Glyph dwellers

GETTING THERE:

Ridgecrest is about 155 miles northeast of Los Angeles, about a three-hour drive, up California 14.

WHERE TO STAY:

Carriage Inn, 901 N. China Lake Blvd.; (760) 446-7910, vwww.carriageinn.biz. No frills, but clean and comfortable. Doubles from $75.

EconoLodge Inn and Suites, 201 Inyo-Kern Road; (760) 446-2551, vwww.choicehotels.com. Comparable to other chains in town. Doubles $58.49.

WHERE TO EAT:

Astorga’s Mexican Grill, 411 S. China Lake Blvd.; (760) 375-9993. Competent traditional Mexican fare — sopes, chile verde, burritos, carnitas — in a cheery, basic diner. Entrees $9-$14.

Kristy’s Family Restaurant, 430 S. China Lake Blvd.; (760) 375-9132. Burgers, sandwiches, salmon, pancakes, waffles, omelets. Dinners $8-$11, including entree, soup and salad.

WHAT TO DO:

Petroglyph tours: Maturango Museum, 100 E. Las Flores Ave., Ridgecrest; (760) 375-6900, vwww.maturango.org, operates tours in fall and spring. Apply early. Security clearance required; noncitizens must apply three weeks in advance. Bring sturdy shoes, long pants and lots of water. Be sure you can handle the walk; in places it’s a scramble. No pets or children younger than 10. $35 per person.

Randsburg: A populated high-desert mining town 20 miles south of Ridgecrest.

TO LEARN MORE:

Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce, (760) 375-8331, www.ridgecrestchamber.com.

— Rosie Mestel