Trails Drive In

Trails Drive In has served Trona, California since 1958, earning a 4.6-star rating across 280 reviews. Located at 84520 Trona Road in the Searles Valley, this family-owned restaurant sits along a scenic route connecting travelers to Panamint Valley, Death Valley, and Las Vegas. The eatery operates Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 9 PM during summer months, drawing both locals who have visited for decades and tourists passing through the desert region.

What distinguishes Trails Drive In from typical roadside fare is its commitment to preserving a vanishing American dining experience. The building has changed remarkably little since its founding, and the menu retains the same burgers, fries, flavored sodas, and soft-serve ice cream that satisfied customers forty years ago. Visitors consistently praise the made-to-order burgers, with the pastrami burger and chili cheese burger standing out as particular favorites. The restaurant offers open Wi-Fi, air-conditioned seating, and clean restrooms, addressing practical needs for travelers in this remote desert location.

Reviewers frequently highlight specific menu items and service experiences. One customer called the burgers "the best burgers we have ever eaten" while noting the fries were "literally perfect." Another reviewer recommended the hot dogs and praised the quick service during a lunch stop. The milkshakes receive consistent acclaim, with one visitor describing them as "perfect" and another noting the orange flavor was not to their personal taste. A pastrami burger enthusiast called it "darn tasty" while observing that the small staff sometimes requires a few extra minutes for food preparation, though they emphasized the team is not slow.