Welcome to Ridgecrest, a paradise for hikers and the self-proclaimed hiking capital of the universe! With trails accessible nearly every day of the year, Ridgecrest offers an array of landscapes to explore. This guide introduces you to a selection of our favorite local hikes among the hundreds available. While most trails are unmarked, don’t worry; our provided GPX files ensure you can wander with confidence, knowing you’ll find your way back.
Before You Begin: A Hiker’s Primer
Weather Insights: Ridgecrest’s climate allows for hiking year-round, with seasonal adjustments. In the summer, it’s best to go out in the morning or the evening, or even at night. Unless of course, you enjoy the intense heat.. Spring, fall, and winter offer more flexible timing. Watch out for high winds, especially in spring, and consider canyon trails over peaks for a smoother experience. Remember, extreme conditions are not for everyone—stay hydrated and protected.
Preparation is Key: Always carry water and a cellphone. We hike with a pocketknife, whistle, blister kit, and a snack as well. Dressing for the sun with long, loose clothing and a hat is wise, alongside sunscreen application. For most hikes, you will be fine with a simple pair of trail running/hiking shoes. We have been known to occasionally hike wearing Birkenstocks or trail sandals, but sand can be a problem.
Exploring Ridgecrest: Beyond the trails highlighted here, endless adventures await on public BLM lands. The local BLM office provides maps for easy navigation. Remember to respect private lands and coexist peacefully with fellow trail users, including cyclists and equestrians.
Wildlife and Safety
Ridgecrest's diverse fauna includes coyotes, bobcats, and a variety of birds and reptiles. While encounters with aggressive wildlife are rare, stay vigilant and consider leashing pets as a precaution.
Snakes: While there are several species of snakes that reside in our area, the two locals you need to be careful of are the Mojave Rattlesnake (often referred to as a Mojave Green) and the Sidewinder Rattlesnake. They are both venomous, but bites to humans are rare. It’s beyond the scope of this brief article to delve too deeply into snake bite treatment, so what you need to do if you are bitten, is stay calm, get back to your car, and go to the Emergency Room. Call for help if you need it. You will often hear people say “they will rattle to warn you” if you get too close, but we have not found that to be always true. Many times, we have encountered snakes either sleeping, or just not being too concerned with our approach, and they do not rattle. So always be vigilant. While snakes often come out at night to hunt, you can see them at any time of the day. Give them a wide berth, and be on your way. We have many varieties of non-venomous snakes; the most common are gopher snakes, which bear a resemblance to rattlesnakes. To be safe, avoid them all, and don’t try and handle them. Ask us how we know this.
Sheep: Yes, sheep. The Radamachers and other local areas are home to grazing sheep which are brought in by shepherds in some years. The shepherds do utilize sheep herding dogs; so be respectful and keep your distance, especially if you have a dog with you. The sheep herding dog’s jobs are to protect the flock, so enjoy the flock from a distance.
Local Flora and Other Sights
If you hike in the spring, and it’s been a good year for wildflowers, prepare to be impressed! There are many varieties of wildflowers that grow locally, each providing their own unique beauty. The local Radamachers are quite stunning when carpeted with a plethora of flowers. Many locals participate in an annual pilgrimage to Short Canyon, (accessed off Hiway 395 near Inyokern) where the wildflowers are known to be especially spectacular.
Recommended Hikes
- Sky Point Trail: A moderate 4-mile hike with 1,191 feet of elevation gain, offering easy access and rewarding workouts.
Trailhead location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/e7CuDJaEPm5qQBCn8
Length: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,191 feet
Download GPX File
- Goldbug Loop: An easy 3-mile stroll with minimal elevation, perfect for a gentle day out.
Trailhead location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uKb8rgmTQikGAVYSA
Length: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 505 feet
Download GPX File
- Bradys: Accessible and moderate, this 4-mile trail climbs 915 feet, offering varied landscapes.
Trailhead location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NZXL8oNijUj9r71v7
Length: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 915 feet
Download GPX File
- Mini Mikies: Challenge yourself with this strenuous 4-mile hike, featuring steep inclines and 1,368 feet of elevation.
Trailhead location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qfX5Ze987m6TqwwD9
Length: 4 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation gain: 1368 feet
Download GPX File
- Five Fingers: Starting tough but easing out, this 4-mile trail climbs 1,234 feet, promising diverse experiences.
Trailhead location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BiDVUbdZfwpAeUdS6
Length: 4 miles
Difficulty: Overall, moderate. The first mile is up, up and more up. After that, it’s easy going.
Elevation gain: 1,234 feet
Download GPX File
- Lathrop: Accessible and easy, this trail requires careful driving to the trailhead but rewards with a gentle 4-mile hike and 863 feet of elevation.
Trailhead location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/d7Lc3ij4YbiQtYdW9
Length: 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 863 feet
Download GPX File
Additional Resources
For more events and community connections, visit Over the Hill Track Club. The OTHTC hosts over a dozen events per year, ranging from the easy 2 miler to the High Desert Ultra 50K.
Local Facebook groups offer plentiful resources for runners and hikers alike. Whether participating in the annual Run with the Burros or seeking group hikes, there’s a vibrant community waiting.
Facebook Groups:
Run With The Burros
Ridgecrest Running
