On the way to Death Valley, I peeled off for a full day at the Trona Pinnacles—and it really does feel like you just rolled onto some bizarre alien planet. In this video I drive out to the spires, pick my way around the area, and set up camp right out in the middle of this otherworldly landscape. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, walk around, and actually explore instead of just snapping a photo and leaving. I also dig into the strange story behind how these tufa spires formed, because once you know what you’re looking at, the whole place gets even cooler. If you’re planning an overland route through the Mojave on your way to Death Valley, this is an easy detour that delivers big views, wide-open camping, and a ton of unique terrain to wander. I’ll show you what the access is like, what the camping vibe feels like, and why this spot is absolutely worth a day on your itinerary.