Most people drive right past Saltdale without knowing 700 tons of salt were harvested here weekly. Now you can explore the ruins where mining families lived without hospitals, police, or hope. Photo by Joseph W. Wright

Photos show Danny Westergaard run the Badwater 135 through Death Valley for the 18th time: tinyurl.com/2wsjn2hz

Tehachapi makes the perfect day trip from Ridgecrest. Tehachapi combines trains, farms, mountains, and museums in one spot. What more could you ask for? Photo by @epicflightz

Drive an hour from Ridgecrest and find yourself at Lake Isabella. It's got fishing, hiking trails, and picnic spots with water views - exactly what you need to escape the desert heat.

Want to time travel through Kern County? The museum's Pioneer Village has 50 historic buildings arranged like a real town - schoolhouse, church, courthouse, plus oil derricks and pumping units.

Skip the crowded summer festivals and head to Tehachapi August 16-17. The 62nd Mountain Festival has it all - professional rodeo, local artisans, concert under the lights, plus a 5K if you're feeling ambitious. tehachapimountainfestival.com

Forget stuffy museums. The California Route 66 Museum in Victorville lets you climb on a Model T, dress up in their VW Love Bus, and take photos in a 50's diner. Plus 4500 sq ft of history and artifacts that shaped American culture. Photo by @route66california

Plan your trip to Bishop for August 28-31 when the Tri-County Fair takes over. Concerts, rodeo, demolition derby, plus all your favorite fair activities in the beautiful Eastern Sierra. tricountyfair.com

Brake yourself - this show's gonna be good. Save September 6 for Cars and Stripes at Leroy Jackson Park. Whether you love hot rods, classics, imports, or bikes, this is your show. DJ entertainment, food vendors, prizes, 3-7pm in Ridgecrest. goridgecrest.com/carshow/

Your August 23 plans: night racing at Spangler Hills. DP4 Round Four starts at 7PM because desert racing in daylight is overrated. Six dark laps, 25 miles each, and someone's winning $1000. dp4racing.com/2025-round-4/

Want the real Route 66 experience? Roy's in Amboy has been serving travelers since 1938 - same spot, same iconic sign, same desert magic. Pull off the highway for a root beer float and snap that perfect shot with the towering neon arrow. Photo by Lenny Cartier

Each of the 1,000 flags tells a story of courage. Volunteers are prepping now — will you be there to see them fly? 🇺🇸 #NeverForget #ParadeOf1000Flags #RidgecrestProud #CarsAndStripes

Don’t miss history. Walk with us. Watch with us. Remember with us on Sept 6, 2025, Ridgecrest. #NeverForget #ParadeOf1000Flags #RidgecrestProud #CarsAndStripes Photo by Jessica Weston/For The Daily Independent

Mt. Whitney isn't just another hike - it's the highest point in the contiguous US. Start planning now: permits required, 10.7 miles from Whitney Portal, and views that make every step worth it.

This show is going to be exhaust-ing... in the best way! Join us September 6 for Cars and Stripes in Ridgecrest. From classics to muscle cars, there's something to get everyone's motor running from 3-7pm!

Cars and Stripes. September 6. Ridgecrest. 3-7pm. Classics. Muscle cars. Be there. goridgecrest.com/carshow/

Do the stars and stripes make you feel proud? Be a part of the exciting moments of the upcoming Parade of 1,000 Flags on September 6 at 9AM. 🇺🇸 goridgecrest.com/parade/ #NeverForget #ParadeOf1000Flags #RidgecrestProud #CarsAndStripes

Ready for music with a view? Bishop's Millpond Music Festival runs September 19-21 with bluegrass, folk, Americana, blues, and more. Catch the workshops to meet the musicians or just soak in the Sierra setting.

Wanted: You at Randsburg's Old West Days on Sept 20th. Gunfight re-enactments, live bands, classic cars, petting zoo fun, costume contests, and much more. This isn't a theme park - Randsburg is a real 1890s mining town where the Old West actually happened.

Ready to get your blues on for a good cause? Kernville's Rock n Blues Fest returns September 25-28. Four days, 12 bands, and every ticket helps place wreaths on veteran graves.