California Photo Scout

Trona Pinnacles

The Trona Pinnacles are a strange and alien landscape of giant tufa formations stretching skyward. Strange enough, to serve as the “Planet of the Apes” in the 2001 remake of the movie.

The calcium carbonate tufa rocks are similar to those you can find in Mono Lake, only much larger. When you are standing in the punishing heat of this desert, it is hard to imagine that this area was under water many centuries ago.

Owing to their bizarre nature, the Pinnacles provide a wonderful opportunity for photography. The remote location makes it a good place for those who seek solitude.

How to get there

Car at the Trona Pinnacles

The dirt road to the pinnacles starts at Highway 178 at GPS marker: 35°40’53.64″N 117°23’28.83″W. You can drive the 5-mile long dirt road with a passenger car during dry weather. A few years ago, when I first came here in a Mitsubishi Eclipse, there was a large rut at the end. During my last visit, the road was far smoother and even a primitive restroom is now available at the pinnacles.

GPS position

35°37’8.22″N 117°22’22.09″W

How to photograph the Trona Pinnacles

Trona railroad tracks

After about 1.2 miles on the dirt road, you will get to a railway crossing. A good composition includes the rails, leading into the distance toward the pinnacles. Technically, you are on the railroads property and not supposed to walk on the tracks, but as you can legally cross the track on foot, nobody can prevent you from taking a photo while doing so. Use a medium telephoto lens to bring the distant pinnacles closer to the track. The focal length of the image above is 90mm and I used a Canon 7D.

Take your time at the pinnacles. Wear a hat when you walk around and take water with you, even for short distances. It can get very hot, but it is also worth it to explore the area and take a short walk to a higher elevation vantage point. Look for interesting rock formations in the foreground that either mimic or complement the background rocks, that help you frame a shot, or that simply draw the viewer into the picture.

Trona Pinnacles Tunnel View

Drive around to get a better sense of this place. Change your vantage point. Walk up to the base of a giant tufa or crouch down and shoot the spires from below.

Always frame horizontal and vertical shots. Sometimes the results can surprise you.

Best Time of the Day and Best Season

Clearly, sunrise or sunset is best to bring out color and texture in the rocks. Unfortunately, the location of the pinnacles makes this hard, unless you stay in Ridgecrest, which you shouldn’t.Avoid the summer, which is gruelingly hot at the Pinnacles. Temperatures can reach up to 120 degrees F (49 degrees C).

Time required

The drive takes about 30 minutes each way from Highway 178. Two hours are sufficient for photography.

Equipment

• CP filter for your lens
• Zoom Lens
• Tripod and Cable release
• Flashlight (light painting the pinnacles)
• Headlamp (keep your hands free)
• Water, Water, Water
• Polarized Sunglasses (great to gauge the effect of a CP filter)

Fees

There is no entrance fee to visit the Pinnacles.

Close Locations

• Ballarat Ghost Town
• Red Rock Canyon State Park
• Randsburg Ghost Town
• Silver City Ghost Town
• Fossil Falls
• Darwin
• Darwin Falls
• Aguereberry Point
• Father Crowley Viewpoint
• Saline Valley
• Harrisburg Ghost Town
• Skidoo Ghost Town
• Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
• Calico Ghost Town
• Kelso Dunes

Useful Resources

Trona Pinnacles on the BLM website

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