California State Parks is taking reservations for the spring tour season at Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park in Tehachapi, site of a Kawaiisu Native American village.

Visitation is only permitted on a guided tour, which involves a moderately strenuous three-hour hike.

Although no structures remain on the village site, the area’s rich history comes alive through the trained volunteer tour guides and the clues that the inhabitants left behind.

Tomo Kahni means “winter home” in Kawaiisu, and rock rings mark the locations of many of the kahni, or homes, that were built of juniper boughs. Hundreds of mortar holes in the park tell of a very active past.

The tour also includes Medicine Cave, Nettle Springs and a cave with pictographs – a sacred place of the Kawaiisu.

Spring tours will be offered Saturdays April 28 through June 9. Activities begin at 8:30 a.m. with an orientation at the Tehachapi Museum in Tehachapi and last approximately four hours, including travel time to and from the park (transportation is not provided).

Please note: Those with heart conditions or breathing problems should NOT take this tour. Weather at the high-elevation park is variable, so layered clothing is recommended. Ample drinking water, sun protection, and sturdy walking shoes are also necessary.

Tour fee is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-16 (age 5 and under are free, but not recommended on tours). Tours are limited to 15 people and fill up fast so reservations are highly recommended for an additional fee of $10 per party.

To make a reservation or for more information, call 661-724-1206 or email Tehachapi.District@parks.ca.gov.

The Tehachapi Museum is located at 310 S. Green Street, Tehachapi 93561.