How far is Ridgecrest, CA from Searles, CA?
The driving distance from Ridgecrest, CA to Searles, CA is about 20.4 miles (32.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 38m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 9.8 miles (15.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 17m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 38m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Census-designated place in Kern County, California
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ridgecrest and Searles.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ridgecrest and Searles.
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1
Start on West Ridgecrest Boulevard
2.6 mi · 4 min · West Ridgecrest Boulevard
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2
Continue straight
1.7 mi · 2 min
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3
Turn right onto Randsburg Wash Road
4.1 mi · 6 min · Randsburg Wash Road
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4
Turn right onto Trona Road
9.5 mi · 17 min · Trona Road
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5
Turn right onto Searles Station Road
2.6 mi · 10 min · Searles Station Road
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6
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Searles Station Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ridgecrest and Searles.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Trona Road
Turn right onto Trona Road
9.47 mi · 00h 17m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Ridgecrest and Sunny near Searles.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ridgecrest to Searles?
The road trip is about 20.4 miles (32.8 km) and usually takes 00h 38m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
China Lake Acres is a useful midpoint, sitting about 10.2 miles from Ridgecrest and 10.2 miles from Searles.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 9.8 miles (15.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.6 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:12 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.51 one way or $9.02 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 6.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Ridgecrest and Sunny near Searles.
Stop Ideas Near China Lake Acres
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to China Lake Acres.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ridgecrest and Searles. Straight-line distance: 9.78 mi (15.74 km).
#1 Ridgecrest
City in California
| Population | 29,135 |
| Coordinates | 35.6224600, -117.6709000 |
| Altitude | 698 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Searles
Situated in the Mojave Desert at an elevation of 3,245 feet, this Kern County community lies within the arid Searles Valley.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 35.4838500, -117.6353400 |
| Altitude | 989 |
| Country | United States |
End: Searles (-117.63534, 35.48385)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 33 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 20m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $6.26 | $4.51 | $9.02 |
| Mid-grade | $6.50 | $4.68 | $9.36 |
| Premium | $6.69 | $4.82 | $9.63 |
| Diesel | $8.41 | $6.06 | $12.11 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in California · Oct 15, 2026