There was a time when I assumed that the Mojave desert of California was a vast land of nothingness. Characterized by a massively dry landscape and a lack of civilization, I avoided exploring it while driving through to Vegas or Death Valley. One night I found myself on the outskirts of the park without anywhere to sleep and that’s when I discovered camping at the Trona Pinnacles.
Where & What are the Trona Pinnacles?
Located in the Mojave desert just outside Death Valley are the otherworldly Trona Pinnacles. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the 3800 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!
Read more facts and info for exploring the Trona Pinnacles in my blog post here
Info for Camping at the Trona Pinnacles
Bureau of Land Management areas are considered public land and makes up nearly 15 million acres within the state of California. Visitors are allowed to partake in dispersed camping on BLM land for up to 14 days… absolutely free! Since the Trona Pinnacles are managed by the BLM, you’re allowed to camp for free within this area, something I’ve done multiple times.
While camping at the Trona Pinnacles, as with every other natural area, be sure that you’re following the Leave No Trace Principles. This includes staying on designated roads, only camping on durable surfaces, minimizing campfire impacts and disposing of your waste properly.
Learn more about how to follow Leave No Trace principles in my blog post here
Finding a Campsite at the Trona Pinnacles
Whether you’re arriving via the south or north entrance, a number of dirt roads weave their way throughout the Trona Pinnacles area. Spend some time driving around the designated roads to find the best spot. Consider camping out directly below some of the tufa towers or in one of the many pull-outs.
I always choose a campsite that has an existing fire ring. This allows me to minimize my impact on the land. My personal favorite area to camp at the Trona Pinnacles is just south of the main group. Waking up to a view of the formations dotting the horizon with the snow-capped mountains as a backdrop is an incredible experience.
Camping Out Under the Stars at the Trona Pinnacles
There’s nothing better than having a glass (or 5) of wine, cooking a homemade meal over the fire and watching the sun set over the Trona Pinnacles.
Spending the night at the Trona Pinnacles is an otherworldly experience too. With a large stretch of land featuring the tufa towers, they create the perfect silhouette to those nighttime shots. With the bright glow of LA and Vegas shining from the south and east, it creates the perfect aura over the tufa towers.
Before heading into natural areas, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with the “Leave No Trace” principles. Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry. Learn more about Leave No Trace on their website here.
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