The wind farms on the ridges above Tehachapi are the second-largest set of windmills in the world and the top location for power output. The 5,000 turbines generate about 800 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually.There are at least four competitively priced brand-name motels in the full-service town of Tehachapi and four independents. The TraveLodge (500 Steuber Road, 661 823-8000) is a clean, modern and thoroughly soul-less facility far out on the highway, with an attractive rate mid-week. Given the steakhouse and mini-mart just across the parking lot, it was all that we needed. Many other hikers in 2005 opted for the Best Western Mountain Inn (418 W. Tehachapi Blvd., 661-822-5591), at a slightly higher rate and in a far superior location on the main drag in the heart of town. (Tehachipi is pretty spread-out for a trail town, so location is of significant importance here.) On a subsequent visit, we stayed at the Best Western (which isn't to be confused with the newer and more expensive Best Western next door) and decided it was in fact a superior value to the TraveLodge, based just on location, within walking distance of many restaurants, a full-service grocery and a big-box discounter.
Tehachapi is home to one of the most authentic, home-style Mexican restaurants in the area, Las Palmas (108 S. Green St., 661-822-5506). Very generous portions and a creative menu that goes well past the usual ho-hum combo-platter-with-beans fare. We found it to be an exceptional value. Jake's Steakhouse (213 S. Curry St. 661 822-6015) had decent food, what passes for an upscale dining room in Tehachapi, and very good service. Still, we'd go back to Las Palmas first.
There was an era when the decision to hitch east to Mojave or west to Tehachapi was a toss-a-coin proposition. That era is long-since gone. Tehachapi has grown into a full-service town, whereas Mojave is still little more than a long frontage strip of fast food joints and low-end motels. Neither one is a garden spot, but Tehachapi is clearly the stronger choice now. Still, if you are dead set on going to Mojave, note that as of spring 2008 the fabled White's Motel has morphed into a Day's Inn (16100 Sierra Hwy., 661 824-2421). They will reportedly accept resupply boxes and provide free trailhead shuttles.