Baker Things to Do

This is the tallest thermometer in the World. Probably needs to be because the desert is so hot, according to Spinal Tap logic..........!

That is almost true in act - it is 134 feet or almost 41 Meteres high - that is about 14 storeys - to reflect the 134 F recorded at a spot in Death Valley. It is also calibrated up to 134F.

2 more images

UPDATE - These lovely signs have been moved just outside of Baker to the North entrance into the Mojave National Preserve. Now, there is a Market and Gift Store in the old park service building.

It’s kind of sad because for many years the National Park Service operated a desert information center in Baker. The center was closed in March 2006, and the staff moved to the refurbished railroad depot in Kelso. The information signs for the park use to be next to the "World's tallest thermometer” and Bob Big Boy!)

2 more images

Mojave National Preserve is a 1.6 million acre park in the Mojave Desert. This is a Mecca for camping, hiking or to enjoy the pure beauty of the desert. You will see Pinyon-Juniper, Joshua Trees, Big Sagebrush, Cactus Yucca, Creosote Bush, Blackbrush scrubs, and Lava Fields. You can get more info in Barstow.

Yet be warned, this can be some harsh land during the very hot summers months. Make sure you gas your vehicles up, have plenty of water for yourself, pets and your vehicle, proper clothing and maps. Know where you are at, at all times. There is a sign just outside of Baker near the entrance that states services are 76 miles away. So be prepared.

From Baker to Kelso it’s about 34 miles and from Kelso to Interstate 40 its about 23 miles. From Interstate 40 going east to Fenner is about 30 miles and going west to Ludlow is about 30 miles.

1 more image

Baker has to have one of the most distinct must see sight seeing touristy attraction....TA..DA....."World's tallest thermometer”, measuring 134-foot (41m). Plus, its height commemorates the hottest temperature ever recorded in the United States, 134°F (56.6°C), measured in nearby Death Valley in 1913. Baker reached a temperature of 124°F (51.1°C) in the summer of 1980.

It seems that in 1991 a local businessman who was part-owner of the local Bun Boy had this constructed as a landmark with the intention of getting more people to stop off here in Baker instead of merely passing through on the Interstate 15. Despite a few initial problems such as the thing falling over and more recently the decision to minimize the lighting to cut electric costs the thermometer seems to be up to its task.

The thermometer was built 134 feet tall and able to record a maximum temperature of 134 F as a commemoration of the highest temperature ever recorded in the US at nearby Death Valley and at night it acts as a beacon to draw traffic from the main highway to the towns gas stations and fast food restaurants.

Driving from Las Vegas on I-15 we stoped in Baker to see the world tallest thermometer. (For external use only).

Nothing special but at least you can see how hot it is and grab a bite at the Del Taco.

Here you can find the world's tallest thermometer (I do not know if it really is) that displays the temperature all day and all night long. You can drive down the I-15 and tell exactly how hot it is.

Below the thermometer is the Mojave Desert Information Center that is a place you should go and see to get information about the local area.