Ridgecrest makes an excellent home base for exploring the natural history of California’s deserts, including Death Valley National Park. North of the Los Angeles County line in neighboring Lancaster, Ridgecrest offers lodging, information, and supplies for your trip into California’s more secluded regions.
A great place to start is the California Welcome Center–Ridgecrest, which is filled with a variety of technologically-advanced exhibits that explore the amazing history and culture of the region, from prehistoric times to pop culture. For instance, there’s an amazing virtual reality presentation where visitors can experience the splendor and magnificence of Death Valley. The VR tour is a terrific alternative for those visitors who may have mobility or health issues to allow them to safely view a curated exploration of the park.
The California Welcome Center in Ridgecrest is a collaborative effort between the Ridgecrest Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, the US National Park Service, Ridgecrest Bureau of Land Management, and the Ridgecrest Regional Film Commission to provide a one-stop destination for travel expertise, advice on preparations for desert travel, and local souvenirs for purchase.
Nearby: Native Rock Art and Death Valley National Park
The local Coso Mountains are home to thousands of examples of Native American rock art, the largest and best-preserved collection in the country. The petroglyphs range in age, with some dating back more than 12,000 years, and are preserved and protected within the China Lake Naval Base. Access is limited, and the petroglyphs are only visible through occasional guided tours. (Ed. note: As of March 2026, tours are not being offered; check the above link to see if they have been reintroduced at the time of your visit.) Visitors can experience the culturally significant petroglyphs on a virtual reality presentation at the visitor’s center and at Petroglyph Park, just a few blocks from the center.
The cooler months are the perfect time to visit Death Valley National Park and experience other natural attractions in the region. Favorite hikes in the area include Fossil Falls, Trona Pinnacles, and Red Rock Canyon.
After a hike, the Kern River Valley and Lake Isabella offer a chance to cool down. Water sports, fishing, and whitewater rafting are just some of the activities you can enjoy in the Kern River Valley. If you’re looking for adventure on dry land, Jawbone Canyon is the perfect destination for off-road vehicle enthusiasts and hikers.
More Culture In and Around Ridgecrest
Within the city of Ridgecrest, you can spend time exploring history indoors at the Maturango Museum and the U.S. Naval Museum of Armament & Technology. Drives to Saltdale and Ballarat(an hour and a half and an hour, respectively) offer a chance to see California’s history up close and personal.
Even closer is the living ghost town of Randsburg, just 21 miles away, where remnants of its 1890s gold-mining heyday still line Butte Avenue. Visitors can step inside historic saloons and shops, browse the Desert Museum’s mining artifacts, or grab a treat at the General Store’s old-fashioned soda fountain.
Getting to Ridgecrest
Visiting Ridgecrest is easily accessible off scenic U.S. Route 395, with access to Death Valley National Park through California State Route 178. Located 3.5 hours west of Las Vegas, 2.5 hours north of Los Angeles, and 3 hours south of Mammoth, Ridgecrest is the perfect midpoint to experience anything you’re looking for on your California adventure.
Please contact the Welcome Center for specific hours of operation.