Inyokern in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Indian Wells
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 29, 2022
1. Indian Wells Marker
Indian water hole on Joseph R. Walker trail of 1834 where Manly-Jayhawker parties of 1849 found their first water after five days of travel from Argus Range. During 1860's was site of stage and freight station from Los Angeles to Coso and Cerro Gordo mines.
State Registered Landmark No. 457
Erected 1950 by California Centennials Commission, and Kern County Historical Society. (Marker Number 457.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Natural Resources • Notable Places • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1834.
Location. 35° 40.072′ N, 117° 52.341′ W. Marker is in Inyokern, California, in Kern County. It is on State Highway 14 2 miles north of Inyokern Road, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2565 N CA-14, Inyokern CA 93527, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley, specifically in the Central Valley, and in the Sierra Nevada. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: "Siding 16" (approx. 3.7 miles away); Walker's Pass (approx. 8.7 miles away); Naval Ordnance Test Station, China Lake
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Freeman Junction (was approx. 5 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Regarding Indian Wells. Indian Wells Brewing Company has installed a sign with updated language from the California Office of Historic Preservation:
Indian Wells Spring
California Historical Landmark #457
After five days' travel from the Argus Range, the Manly-Jayhawker parties of 1849 found their first water at this Indian waterhole on the Joseph R. Walker Trail of 1843. During the 1860s, this was the site of a stage and freight station for traffic between Los Angeles and the Coso and Cerro Gordo Mines.
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 29, 2022
2. Indian Wells Marker
Photographed by Michael Kindig, December 4, 2011
3. Indian Wells Marker - in 2011
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 29, 2022
4. Indian Wells Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 29, 2022
5. Sign at Street
Photographed by Craig Baker
6. Sign Collection
Photographed by Craig Baker, July 11, 2025
7. Indian Wells Spring
Sign with updated language.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 1,452 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 4, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on December 7, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 4, 5. submitted on April 4, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 6, 7. submitted on July 11, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
