Stay active in the heart of the Mojave Desert — from hiking trails to gyms and parks
The Mojave Desert surrounding Ridgecrest offers miles of trail access through canyons, dry lakebeds, and volcanic rock formations. Popular areas include the Coso Range foothills and trails near the Trona Pinnacles.
Find Trails on AllTrails →The Indian Wells Valley region offers desert terrain suitable for mountain biking. Check the MTB Project directory for community-reported trails near Ridgecrest.
Find Trails on MTB Project →Fossil Falls, located about 36 miles northwest of Ridgecrest off Hwy 395, offers 50+ documented climbing routes on polished volcanic basalt — cracks, roofs, and overhangs managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Find Routes on Mountain Project →With minimal light pollution and clear high-desert skies, Ridgecrest is one of Southern California's premier stargazing destinations. Evening walks under the Milky Way are a local tradition.
Check Dark Sky Map →A central community park featuring open green space, picnic areas, and walking paths. A gathering spot for families and local events throughout the year.
City of Ridgecrest Official Site →The track at Murray Middle School is accessible to community members for walking and running outside of school hours. A popular spot for locals looking for a flat, measured route.
A well-loved community park at 900 Hermosa Ave featuring basketball courts, playgrounds, and open green space. One of Ridgecrest's most-visited family parks, rated 4.3 stars across 292 community reviews.
City of Ridgecrest Park Info →Ridgecrest's full-scale local gym at 923 S. China Lake Blvd. Features LifeFitness and Hammer Strength equipment, powerlifting area, cardio zone, childcare, saunas, and nearly 24/7 member access.
Visit 760 Fitness →A full-service fitness club featuring cardio equipment, free weights, an indoor pool, spa, sauna, steam room, and group fitness classes. One of the few facilities in the area with a swimming pool currently open to members.
Learn About RAC →The Sgt. John Pinney Memorial Pool was demolished in 2024 and is being replaced by the new Sgt. John Pinney Aquatics Center. Bids went out in August 2025 — no confirmed opening date yet. For swimming now, Ridgecrest Athletic Club offers an indoor pool for members.
City Aquatics Center Updates →Hours and services subject to change — verify directly with each facility.
The Sgt. John Pinney Memorial Pool was demolished in 2024. A replacement — the Sgt. John Pinney Aquatics Center — went out for bids in August 2025 with no confirmed opening date yet.
For swimming now, the Ridgecrest Athletic Club offers an indoor pool available to members. Check with RAC directly for current hours and membership rates.
The Ridgecrest Recreation Department and local school athletics programs support a wide range of youth sports throughout the year. Organized leagues include baseball, soccer, basketball, and football — offering structured team play for children and teens across the Indian Wells Valley.
School-based athletic programs at Murray Middle School and Burroughs High School provide additional competitive opportunities. Community leagues welcome players of all skill levels and are a vital part of life in Ridgecrest.
Always carry water — at minimum one liter per hour of activity in the desert heat.
Avoid hiking or strenuous outdoor activity between 10am and 3pm during summer months.
Tell someone your plans — where you are going and when you expect to return.
Download offline maps before heading out — cell coverage is limited in remote desert areas.
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