California State Parks is taking reservations for the fall tour season at Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park in Tehachapi.  Although no structures remain on this Kawaiisu Native American 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.

Due to the extremely sensitive nature of the site, visitation is only permitted on a guided tour, which involves a moderately strenuous 3-hour hike.

Fall tours will be offered Saturdays September 26th through November 14th.  Activities begin at 8:30 a.m. with an orientation at the Tehachapi Museum in Tehachapi and last approximately 4 hours, which includes travel time to and from the park (transportation is not provided).  Weather at the high-elevation park is variable, so layered clothing is recommended.  Adequate 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) 946-6092 or email Mojave.Sector@parks.ca.gov.

Where:  Tehachapi Museum, 310 S. Green Street, Tehachapi

When:  Saturdays through June 15th, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cost:  Adults: $5, Children age 6-16 $3, Children under 5 free.
Reservations: $10 per party

* August 29: Twilight tour of Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park, a fundraiser for the Tehachapi Heritage League.  Email info@tehachapimuseum.org or call 661-822-8152 for information.

* October 3-4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Antelope Valley Indian Museum Annual Celebration.

* December 5^th, 5-8 p.m.: Holidays on the Homestead at Antelope Valley Indian Museum

* January 1: First Day Hikes at Saddleback Butte State Park and Red Rock Canyon State Park