The Trona Pinnacles is what remains of the now ancient saline Searles Lake. When the lake was full, fresh water springs percolated up through the saline waters precipitating out minerals forming underwater spires of porous rock. When the geology and climate changed, the lake dried leaving these unusually spire formations. The area has been the site of many sci-fi movies and automotive commercials. The land is designated as a California Desert Natural Area and Area of Critical Environmental Concern under the management of the Bureau of Land Management.