An Introduction to Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park
In the Tehachapi Mountains, overlooking Sand Canyon to the east and the Tehachapi valley to the west, Tomo-Kahni, or "Winter Village," was the site of a Kawaiisu (Nuwa) village.
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Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park
Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park became a part of the California State Park system in 1993 to protect and preserve the integrity of this unique site. Nestled atop a ridge in the Tehachapi Mountains, overlooking Sand Canyon to the east and the Tehachapi valley to the west, Tomo-Kahni, or "Winter Village," was the site of a Kawaiisu (Nuwa) village. The location was likely chosen for its moderate temperature and plentiful resources. The Kawaiisu migrated from the Great Basin and made the Tehachapi their home for two to three thousand years. The Kawaiisu are noted for their finely woven baskets of intricate and colorful design.
Tour Information: Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park: Tour reservations will be opening up for the Spring tour season, April-June (dates TBA). (Link below) Due to the extremely sensitive nature of the site, Tomo-Kahni is available to the public by tour only. These tours are led by trained State Park Volunteers on weekends during the spring and fall months.
Tours begin with an orientation at the Tehachapi Museum. After an orientation, participants must caravan or carpool approximately 12 miles to the park. The moderately strenuous walking tour takes about three hours to complete; the overall tour, including orientation and return, takes about four hours. Tours fill quickly so advance reservations are recommended.
Select the link below concerning tour availability and for more information about Tomo-Kahni:
Over 400 bedrock mortars near a year-round spring remain as evidence of the long occupation of this site by the Nuwa.
Tomo-Kahni protects numerous pictographs including "Rock Baby" shown above.
Wildflowers of Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park
Springtime visitors to Tomo-Kahni are often treated to the view of wonderful California naive wildflowers. A guide to area wildflowers is now available thanks to the hard work of Tomo-Kahni volunteers Georgette, Cynthia and Jeanne.
Download the pdf below to explore the annual blooms of Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park:
Tomo-Kahni Wildflower Guide Become a Tomo-Kahni Volunteer!
Tomo-Kahni would not be open to the public without the dedicated volunteers who lead tours, staff information booths and raise funds for this remarkable place.
If you would like to join this dedicated group please contact State Park Interpreter Jean Rhyne:
jean.rhyne@parks.ca gov