Trona Pinnacles

@veekster

California

•

Westend

If you think this location looks like a scene that's straight out of Star Wars, you're right! Steps away from these pinnacles was a filming location for Star Trek V: The Final Frontier and since then, it's garnered visitors from all over the country — and even the world. Transport yourself to another planet and snap the towering pinnacles that shoot up from the flat, desert landscape. (before flying a drone, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements)

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Moderate

Accessbility

Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

Free

Pack

Wide-angle lens (29mm)

How to get there

N35° 37' 01.92"W117° 21' 46.08"

This image of the Trona Pinnacles was taken from a private helicopter. We booked a flight online and then flew out in the morning. If you don't have access to a helicopter, or wouldn't like to book a heli tour, you can easily reach the Trona Pinnacles by car — just be aware that from land you won't be able to achieve that same bird's eye view of the landscape, unless you have a drone. By car, insert the Trona Pinnacles GPS into your mobile device or vehicle (35.617733, -117.368080). You can park your car alongside the road and then hike around the pinnacles to get an east-facing view that's taken from a slightly-elevated perspective (similar to what I had).