Tehachapi

Tehachapi is a city in Kern County, California, United States, located in the southern Sierra Nevada foothills at the eastern end of the Tehachapi Pass. It sits at an elevation of about 3,900 feet and lies along the main rail corridor between Bakersfield and the Mojave Desert, as well as along California State Route 58.

Geography and climate: The Tehachapi area has a high-desert climate with hot summers and cool winters. Annual precipitation is modest, on the order of 8–10 inches. The area is exposed to frequent winds, which contribute to its role as a wind-energy hub.

History: The region was originally inhabited by Native American peoples, including the Kawaiisu. Non-native settlement grew in the late 19th century with the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad, which built a mountain-grade through the Tehachapi Pass; the Tehachapi Loop, a famous spiral segment of the line, opened in 1876 and remains a landmark of railway engineering. The town developed as a railroad town and later diversified into agriculture and energy.

Economy and infrastructure: Today Tehachapi is known for wind energy, with the Tehachapi Wind Resource Area containing hundreds of turbines in the surrounding hills. Agriculture, ranching, and small businesses provide local employment. The city serves as a regional hub for residents of the Tehachapi Valley and is connected by the BNSF/Union Pacific mainline, as well as road access via SR 58. The Tehachapi Municipal Airport serves general aviation.

Notable features: The Tehachapi Loop and the nearby Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum are among the region's notable landmarks. Outdoor recreation and scenic mountain vistas attract visitors year-round.