Scenic 395 - The Official Guide 2018/2019

2018-2019 Scenic 395 14 Ridgecrest Weapons Center, and Naval Air Weapons Station, which are the main employers of most local residents. Travelers may visit the Naval Museum of Armament and Technology (www.chinalakemuseum.org) , but access to the highly se- cure base can take up to two hours. Applications for a day pass are taken at the Visitors Center just south of the main gate. The museum is currently building an off-base loca- tion next door to the Maturango Museum to remove this barrier to visitors. Speaking of the Maturango Museum (www.maturango.org) , it is easy to find at 100 E. Las Flores Ave., across the street from The Home Depot, and is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It houses exhibits of natural and cultural history, including ceremonial art by the Coso Peo- ple, who were known for their petroglyphs of bighorn sheep, antelope, deer, and abstracts. Tours can be arranged at the museum to visit Little Petroglyph Canyon, part of the National Historic Landmark. Modern replicas of pet- roglyphs from around the world are artistically displayed throughout town, and particularly at Petroglyph Park south of the museum. A Petroglyph Festival is celebrated each November (www.rpfestival.com) . Mountain biking is extremely popu- lar along the numerous trails (1,470 according to map- myride.com) in the foothills surrounding the city. Golf is an option for those with access to the base, and bowling and going to the movies are also choices for entertainment in Ridgecrest. Another point of interest for animal lovers is the Bureau of Land Management corrals east of town on Randsburg Wash Road off Highway 178. The facility sits on 57 acres and workers care for wild horses and burros that have been captured until they can be adopted. Visitors can drive the perimeter on a dirt road and look at the different corrals where horses are separated by gender and age. Inside the facility, one can get information about adopting these sur- vivors of the wild west, or at least pick up a poster. Continued from Page 12 JESSICA WESTON/REPRINTED BY PERMISSION OF THE DAILY INDEPENDENT The Parade of 1,000 Flags, held each year on the Saturday closest to Septem- ber 11, is a unique institution in Ridgecrest where members of the community march 1,000 United States Flags through town and to Freedom Park, where they are then displayed. Ridgecrest’s Finest Hotels Great weekend and holiday rates available 104 E. Sydnor Ave. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 (760) 446-1968 Complimentary hot buffet breakfast and internet, also heated pools and spas at both locations! 113 E. Sydnor Ave. Ridgecrest, CA 93555 (760) 446-1630