"Trona - a little town that still boast life:-)" Trona by Yaqui

Trona Travel Guide: 23 reviews and 55 photos

Trona Pinnacles

California’s Abandoned Mines - Stay Out - Stay Alive!

While traveling to Death Valley, we stopped on the way back because something caught my eye. The wonderful mural of the beast of burden. A Twenty Mule Team Mural graces one side of the Guest House Musuem. So, we stopped and then started to explore a little. We did eventually come back to see the Pinnacles during the winter months since it was much cooler. Although, the rest of the view of the town is not at its best, people need to be reminded this is still part of the desert with Death Valley just on the other side of the mounatin range. It takes some hardy souls to make a life here, but it just goes to show you how really strong some individuals are and how deep their roots go and grow from being part of tiny communities that dot all along the US.

Trona is located along Hwy 178 and is home of the Searles Valley Minerals Facility. Searles Valley is located in the Greater Mojave Desert and a historical rich in minerals even today. This community faces the great valley of the Slate and Argus Mountains. It looks very desolated and vast. This is home to Searles Lake, which formed during the Ice Ages containing 98 of the 104 natural chemical elements. That is impressive. Collectors still do come from all over to gather and see some of the great minerals found in Searles Lake, such as Hanksite, Halite, Pink Halite. They even have festival during the sponsored by the Searles Lake Gem and Mineral Society, which only happens one time per year.

Trona Searless Plant

It is also home to Trona Pinnacles National Natural Landmark, which consists of more then 500 tufa spires. This site has been in many movies and commercials because of its prehistoric mystical appeal. Star Trek 5, Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes, and Disney's Dinosaur. It is a fascinating site to see and explore. If you enjoy hiking and the outdoors, you'll like this place.

How befitting, Twenty Mule Team Mural!!

It honors those beast of burden!

Yet, it is a town that has life still that consists of people going every day to work at the plant who are American families making a life for themselves and a town that still boast homes, churches, little markets, and schools. I do know individuals who have lived here and perfectly understand what their community is experiencing. They respect for what it is and will "Persevere and keep Faith!" and are willing to keep their family community alive.

Pros and Cons

Pros:It has some wonderful historical sites to visit.
Cons:It's can be cold and HOT!
In a nutshell:Don't dismay. There is life here:-)

Last visit to Trona: Mar 2005
Intro Updated Dec 30, 2010
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Reviews (15)

Italian found out in the desert~ - Trona

Italian found out in the desert~ Restaurants (1)

Sadly we didn't get to try this place out. It was Sunday and they were closed. The last time we passed through here they... more travel advice

Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society~ - Trona

Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society~ Things to Do (7)

This is home to Searles Lake, which formed during the Ice Ages containing 98 of the 104 natural chemical elements. That... more travel advice

Trona Railway Museum and Caboose - Trona

Trona Railway Museum and Caboose Things to Do (7)

They have acquired another wonderful historical asset and have extensively remodeled a building that houses some... more travel advice

History House 1920 Things to Do (7)

I was so happy that Trona is right on track in trying to preserve it's wonderful history. While passing through again to... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (3)
See All Valley Wells California Historical...
Favorites (2)
See All Take the time!

Comments (20)

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MalenaN Mar 22, 2012 at 11:14 PM

Trona Pinnacles looks very nice! It is easy to understand why they have been in the background of many films.
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msbrandysue Jan 16, 2012 at 4:04 PM

Just love the scenery behind this lil fascinating town!
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deecat Dec 5, 2011 at 3:18 PM

Another page filled with beautiful photographs and enlightening tips. Your love of murals is delightful!
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travelgourmet Jan 4, 2011 at 11:59 PM

Okay dee, Now you have awakened the total look see at the smaller towns. It is remarkable how interesting the most common of things can be, like a caboose, my downfall. :-)
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hunterV Dec 30, 2010 at 8:58 AM

Thanks for your valuable and interesting tips that are fun to read! ><><>< Happy New Year 2011!
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freddie18 Jan 6, 2010 at 6:41 PM

As I always been saying, your pages is a source of rich information about small places/towns that can be learned from your tips. Very intriguing!
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Cristian_Uluru Sep 15, 2009 at 6:07 AM

Very interesting place!!
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nickandchris Sep 11, 2009 at 9:56 AM

What a fascinating place. I am always intrigued by these sort of places. Like you, I hate to see rubbish left behind. Thanks for visiting Crete!
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lynnehamman Jul 14, 2009 at 7:21 AM

Interesting page on a desolate but beautiful spot. Loved the tip on Borax . Would never have guessed!
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nicolaitan May 1, 2009 at 6:48 PM

great picture of the loo and the pinnacles - all shades of beige and brown. different, nice image. very interesting reading.