The weekend of April Fools found us time for a day-drive to the mysterious Trona Pinnacles in Ridgecrest/Trona, California. Located a few miles south of the Panamint Valley and the entrance to Death Valley, the Trona Pinnacles are a quick drive from the Greater Los Angeles area, and truly a spectacle to behold. We approached the pinnacles from the Cajon Pass, driving Northbound on the 15 until splitting off to the 395 in Hesperia: 
Along the way we were greeted to that part of the desert by the 1450 Competition Races at Spangler Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) area. Flying over rock formations and trails in baja trucks, the cloud of dust in the area made us think we were about to encounter another sandstorm. Fortunately as we reached the trailhead to turn towards the Pinnacles, the sky was cleared from the off-road racing:
After several miles of mild dirt roads, trekking towards the pinnacles, we reached our destination and were welcomed by the BLM National Natural Landmark Sign. The trail is marked (as most official off-road trails seem to be) with the friendly trailmarkers as seen in the pictures (these said “PINNACLES”): 
As we drove towards the pinnacles themselves, we crossed over a seemingly antiquated railroad track. The co-pilot happens to be a railroad specialist, and has informed me that since this is single-track rail, there would rarely be any traffic. However, seeing a train in this setting would add to the already surreal nature of the entire experience. Expecting a steam locomotive to come barreling around the bend, a photo was warranted:
Immediately after crossing the tracks we were thrust into the otherworldly landscape of the Trona Pinnacles. The over five-hundred Tufa spires (formed from the ancient Searles Dry Lake bed that encompasses this region, the spires were formed from carbonate minerals and the water of the prehistoric lake) that make up this natural phenomenon vary in all shapes, sizes, and formations. There is no wonder why many science fiction films, to include Planet of the Apes and Land of the Lost have chosen this location to film at. Waiting for aliens, dinosaurs, or other human beings to appear were all equally plausible scenarios at this fascinating spot:
Jumping for joy among the spires:
Another shot of the Landy in the central area of the spires (notice some tire tracks):
Walking back after some dismounted exploration:
The author seen here, photographing his co-pilot, pinnacles in background:
I recommend exiting the Pinnacles site in the opposite direction that you entered, as the landmark has two avenues of approach, the path to the Northeast will take you through the salt lake bed, deposit you closer to the town of Trona, and allow you to explore some quasi-abandoned railway cars.
Driving through the Searles Lake Dry lakebed is pretty unparalleled, as temperatures were hot, but looking out the window you are surrounded by white snow-like salt:
The co-pilot informs the audience that the cars were illegally parked on top of switches, however this practice can be considered of no real significance, due to the extreme remoteness of this location. It is my assumption these cars were staged in order to haul salt/minerals from the nearby refineries in Trona:
After linking back up with Highway 178/Trona Road, if you are headed North you’ll pass a magnificent bend in the road around another unique rock formation:
Immediately following the bend we encountered the Searles Valley Mineral Company, which we were told processed salt, borax, and three other minerals I cannot recall at this time:
This was an extremely fulfilling experience, and would have been an enjoyable overnight trip, to camp among the spires, as we witnessed one other vehicle on the backside of one area. Seeing the dark sky surrounded by the Trona Pinnacles will surely be an experience to savor.
With a fresh coat of salty dust, we continued our journey North, towards Death Valley National Park in search of the elusive ‘Superbloom’… click here to continue the the trip. [pt. 2 being drafted]