Scenic 395 - The Official Guide 2019/2020

2019-2020 Scenic 395 11 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 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 Technolo- Things to check out in Ridgecrest Continued on Page 13 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.