Trona
Visiting Trona Pinnacles is other worldly. It is one of my favorite places to visit. I decided to let the pictures speak for themselves. The trip is a few hours out of Los Angeles. Once you get to Ridgecrest fill your gas tank and get anything you might need according to your length of stay. From Ridgecrest it is another 20 minutes to the beginning of the dirt trail in.
It can take another 20- 40 minutes on 7 miles of dirt road. Fair warning, this road is a bit daunting. However, it can be managed by regular vehicles with good tires (regular tread). I’ve seen many cars make it in, but you cannot traverse to the very back of Trona Pinnacles without a 4×4 vehicle. You don’t need to though, because the very large Pinnacles are in front as you arrive at this geological feature.
The Trona Pinnacles are off the 178, then south on Trona Rd.
Types of Tufas
Towers: rise to about 40 feet and are taller than are wide.
Tombstones: stubby and rise to about 30 feet
Ridges: massive and toothy, these tufa ridges rise to 140 feet and are 500 feet wide and 80 feet long.
Cones: small, less than 10 feet tall, coned shape, considered dumpy.
Camping at Trona Pinnacles
Trona Pinnacles is designated a National Natural Landmark. Dispersed Camping is allowed for a period of 14 days. There is one vaulted toilet. All trash needs to be packed out. There is no potable water. Do not drive off existing roads.
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Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
Piedras Blancas (white rocks)
This is the largest elephant seal rookery on the west coast. This national park is open year-round. Parking is free and there is boardwalk access to view the elephant seals. At times, there can be thousands of seals. Depending on the month these elephant seal will be birthing, molting, breeding and fighting and resting. During my visit most were basking in the sun. If you live in California, this is a wonderful day trip, and it is free.
Driving up the coast of California is beautiful. In 2017, Piedras Blancas became part of the California Coast National Monument.
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Piedras Blancas Light Station – HOME is nearby. You will see it from the rookery.
December – March
Birthing and Breeding
Adult males fight for dominance. Most births occur in January. Mating season peaks in February.
Pups are weaned when their mothers leave and finally weaned pups depart toward the end of April.
April – August
Molting
Molting begins by shedding old hair and the outer layer of skin.
Molting for females and juveniles begins in spring. Males molt during the summer.
September – November
Fall Haul-Out
“Male and female elephant seals that are to young to take part in the breeding season, haul out to rest in the fall. This is a good time to see young males practice fighting.”
Notable History
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