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View of the Trona Pinnacles at sunset with mountains in the background.
Sunset view of the Trona Pinnacles, featuring distinctive rock formations in a desert landscape.
View of the Trona Pinnacles at sunset with golden lighting illuminating the tufa formations under a partly cloudy sky.
A nighttime view of Trona Pinnacles under a star-filled sky with visible Milky Way galaxy.

We would like to thank Donald Purdey of Redlands for submitting incredible photos of his favorite San Bernardino County destination.

The Trona Pinnacles are considered one of the most unusual geological wonders in the California Desert. The tufa spires, made of calcium carbonate, rise from the bed of the Searles Dry Lake basin and reach up to 140 feet high. They were formed underwater 10,000 to 100,000 years ago.

A number of Hollywood films have been shot around the Trona Pinnacles, including parts of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, Lost in Space and Planet of the Apes. In addition, the music video for Rihanna’s single “Sledgehammer” was filmed at this location.

In 1968, the Department of the Interior designated the Trona Pinnacles as a National Natural Landmark. Be sure to check them out.


Additional County Update News – October 9, 2025