World’s Tallest Thermometer

72157 Baker Blvd., I-15 exit 246, (760) 733-4747. Free.

Most people driving I-15 are, like I was, either on the way to or from Las Vegas. In my case it was to attend a flash mob wedding there officiated by Elvis.

The town of Baker makes a great rest stop. It is home to The World’s Tallest Thermometer, which stands 134 feet tall and weighs 76,812 pounds. That calculates to one foot in height for every degree in fahrenheit that was recorded on July 10, 1913 in nearby Death Valley. That day is officially the World’s Hottest Day. The highest temperature this thermometer has ever recorded was 127 degrees in August 1995, which was 4 years after it was built here. The Mojave Desert town of Baker is usually baking hot, but on the mid-winter day I drove by the thermometer was only lit up to 50 degrees. The thermometer is easy to see from your car when passing by, but you’ll see it even better and be able to savor the experience if you take the loop off of Highway I-15 into town.

World’s Tallest Thermometer in Baker, California

Stop in the parking lot of the Del Taco as I did for photos. As might be expected, a gift shop is located at the thermometer’s base which is also a great spot for a straight-up photo. While you’re here, note that Del Taco is a popular spot for a fast food break, and the Alien Fresh Jerky shop just across the street purveys its famous beef jerky.