We had left the campground at Yosemite National Park early because the next day was going to be colder and also rainier. So the park made no sense at all, especially after we had seen that the pass was closed. So we drove back the way south over the Tehachapi Pass and then in the direction of Ridgecrest.
Actually, I wanted to go directly to Death Valley, but I had forgotten how big the distances are. So we made there in this city, which survives primarily only by the nearby military base a stay of one evening and visited among other things old original gold mining villages.
Ridgecrest is a small city located in the Mojave Desert of California, United States. It is situated in the Indian Wells Valley, a desert valley in the northeastern part of the state, and is the largest city in the valley.
The city was incorporated in 1963 and has a population of around 29,000 people. It is home to the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, a large military installation that is a major employer in the area. The base is used for research and development of weapons systems, and also serves as a training facility for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps.
Ridgecrest is also known for its outdoor recreational opportunities. The surrounding desert landscape offers hiking, camping, and rock climbing, and the nearby China Lake provides opportunities for boating and fishing. The city also has a number of parks, including Freedom Park, which features a playground, picnic areas, and a skatepark.
The economy of Ridgecrest is primarily based on the military installation, but it also has a small but growing business community. The city has a number of small businesses, including restaurants, shops, and service companies. The Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, located in the city, is a major employer in the healthcare sector.
Ridgecrest is also home to a number of annual events, including the Ridgecrest Petroglyph Festival, which celebrates the local Native American petroglyphs, and the Ridgecrest Rock N’ Roll Car Show, which features classic cars and live music.