Where is Ridgecrest, California, U.S.

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 11, 2026

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

Where is Ridgecrest Located in 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 City Facts

CityRidgecrest
StateCalifornia
CountyKern County
CountryUnited States
RegionIndian Wells Valley - Mojave Desert
IncorporatedNovember 29, 1963
Founded1943
Total AreaApproximately 21.4 sq mi (55.4 km2)
Land AreaApproximately 21.4 sq mi (55.4 km2)
ElevationApproximately 2,279 ft (694 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 29,000+
Population (2020 Census)27,959
Population DensityApproximately 1,300 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
ZIP Codes93555, 93556
Area Code760
Major HighwaysState Route 178, State Route 395 (nearby)
Public TransitKern Transit Bus
Major AttractionsMaturango Museum, China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, Petroglyph Park (nearby)
Official Websitehttps://www.ridgecrest-ca.gov/

Distance from Ridgecrest City, CA to Nearby Cities

  • Inyokern, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
  • California City, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
  • Tehachapi, CA – 85 miles (137 km)
  • Bakersfield, CA – 120 miles (193 km)
  • Barstow, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
  • Victorville, CA – 110 miles (177 km)
  • Lancaster, CA – 100 miles (161 km)
  • Palmdale, CA – 105 miles (169 km)
  • Adelanto, CA – 115 miles (185 km)
  • Hesperia, CA – 115 miles (185 km)
  • Apple Valley, CA – 120 miles (193 km)
  • San Bernardino, CA – 150 miles (241 km)
  • Riverside, CA – 160 miles (257 km)
  • Los Angeles, CA – 150 miles (241 km)
  • Santa Clarita, CA – 140 miles (225 km)
  • Fresno, CA – 200 miles (322 km)
  • Visalia, CA – 190 miles (306 km)
  • Tulare, CA – 195 miles (314 km)
  • Modesto, CA – 260 miles (418 km)
  • San Jose, CA – 300 miles (483 km)

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