Link: California State Park Webpage for Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park SAVE THE DATE: June 24 Presentation “Understanding the Archaeology of Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park” Select ACTIVITIES for details
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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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:
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
Over 400 bedrock mortars near a year-round spring remain as evidence of the long occupation of this site by the Nuwa.
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.
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. Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park is undeveloped, with no historic or contemporary structures. The moderately strenuous 3-mile round-trip walking tour begins at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet and gains 800 feet in elevation. Parts of the trail are on uneven terrain. Participants should have the physical ability and stamina to make the hike as everyone must stay together. The complete tour, including orientation and driving time, takes about 4 hours. The tour is not recommended for children 5 and under or those with health or walking limitations. Dates for 2023: Saturdays, April 29 - May 27 and Sept. 9 – Oct. 14.
TOUR RESERVATIONS for Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park Some hints for making a tour reservation: Once on The Reserve California site, select ACTIVITIES. Under the heading PLACE select Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park from the drop down menu. Then select a date for a Saturday September 9 through October 14. For more help making a reservation Please call the Fort Tejon State Historic Park office at (661) 248-6692
Walking the Path: A Virtual Tour of Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park. The full 60 minute version will be for sale at the Tehachapi Museum beginning in October 2022.
Tomo-Kahni protects numerous pictographs including "Rock Baby" shown above.