3-Day Itinerary
​Trona Pinnacles and Randsburg Ghost Town (Jan 24–26)

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​Day 1: January 24
Arrival and Sunset at Trona Pinnacles
  • 3PM Arrive in Ridgecrest mid-afternoon and check into your hotel.
  • Freshen up and prepare your photography gear for the evening shoot.
  • 3:45pm Drive to Trona Pinnacles (~25-minute drive from Ridgecrest).
  • The unpaved access road is navigable by most vehicles but take your time and drive slow.
  • Arrive 1–1.5 hours before sunset to scout locations for photography.
  • Single vault toilet is available on site.
  • Suggested gear: wide-angle lens for capturing the dramatic landscape,  tripod, and a remote shutter for long exposures.
  • Sunset (5:09 PM):
  • Capture the soft, golden light illuminating the unique tufa formations.  Focus on dramatic compositions with the Pinnacles framed against the colorful sky.
  • After sunset, stay for blue hour and, if conditions are clear, consider trying astrophotography since Trona Pinnacles is a dark-sky area.
  • 6:30 Drive to Ridgecrest for dinner.

Day 2: January 25
Sunrise at Trona Pinnacles and Randsburg Ghost Town
  • **Morning temps will be in the 30's. Dress accordingly**
  • Depart Ridgecrest 5:45 AM to catch sunrise at Trona Pinnacles
  • Sunrise (6:54 AM)
  • Focus on the Pinnacles silhouetted against the warm hues of the sunrise. Experiment with leading lines and foreground details for depth.
  • 9:00am Return to the hotel for breakfast.
  • 11:00 Drive to Johannesburg and Randsburg Ghost Town (~40 minute drive from Ridgecrest).
  • Explore the historic buildings, vintage signs, and relics from the gold rush era. Capture textures, patterns, and details in the old structures.
  • Lunch in Johannesburg and Randsburg Ghost Town
  • 3:30PM Head back to Ridgecrest​
  • 4-5:30pm Downtime
  • 5:30 Cocktails
  • 6:00pm Dinner

Day 3: January 26
Departure Morning
  • 10:00am Check out of your hotel and depart. 
  • Possibly stop in Red Rock Canyon (Ricardo Campground)
  • Head home
Suggested Equipment
​Camera Gear
Camera Body (DSLR or Mirrorless)
  • Sugested Lenses:
  1. Wide-angle lens (e.g., 16–35mm) for expansive landscapes
  2. Telephoto lens (e.g., 70–200mm) for distant details and compression  shots.
  3. Standard zoom or prime lens (e.g., 24–70mm or 50mm) for versatility
  • Tripod (sturdy and stable for long exposures)
  • Remote Shutter Release or Intervalometer (to avoid camera shake)
  • ND Filters (for long exposures)
  • Graduated ND Filters (to balance sky and foreground exposure)
  • Polarizing Filter (to enhance colors and reduce glare)
  • Lens Cloths and Cleaning Kit (to keep lenses clear of dust and  moisture).
  • Extra Memory Cards
  • Spare Batteries (cold weather can drain batteries faster)
  • Camera Bag (water-resistant and padded for protection)

Clothing
  • ** PREPARE FOR COLD WEATHER **
  • MORNING TEMPS WILL BE IN THE 30'S
  • Moisture-wicking Base Layers (to stay dry and comfortable)
  • Insulating Mid-Layer (fleece or lightweight down jacket)
  • Waterproof/Windproof Outer Layer (jacket and pants)
  • Comfortable Hiking Pants or Jeans (weather-appropriate)
  • Warm Hat or Beanie (for cooler evenings)
  • Gloves (thin, touchscreen-friendly for camera use)
  • Sturdy Hiking Boots
  • Buff/Neck Gaiter (for warmth and wind protection)
  • Sunglasses (for daytime scouting)

Accessories
  • Headlamp/Flashlight (with extra batteries for navigating in low light)
  • Microfiber Towel (for dew or condensation)
  • Rain Cover for camera and bag
  • Walkie-Talkie, great to have to communicate between groups. Cell service may be limited.

This setup ensures you’re prepared for changing light, weather conditions, and creative opportunities during your sunrise and sunset photography session.
​Ridgecrest
Trona Pinnacles
Randsburg