Scenic 395 - The Official Guide 2018/2019

2018-2019 Scenic 395 12 Ridgecrest A ccording to Wikipedia, Inyokern has the highest insolation of any locale on the North American continent, having more than 355 days of sunshine each year, hence its motto: The Sunshine Capital of America. It is also home to the past and cur- rent world champion musical saw players. The Inyokern airport is a popular location for car commercials, with the grand Sierra Ne- vada as a backdrop. You can also take glider rides here. Inyokern is close to the junction of high- ways 395 and 14. There is actually a connect- ing road about 5 miles long (Highway 178) that goes through the tiny community, which consists of a hardware store, a feed store that also sells western wear, an antique shop, a couple of restaurants, and an art gallery called “Inyo Dreams.” Ridgecrest is technically not along High- way 395, but it is the largest city between Victorville and Reno and has many restau- rant and lodging choices. Ridgecrest lies in the Indian Wells Valley near the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and is near three other ranges, making it a staging point for outdoor adventures of all types. It is home to the China Lake Naval Things to check out in Ridgecrest and Inyokern Continued on Page 14 JESSICA WESTON/REPRINTED BY PERMISSION OF THE DAILY INDEPENDENT The petroglyphs at Petroglyph Park provide a nice photo opportunity. The park is located in the heart of Ridgecrest.