They’ve been called “otherworldly,” “alien”, “and bizarre.” When it comes to the natural beauty of the Trona Pinnacles few places on planet earth are quite like it. As a matter of fact, this place is so alien that it has been featured in numerous science-fiction films like Star Trek V, Planet of the Apes, and Battlestar Galactica. Yet, there are actually two things make this place special to truck camper adventurers: the breathtaking beauty and the boondocking. Both are what we would classify as five-star. No resort or hotel can compete with this place.
This bizarre, alien landscape is begging to be explored in your rig. Indeed, the Trona Pinnacles represent one of the most unique geologic landscapes in the Mojave Desert if not the world. Consisting of more than 500 tufa spires, the Trona Pinnacles vary in size and shape from short and squat to tall and thin. The tallest pinnacle measures a full 140 feet high. Because of its unique beauty, the place was designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1968. Today, this amazing landmark is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The elevation of the landmark is approximately 1,800 feet, meaning the best time to visit is in fall, winter, and spring, when temperatures are cooler.
The Trona Pinnacles consists of three main groups: the Middle Group, the Northern Group, and the Southern Group. The onX Offroad app classifies the loops around the Middle Group and Southern Groups as “easy,” while the Northern Loop, called the Playground Scenic Tour, is classified as “moderate.” Why is access to the Northern Loop more difficult? Primarily because you must cross a wide, sandy wash to get to it. We had no problem crossing this wash in Godzilla, our high-clearance 4WD rig with mud terrain tires, but you might if you try crossing it in a less capable, off-road rig. Four wheel drive is highly recommended.
When it comes to RV boondocking or dispersed camping, the options at the Trona Pinnacles are nearly unlimited. Many sites can accommodate a single rig or two while some sites are large enough to accommodate a dozen or so. The terrain around the landmark is perfect for two-axle rigs like truck campers, vans, and SUVs, though just about any 4×4 vehicle can get around the place. While it’s true you could get a travel trail or 5th wheel there, we wouldn’t recommend it with any amount of moisture or rain just before or during your visit.
The facilities at the Trona Pinnacles are very limited with only a single pit toilet provided. Plan your visit carefully. Due to its isolation and desert location, always carry plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, a hat, and layered clothing in order to adapt to changing temperatures. Photographers love this place. The hiking and photo opportunities are nearly unlimited.
We visited the Trona Pinnacles National Natural Landmark as part of a longer trip to nearby Death Valley National Park (Stovepipe Junction in Death Valley is only 1.5 hours northeast from the Pinnacles via California Highway 190).
As can be seen in the photographs, the Trona Pinnacles overlook California’s Searles Basin. Today, Searles Lake is mostly a dry lake bed boasting a rich treasury of over half of the natural elements known to man. Trona is one of the many minerals found here, as well as borax, epsom salts, and potash.
Formed between 10,000 and 100,000 years ago, the spires were created when hot springs bubbled up from beneath the lake. This upward thrust created fissures that allowed the snow melt and calcium rich groundwater to combine with the carbonated brine and snow melt from the nearby Sierra-Nevadas. Like any special recipe, the shapes of the pinnacles reflect the size, flow, and chemical composition of the hot springs, the spacing of the springs, the depth of the lake water, and the rate the lake rose and fell.
The Trona Pinnacles has been on our bucket list for years. Honestly, there was no good reason to delay this visit since its only a four-hour drive from our home. While some would classify this landmark as a side-show to nearby Death Valley National Park, this approach doesn’t do this remote, desert location justice. The Trona Pinnacles is so unique and so remote, it really deserves to be classified as a destination itself. But like any remote location, plan your trip carefully. Remember, this landmark is located in a dry lake bed, avoid traveling here during a storm or immediately after a heavy rain.
We also recommend the Trona Pinnacles as either a quick visit or as an overnight stop in your truck camper rig. Indeed, places like the Trona Pinnacles is why we bought a truck camper in the first place. No resort or hotel can compete with this view which can be enjoyed both inside and outside your camper. As a matter of fact, we planned on staying only one day, but decided to take an extra day because we liked the place so much.
Trona is fun but the ‘Bisti Badlands’ aka De-Na-Zin Wilderness, in NM are far stranger and more interesting….