Kern County · California
About Ridgecrest
The High Desert's hidden gem — a thriving community of 28,000 in California's Indian Wells Valley.
Quick Facts
History & Background
The Indian Wells Valley has been inhabited for thousands of years, with the Kawaiisu (Nuooah) people calling this high desert basin home long before European contact. The valley's springs and seasonal resources supported indigenous communities throughout the region.
Modern Ridgecrest grew from the establishment of Naval Ordnance Test Station (NOTS) China Lake in 1943 — a top-secret World War II facility chosen for its vast open airspace and extreme remoteness. The civilian community that grew up around the base was initially called Crumville, then renamed Ridgecrest in 1947 after a local ridge.
On July 17, 1963, Ridgecrest was officially incorporated as a city. The community has grown steadily since, evolving from a pure company town into a diverse, self-sufficient city with retail, healthcare, education, and a vibrant local culture.
In July 2019, Ridgecrest made international headlines when a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck on July 4th, followed by a more powerful M7.1 on July 5th — the largest earthquake in California in 20 years. The city recovered remarkably, demonstrating the resilience of its tight-knit community.
NAWS China Lake
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake
The largest landholding in the Department of the Navy, NAWS China Lake covers 1.1 million acres of the Mojave Desert — larger than Rhode Island. It is the Navy's premier research, development, acquisition, and testing (RDAT&E) center for airborne weapons systems, and the primary employer in Ridgecrest.
The station employs thousands of military personnel, DoD civilians, and government contractors, making NAWS China Lake the economic backbone of the Indian Wells Valley. The base's workforce drives demand for housing, services, schools, and retail throughout Ridgecrest.
For newcomers relocating through PCS orders, the base offers extensive support services. The Ridgecrest community has deep experience welcoming military families and helping them settle into High Desert life.
Climate & Weather
Ridgecrest has a desert climate (Köppen BWh/BWk) with long, hot summers and mild winters. The city averages 294 sunny days per year — more than virtually any major city in California. Rainfall averages just 4–5 inches annually.
Summers are dry and hot, with July highs regularly reaching 105–110°F. The low humidity (often under 10%) makes the heat more bearable than coastal humidity. Evenings cool significantly — 30°F temperature swings in a day are common.
Winters are mild, with daytime highs in the 55–65°F range. Snow is rare in town (elevation 2,290 ft), though the surrounding mountains receive snow above 4,000 ft. Nights can be cold, dropping to the mid-30s.
Spring brings warm, pleasant weather and occasional wildflower blooms. Fall is the most comfortable season — warm days, cool nights, and the best conditions for outdoor activities.
Average High / Low Temperatures (°F)
Geography & Surroundings
Ridgecrest sits in the Indian Wells Valley, a high desert basin at 2,290 feet elevation. The valley is bounded by dramatic mountain ranges on all sides: the Sierra Nevada to the west, the Coso Range to the north, the El Paso Mountains to the south, and the Argus Range to the east.
The city is located within the Mojave Desert, but at its northern transition zone where Mojave desert scrub gives way to Great Basin sage steppe at higher elevations. This creates remarkable botanical diversity — Mojave species like Joshua Trees and creosote bush coexist with Great Basin sagebrush.
The Indian Wells Valley was formed by tectonic activity related to the Eastern California Shear Zone, the same system responsible for the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes. The valley floor features numerous alluvial fans, dry washes, and a shrinking dry lake (Searles Lake) 20 miles to the east.
Demographics & Economy
As of the 2020 US Census, Ridgecrest has a population of 28,780. The city's demographic profile is heavily shaped by its military and defense contractor workforce. The population skews younger than California's average due to the military presence, and household incomes trend higher than surrounding desert communities.
NAWS China Lake is the region's dominant employer, directly and indirectly supporting the majority of local businesses and services. Defense contractors, federal agencies, and support services comprise a significant portion of employment. Retail, healthcare, and education round out the major employment sectors.
Seismic Activity
2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence
On July 4–5, 2019, a M6.4 and then M7.1 earthquake struck near Ridgecrest — the largest earthquakes to hit California in 20 years. The city sustained significant damage but recovered quickly. Aftershocks continue to this day.
Ridgecrest sits within the Eastern California Shear Zone, one of the most seismically active regions in California. Small earthquakes (magnitude 1–3) occur frequently and are generally unfelt. The USGS continuously monitors seismic activity in the region.
Residents should have earthquake preparedness kits, know the Drop-Cover-Hold technique, and secure heavy furniture. The city has implemented updated building codes following the 2019 sequence. Ridgecrest Regional Hospital and emergency services are well-prepared for seismic events.