If you saw these craggy rock towers in scenes from Star Trek and The Mandalorian, you may have been inclined to believe they were part of a CGI backdrop. But these are the Trona Pinnacles, and they’re found in a real place just 3.5 hours or so from Los Angeles.
The remarkable Trona Pinnacles are a landscape of over 500 limestone spires that rise up to 140 feet in the air, making for an otherworldly sight reminiscent of an alien planet. In fact, they’ve appeared in hundreds of productions including movies, TV shows, and music videos, making them one of the most recognizable filming locations in California.
Keep reading to learn more about one of California’s most spectacular natural wonders.
Formation of the Trona Pinnacles
The Trona Pinnacles were formed between 10,000 and 100,000 years ago during the Pleistocene period. The Searles Basin once held numerous massive lakes whose freshwater mixed with groundwater minerals, resulting in deposits of calcium carbonate (limestone) over time. The water disappeared long ago, but the limestone rock spires remain, granting us a compelling look back into California’s ancient geologic processes.
Similar to the spires found in Mono Lake, these towering rock towers range in size and shape, making for an epic out-of-this-world terrain.
Film and TV cameos, from Star Trek to Lost in Space
You may recognize the Trona Pinnacles from generations of TV and movies. Of course, they are most often used as the backdrop for alien planets, such as in Planet of the Apes (1968 and 2001), Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989), Lost in Space (2018), Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009), and The Mandalorian (2019-2023).
The Trona Pinnacles have also featured as a post-apocalyptic landscape in Pitch Black (2000), prehistoric scenes for Disney’s Dinosaur (2000), and even Rihanna’s “Sledgehammer” and Lady Gaga’s “Stupid Love” music videos.
Over 30 productions are reportedly shot at the Trona Pinnacles each year.
Visiting the Trona Pinnacles
The Trona Pinnacles are located about 25 miles east of Ridgecrest, California, accessible via Highway 178. You can reach them via Pinnacle Road, which is a relatively flat dirt road generally accessible for most vehicles.
Visitors can explore the Trona Pinnacles via a series of short and easy trails, but make sure you show up prepared because there are no facilities or potable water, and cell service is unreliable.
It’s best to visit the Trona Pinnacles in the fall, winter, or spring, as scorching summer temperatures can be dangerous. Consider timing your visit at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic views.
🌐 Learn more: Bureau of Land Management