Ridgecrest: An Urban Haven in the High Desert
Surrounded by the beautiful mountain ranges of the Sierra Nevada, Argus Range, Cosos, and El Paso Mountains, Ridgecrest, CA is the only incorporated community in the Indian Wells Valley, in Kern County, California, United States. This host to the Ridgecrest Petroglyph Festival serves as a business and shopping district for Kern County where big-name shops, deluxe hotels, and key establishments congregate. Originally named Crumville in the early 1900s in honor of local dairymen James and Robert Crum, it became the home of the Naval Ordnance Test Station that soon became a strong base for the Naval Station's programs. Air travel in and out of the city is serviced by the Inyokern Airport.
Best Time to Visit
Ridgecrest's location in the Indian Wells Valley provides for a desert-like climate, which is characterized by hot days and cool nights, although it does get an average rainfall of 4.7 inches annually. Summer is when Ridgecrest's tourism peaks, recording the highest number of hotels booked and the hottest temperatures with an average maximum of 103 degrees. Tourists looking for best deals and kinder weather perfect for general outdoor tourist activities should head on to Ridgecrest from mid-May to early October when temperatures hover between 65 and 80 degrees.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Because of its location, Ridgecrest, California provides the perfect spot for hiking, horseback riding, and camping like the Red Rock Canyon State Park, Walker Pass, and the Coso Rock Art District located near the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. Visitors can also drop by Maturango Museum and Coso People rock art in Big and Little Petroglyph Canyons. Tour the Ridgecrest City Hall and the Leroy Jackson Park Sports Complex. For utmost comfort, tourists can check in to SpringHill Suites by Marriott Ridgecrest on Sydnor Ave., or the budget-friendly Clarion Inn Ridgecrest on China Lake Blvd.