Ridgecrest is unique in its geographic location as a desert city surrounded by four mountain ranges-- El Paso Mountains on the south, Sierra Nevada mountains on the west, the Cosos on the north, and the Argus Range on the east.
A proud Kern County municipality, Ridgecrest is not your typical tourist attraction. It is attractive to many, however, who seek a particular climate with only 4 inches of rain annually. Boasting more sunshine per year than nearly any other place, Ridgecrest officials tout 260 days (out of a possible 365) annually that are cloud free.
The city's focus on tourists includes mostly real estate opportunities, which exemplifies that the affordable destination is considered a winter escape for those from colder climates who seek affordable places to live in the warm desert sun.
Considered the shopping and business center for northeastern Kern County,
people from around the Indian Wells Valley come to shop, eat and
enjoy recreational opportunities.