Earthquakes Near Ridgecrest Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of Ridgecrest, California.
Checking live USGS data near Ridgecrest…
Why Ridgecrest gets earthquakes
Ridgecrest became nationally famous in July 2019, when an M6.4 foreshock on July 4 was followed the next day by an M7.1 mainshock — the largest Southern California earthquake in 20 years. The sequence produced over 100,000 aftershocks and cracked roads and buildings across the Indian Wells Valley and the China Lake naval base.
The town sits inside the Eastern California Shear Zone, a broad band of faults east of the Sierra Nevada that carries a significant share of the Pacific–North America plate motion. Aftershocks of the 2019 sequence, along with activity in the Coso volcanic field just north, keep this one of the most seismically active spots in the state.
Ridgecrest earthquake FAQ
▸Did Ridgecrest just have an earthquake?
The live panel at the top of this page checks the USGS catalog for every earthquake within 150 km of Ridgecrest and answers in one line. Keep in mind USGS data lags real shaking by roughly 2–3 minutes in California and up to ~8 minutes in other regions — if you felt something seconds ago, refresh shortly.
▸What faults cause earthquakes near Ridgecrest?
Ridgecrest sits in the Eastern California Shear Zone. The 2019 M6.4 and M7.1 quakes ruptured previously little-known cross-cutting faults near the Airport Lake and Little Lake fault zones, and their aftershocks — plus the Coso volcanic field to the north — still produce frequent activity.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in Ridgecrest, CA?
Close to the epicenter, people typically begin to feel earthquakes around magnitude 2.5–3.0. An M4+ is felt across a wide area and rattles objects; M5+ can damage buildings near the epicenter. Shallow quakes feel stronger than deep ones of the same magnitude, and soft soils amplify shaking.
▸What should I do if I feel an earthquake in Ridgecrest?
Drop, Cover, and Hold On — get low, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until shaking stops. Afterward, check for hazards like gas leaks, and expect possible aftershocks. If you're in a coastal area and the shaking is strong or lasts a long time, move inland or to high ground. Official guidance: ready.gov/earthquakes.