Ridgecrest is a city located in the Indian Wells Valley in the southern part of the state of California, USA. It is situated in the Mojave Desert, surrounded by the Sierra Nevada and Coso mountain ranges. The city is known for its stunning desert landscapes, with vast open spaces and clear blue skies. Ridgecrest is a small, close-knit community with a population of around 29,000 people. The city has a strong military presence, as it is home to the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, which is the largest single landholding of the United States Navy. This military base plays a significant role in the local economy and community.