Trona Pinnacles is a geological formation located in the California Desert National Conservation Area, near the city of Ridgecrest in California, United States. It is a unique geological wonder comprising over 500 tufa spires that rise from the barren Searles Lake bed. These pinnacles were formed over 10,000 years ago as a result of a chemical reaction between the calcium-rich lake water and the alkaline ground water.
The spires range in height from 30 to 140 feet and are made of calcium carbonate. The formation of these spires was a result of the precipitation of calcium carbonate in the alkaline lake water, which was then cemented together over time to form the pinnacles. The Trona Pinnacles are considered one of the most unusual geological wonders in California and attract thousands of visitors every year.
The Trona Pinnacles offer a unique landscape for hiking, camping, and photography. The area is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the Mohave tui chub, a fish that is only found in the Mojave Desert.
The Trona Pinnacles have been featured in several movies, music videos, and commercials. The area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is open to the public year-round.