Free Information Day on August 16 in Tehachapi! Attend presentation by Dr. David Earle - Sign up for a tour - Learn about opportunites to become a Tomo-Kahni Volunteer! by Bernice Romo
The Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park volunteers are pleased to announce a guest speaker event to be held Saturday August 16, 2025, starting at 11 am at the Friendship Hall of the Community Congregational Church located at 100 East E Street in Tehachapi, Ca. The speaker is Dr. David Earle who is an anthropologically trained ethnohistorian who specializes in the Indigenous history of southern California and the Peruvian Andes. He is widely considered our leading authority on the historical chronicles of the earliest Spanish and American explorers and occupants of the state and the implications of their early accounts for this period of Native American history. A long-time resident of the Antelope Valley, much of David’s California work has emphasized the historical sources relevant to the Native American Tribes occupying the Mojave Desert and Tehachapi region specifically, making his research directly relevant to those interested in local tribal history. There will be a reception with cake and beverages immediately following Dr. Earle’s discussion. Also available will be information on how to sign up for the upcoming fall tours at Tomo-Kahni SHP which can only be accessed by reserving a guided tour. This will also be a wonderful opportunity to find out more about Tomo-Kahni SHP and become a volunteer for the park. Tomo-Kahni or “Winter Home” is the historic site of a Kawaiisu/Nuwa village. Nestled atop a ridge in the Tehachapi Mountains overlooking Sand Canyon to the east and the Tehachapi valley to the west, the site was likely chosen by the Kawaiisu for its moderate temperatures and plentiful resources.
Congratulations to the Tomo-Kahni Volunteers for a successful Kid's Day! For photos and more information, go to our NEWS page.
An Introduction to Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park
Please note, reservation phone number given in above video has changed. New reservation instructions are available on this page to the right.
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 Michael Deagon (michael.deagon@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 Saturdays during the spring and fall months. Reservations are required.
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.
TOUR RESERVATIONS Tour reservations for Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 are now available to make online. Tours for Fall 2025 will be on Saturdays, 9/13 – 10/18. Spring 2026 tours are scheduled for Saturdays, 4/25 – 5/30. To make a reservation through Reserve California first read the "hints" below, and then click: Tour Reservations Some hints for making a tour reservation: Go to the Reserve California site Activities page by using the link above. Then under the heading PLACE select Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park from the drop down menu. Then go to CHOOSE DATE and select a date. For more help making a reservation Please call the Fort Tejon State Historic Park office at (661) 248-6692 More Tour information is available here: California State Park Tomo-Kahni tour information
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.