Sheep Spring, Ridgecrest, CA

## Overview Sheep Spring is a natural desert spring nestled in the rugged terrain of the Indian Wells Valley near Ridgecrest, California, in Kern County. Surrounded by willows and cottonwoods — a striking oasis against the arid Mojave Desert landscape — the spring has long served as a vital water source in this remote region. The cliffs above the spring are adorned with Native American petroglyphs, suggesting that this site held cultural and practical significance for indigenous peoples who relied on the spring for centuries. The presence of these rock carvings makes Sheep Spring not only a natural water source but also an important archaeological and cultural landmark in the eastern Sierra region. The spring sits at approximately 35.497524°N, 117.804214°W, within Mesquite Canyon — a scenic desert canyon that channels seasonal runoff and sustains the spring's flow. The cottonwood and willow trees that shade the spring are a telltale sign of reliable subsurface water in the desert, and they provide welcome relief from the sun for visitors making the trek out. ## Directions 1. From **Ridgecrest, CA**, head south on **South China Lake Boulevard**. 2. Cross **State Highway 395** (US-395). The road continuing straight ahead becomes **Brown Road**. 3. Follow Brown Road and watch for signs directing you toward the **shooting range** area. 4. The road you'll follow is **Mesquite Canyon Road**. Continue along this road all the way to the spring. 5. **4WD is strongly recommended** — the road through Mesquite Canyon is unpaved and can be rough, sandy, or rocky depending on conditions. *Note: These directions are based on a user submission and have not been independently verified. Road conditions in the desert can change with weather events. It's advisable to check local conditions before heading out.* ## What to Expect Sheep Spring is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. Visitors will find a small desert oasis marked by mature willows and cottonwoods growing around the spring source. The water emerges naturally from the ground in a canyon setting typical of the western Mojave Desert. The petroglyphs on the cliffs above the spring are a major highlight — take time to observe them respectfully and from a distance. These carvings are irreplaceable cultural artifacts and are protected under federal law. Do not touch, chalk, or deface them in any way. The drive in via Mesquite Canyon Road requires a high-clearance vehicle, and 4WD is recommended, especially after rain. The road is unpaved and may have washouts or deep sand in places. There are no facilities, shade structures, or services at the spring — bring plenty of water, sun protection, and supplies for a remote desert outing. Summer temperatures in this part of the Mojave can exceed 110°F, so spring and fall visits are generally the most comfortable. Winter visits can also be pleasant, though nighttime temperatures may drop significantly. While the spring has historically been used as a water source in the desert, no current water quality testing data is available. Visitors should not assume the water is safe to drink without proper treatment.