Situated in the Indian Wells Valley of the Mojave Desert, Ridgecrest presents a small-town feel to a close-knit military community, bordering the China Lake Naval Weapons Center. Ridgecrest residents come together for a variety of events, including the annual Petroglyph Festival and the Desert Empire Fair.

Ridgecrest is surrounded by four mountain ranges and a host of natural wonders, offering ample opportunities to engage in year-round recreational activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing. Sequoia National Forest and Death Valley National Park are also just minutes from Ridgecrest. The city honors its heritage with the Maturango Museum, which offers rotating exhibits, galleries, events, and tours. Ridgecrest’s prime location near the 395 and 14 highways allows for easy access to the rest of southern California.