navigate the area. A standard vehicle can handle the terrain with ease, making this a highly recommended visit for anyone looking for a simple, yet rewarding, desert adventure. Despite the high winds at night, the day trip was fantastic.