Oak Creek Pass

Oak Creek Pass is a mountain pass in the Tehachapi Mountains that rises to an elevation of 4820 feet (1469 m) and connects the city of Tehachapi to the Mojave Desert. The pass cuts through mountainous terrain with steep slopes and offers views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Father Francisco Garcés navigated through Oak Creek Pass in 1776 while returning from his exploration of the San Joaquin Valley to the Mojave region. This pass remained the main connection between the San Joaquin Valley and the Mojave Desert until the railroad through Tehachapi Pass was built in 1876.

The pass is marked as California Historical Landmark number 97, commemorating the routes that early travelers used through this mountain region. This designation shows how important the location was for early exploration and exchange between different areas.

You reach Oak Creek Pass by taking Tehachapi Willow Springs Road, located about 7 kilometers south of Tehachapi Boulevard in Kern County. The road is usually accessible, but visitors should check weather conditions and road conditions, especially during winter months.

Before the railroad was built in 1876, this pass served as the only practical route between two major regions for a long time. Once the rail network opened, it lost its role as the main route and became less traveled.