Where is Ridgecrest, California Located in the United States? - Ridgecrest is a city located in the Kern County in California, United States. Ridgecrest lies between 35.6225 Degrees North latitudes and -117.6709 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Ridgecrest, Kern, California
About Map: The map shows the location of Ridgecrest in Kern County, in the U.S. state of California.
Ridgecrest Map, California, USA
About Ridgecrest Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.
About Ridgecrest, Kern County, California
Ridgecrest is located in Kern County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the southern part of the state in the state of the United States within the Indian Wells Valley of the Mojave Desert region. The city was incorporated in 1963 and was named after the ridge-like landforms that characterize the surrounding desert terrain, and it developed as a residential and commercial center supporting the nearby Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Ridgecrest is 28,349 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 1,200 people per square mile.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Ridgecrest covers a total area of approximately 21.4 square miles (about 55.4 square kilometers), including about 21.4 square miles (55.4 square kilometers) of land and a minimal amount of water area.
Location and Surroundings
Ridgecrest is situated west of Trona and north of the El Paso Mountains, positioned within the Indian Wells Valley of the Mojave Desert. The city features desert landscapes, residential neighborhoods, and nearby open desert areas used for recreation and research activities. U.S. Route 395 and State Route 178 provide major transportation routes connecting Ridgecrest to surrounding communities across the eastern portion of California.
Top Attractions
Ridgecrest offers museums, desert recreation areas, and cultural venues that support tourism and community activities. Popular destinations include the Maturango Museum, the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station museum facilities, and nearby Red Rock Canyon State Park. The city hosts cultural events, desert festivals, and outdoor recreation programs throughout the year.
Transportation
Ridgecrest is served by U.S. Route 395 and State Route 178, offering convenient highway access throughout Kern County and eastern California. Public transportation includes regional bus services connecting the city to surrounding desert communities. The nearest major airport is Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield, located approximately 110 miles to the southwest.
Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Ridgecrest City Website.
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Ridgecrest, California Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Ridgecrest |
| County | Kern County |
| State | California |
| State Capital | Sacramento |
| US Region | Western United States (Mojave Desert Region) |
| Latitude | 35.6225° N |
| Longitude | 117.6709° W |
| Elevation | 2,290 ft (698 m) |
| Land Area | 20.86 sq mi |
| Water Area | 0.65 sq mi |
| Total Area | 21.51 sq mi |
| Population (2020 Census) | 27,959 |
| Population Density | Approximately 1,341 people per sq mi |
| ZIP Codes | 93555, 93556 |
| Area Code | 760, 442 |
| Time Zone Standard | Pacific Standard Time (PST, UTC−8) |
| Time Zone Daylight | Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, UTC−7) |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| FIPS Code | 06-60620 |
| Congressional District | California's 23rd Congressional District |
Transportation and Connectivity in Ridgecrest
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Meadows Field Airport |
| IATA Code | BFL |
| Regional Airport | Inyokern Airport |
| Major Highways | U.S. Route 395, California State Route 178 |
| Train/Transit Service | Nearest Amtrak service in Bakersfield |
| Local Transit Service | Eastern Sierra Transit Authority and local transportation services |
- U.S. Route 395 – Major north-south highway connecting Ridgecrest with Bishop, Lone Pine, and Southern California communities.
- California State Route 178 – Connects Ridgecrest with Bakersfield and eastern desert areas.
- Inyokern Airport – General aviation airport serving Ridgecrest and the Indian Wells Valley.
- Meadows Field Airport – Main commercial airport serving Kern County.
Ridgecrest is located in the Indian Wells Valley of the Mojave Desert and serves as a regional transportation center between the Sierra Nevada, Mojave Desert, and nearby communities.
Top Places to Visit in Ridgecrest, California
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Maturango Museum | Natural and Cultural History Museum |
| Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake Museum Area | Military History Site |
| Coso Rock Art District | Archaeological Site |
| Ridgecrest City Park | Community Park |
| Petroglyph Canyon | Historic Rock Art Area |
| Trona Pinnacles | Natural Landmark |
| Red Rock Canyon State Park | State Park |
| Indian Wells Valley Heritage Center | History Attraction |
| Big and Little Petroglyph Canyons | Cultural Landmark |
| Death Valley National Park | National Park |
Driving Distances from Ridgecrest, California to Nearby Cities
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inyokern | California | 8 | 15 minutes |
| Lancaster | California | 85 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Bakersfield | California | 120 | 2 hours |
| Palmdale | California | 95 | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Victorville | California | 130 | 2 hours |
| San Bernardino | California | 165 | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Los Angeles | California | 150 | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Las Vegas | Nevada | 180 | 3 hours |
| Fresno | California | 210 | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| San Diego | California | 250 | 4 hours 30 minutes |
Colleges and Universities Near Ridgecrest, California
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cerro Coso Community College | Public | Community College | Transfer education, nursing, technology, and workforce programs |
| California State University, Bakersfield | Public | University | Business, education, science, engineering, and research |
| Antelope Valley College | Public | Community College | Career training, arts, science, and transfer programs |
| University of Redlands | Private | University | Business, education, arts, and professional studies |
| California State University, Northridge | Public | University | Engineering, business, arts, and sciences |
| Sierra Sands Unified School District | Public | K–12 District | Primary and secondary education |
Waterbodies Near Ridgecrest, California
Indian Wells Valley groundwater basin, Lake Isabella, Kern River, Coso Wash, and nearby desert waterways of Kern County.
Golf Courses Near Ridgecrest
Sierra Lakes Golf Club, China Lake Golf Course, Ridgecrest Golf Course, Tierra Del Sol Golf Course, and Spring Valley Lake Country Club.
Ridgecrest, California — Key Historical Facts
- Ridgecrest developed in the Indian Wells Valley as a farming and ranching community during the early twentieth century.
- The area grew significantly after the establishment of the Naval Ordnance Test Station, now known as Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, in 1943.
- The nearby Coso Rock Art District contains thousands of Native American petroglyphs and is one of the largest collections of rock art in North America.
- Ridgecrest was incorporated as a city in 1963 and became the main population center of the Indian Wells Valley.
- The city has experienced growth related to aerospace, defense research, military technology, and desert recreation.
- Ridgecrest is located near important natural areas including the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Mojave Desert landscapes, and Death Valley region.
- Today, Ridgecrest is known for its connection to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, outdoor recreation, museums, and desert scenery.
Stadiums and Sports Facilities Near Ridgecrest
| Facility Name | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Burroughs High School Stadium | High School Sports Stadium | Ridgecrest, California |
| Cerro Coso Community College Athletic Facilities | College Sports Facility | Ridgecrest, California |
| Rabobank Arena | Sports and Entertainment Arena | Bakersfield, California |
| Mechanics Bank Arena | Event and Sports Arena | Bakersfield, California |
| College of the Canyons Sports Complex | College Sports Facility | Santa Clarita, California |
References
- City of Ridgecrest
- Kern County Government
- U.S. Census Bureau
- California Tourism
- Death Valley National Park
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