High Desert State Prison is a maximum-security correctional facility located in Susanville, California. Situated in the high desert region of Lassen County, the prison is part of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) system. The remote location places it approximately 200 miles north of Sacramento and 150 miles east of Redding, making it one of the state’s more geographically isolated institutions.
Geographic Context of the Facility
The name of the prison directly references its surroundings, situating it within the high desert plateau of Northern California. This area is characterized by its arid climate, sparse vegetation, and significant elevation, sitting at approximately 4,200 feet above sea level. The specific address is 19300 New Island View Road, Susanville, CA 96130, placing it on the northeastern edge of the town adjacent to the Federal Correctional Institution, Herlong.
Security Level and Inmate Population
As a Level IV facility, High Desert State Prison is designed to house the highest risk offenders within the state system. These inmates are typically classified as high-security, violent, or chronic offenders who require strict supervision and secure housing. The infrastructure includes reinforced perimeters, multiple security zones, and advanced monitoring systems to manage the incarcerated population safely.
Operational History and Context
Opened in 1995, the prison was constructed to address the growing overcrowding in California’s correctional system. Its establishment in the high desert region was a strategic decision influenced by available land, lower construction costs, and the need to decentralize the prison population away from major metropolitan areas. Over the years, it has become a significant employer for the Susanville community, though it operates under the strict regulations of the CDCR.
Proximity to Other Correctional Facilities
The location of High Desert State Prison is distinct due to its clustering with other correctional institutions. It is part of a dense network of prisons in the Susanville area, earning the region the nickname "Prison Town USA." This proximity includes the Federal Correctional Institution, Herlong, and the California Correctional Center, creating a unique landscape where correctional facilities dominate the local economy and geography.
Visiting and Contact Information
For families and legal representatives, the prison maintains specific visiting hours and protocols. Inmates are allowed limited visits, typically on weekends, and all interactions occur within controlled visiting rooms. The main phone number for the facility is (530) 257-2141, though all communication is subject to security screenings and CDCR policies regarding inmate contact.
Impact on the Local Community
Susanville and the surrounding high desert region have an economy heavily intertwined with the presence of the prison. While the facility provides steady employment for correctional officers, administrative staff, and support services, the town’s identity is often defined by its correctional landscape. This symbiotic relationship highlights the complex social dynamics of housing a maximum-security prison in a rural area.
Navigating the Remote Location
Traveling to High Desert State Prison requires careful planning due to its remote location. Visitors must navigate several miles of highway through the high desert terrain, and services such as gas and food are limited in the immediate vicinity. The prison is accessible via State Route 36 and State Route 139, though GPS coordinates or precise directions are essential for first-time visitors to avoid delays or confusion.
