"Carrizo Plain National Monument" by Bureau of Land Management California , public domain
Carrizo Plain
National Monument - California
The Carrizo Plain is a large enclosed grassland plain, approximately 50 miles long and up to 15 miles across, in southeastern San Luis Obispo County, California, about 100 miles of Los Angeles.
Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) of the Ballinger Off-Highway Vehicle area (OHV) in the Los Padres National Forest (NF) in California. Published by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) of Mt. Pinos, Ojai and Santa Barbara Ranger Districts (RD) of Los Padres National Forest (NF) in California. Published by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) of the Santa Lucia Ranger District (RD) of Los Padres National Forest (NF) in California. Published by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
Brochure for Freshwater Fishing in California. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Carrizo Plain NM
https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/carrizo-plain-national-monument
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrizo_Plain
The Carrizo Plain is a large enclosed grassland plain, approximately 50 miles long and up to 15 miles across, in southeastern San Luis Obispo County, California, about 100 miles of Los Angeles.
Welcome to
Carrizo Plain
Beetle
National Monument
Things to Do
At less than 100 air miles from Los Angeles, Carrizo Plain
Carrizo Plain National Monument is a great place to
National Monument is a remnant of a natural habitat
enjoy nature and witness human history. People visit
where antelope and elk grazed and wildflowers swept
the Monument to view wildlife, to see the spectacular
the spring landscape. Within the Plain are vast open
wildflower displays in the spring, to walk along the San
grasslands, white alkali flats of the ancient Soda Lake,
Andreas Fault at Wallace Creek, to visit the pictographs
and a broad plain rimmed by mountains. Carrizo Plain is
at Painted Rock, and to just enjoy the solitude. Other
home to a variety of wildlife and plant species—includ-
visitors enjoy hunting opportunities in the mountains
ing several that are threatened or endangered. The area
surrounding the plain, camping in the foothills, horse-
has significant cultural and historical resources. Evidence
back riding, hiking, mountain biking, and various other
of the valley-carving and mountain-moving San Andreas
outdoor activities.
Fault can also be seen in the Carrizo Plain.
The Carrizo Plain is approximately 250,000 acres in
size—or about 38 miles long—and 17 miles wide and
is jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management,
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and The
Nature & Science
Hiking
Equestrian Use
Hiking in Carrizo is generally self-guided and takes place
Equestrian use is permitted on the Carrizo Plain. Trailer
on roads, trails, and cross-country. There are only a few
parking is available, but limited to already impacted areas
developed trails within the Monument. These include the
such as campgrounds and parking areas. Equestrians
Caliente Ridge Trail and various interpretive trails:
are prohibited on most walking trails, including but
Caliente Ridge Trailhead: This 7-mile long trail is
accessed from a small trailhead located at the top of
Caliente Ridge and provides panoramic views of the
Carrizo Plain as well as the Temblor Range and parts of
Cuyama Valley. This trail also provides excel-
Recreation is oriented toward
enjoyment of the area’s natural
and historic resources
lent opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird
watching. Moderate hike.
Nature Conservancy.
Seasonal tours are provided of Soda Lake/Painted Rock
and the El Saucito Ranch. To sign up for a tour you can
visit, www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777, TDD
1-877-833-6777.
The majority of recreational activities at the National
Monument are concentrated around the Goodwin
Education Center, Soda Lake, Painted Rock, Selby and
KCL campgrounds, the Caliente Mountains, and along
the San Andreas Fault.
The Guy L. Goodwin Education center is a great place
to start your visit. It is open December–May, Thursday–
Guy L. Goodwin Education Center
166. Wide open spaces and spring wildflowers
vehicles and must stay on designated roads. Mountain
Prepare yourself for your adventure. The Carrizo Plain
National Monument does not provide any services
such as water, food, or fuel. Plan your trip accordingly
and insure you get these items in one of the neighboring communities before you come (see Gateway
Communities). These communities lie 15 miles from the
south entrance and 60 miles from the north entrance.
beginning of December to the end of May. Normal days
and hours of operation during the winter and spring
season are Thursday through Sunday, 9:00am to 4:00pm.
Make this your first stop to receive updated information. Informational maps and brochures are available at
the front door when the Center is closed. Handicapped
accessible restrooms at the Visitor Center are open 24
hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year.
time of year you are visiting.
Auto Touring and other
Motorized Recreation Use
Weather
Most Monument visitors tour the area in cars, stopping
Also, insure you bring the appropriate apparel for the
Expect warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Most
rain falls between November and April with occasional
snow. Average summer temperatures range from the
low 50s °F at night to the upper 90s °F during the day.
Daytime temperatures often exceed 100 °F, with a record
high of 115 °F. Average winter temperatures range from
highs in the mid 60s to lows in the mid 30s, with a record
at scenic viewpoints, interpretive overlooks, hiking trails,
and other points of interest along the way. Typically
these visitors stay on Soda Lake Road. More adventurous
visitors access the back roads of the Monument with
pickups and sport utility vehicles. All vehicles must stay
on designated routes. Popular routes are depicted on
this map. The speed limit on BLM roads is 25 MPH.
low of 0 °F. The Carrizo Plain receives between 7–10
inches of annual rainfall on the valley floor.
Pets
Pets must be controlled at all times. In addition, pets
Burrowing owl,
(background)
Giant kangaroo rat
precincts
Pacific P
Bag limits, seasons of use, and
size restriction of fish can be
found on the same web site.
Fisherman and Fire
Wildfire can be both beneficial and devastating. It can
wipe out homes and businesses as well as rejuvenate
forested lands and riparian areas. It is always best to
leave fire to the professionals and always make sure your
campfires and burning items are completely out before
you leave. Please remember to be very careful with fire.
fishing accidents. Always be sure of your footing when
walking or wading (and it is generally better for you and
the aquatic species to stay out of the streams and rivers
while fishing).
Large and small wildlife (snakes and mosquitos) can
Nutria
be an annoyance when fishing. Be aware of your
surroundings and watch where you step. Wear mosquito
and bug repellant with deet to keep them from eating you
alive.
As always, be careful when
driving to and from your
secret fishing hole. When
boating, always have a
Quagga Mussels
life vest handy (and kids
under 15 must always wear
a vest while in a boat per
California State Law).
Mother Lode Field Office
(916) 941-3101
5152 Hillsdale Circle
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5713
(El Dorado Co.)
freshwater/license-information.
fishermen and women are injured or lose their lives in
Applegate Field Office
(530) 233-4666
708 W. 12th Street
Alturas, CA 96101-3130
(Modoc Co.)
at http://www.eregulations.com/california/fishing/
opportunity, it can be dangerous as well. Every year,
Surprise Field Station
(530) 279-6101
602 Cressler St. phy./
P.O. Box 460 mlg.
Cedarville, CA 96104-0460
(Modoc Co.)
California. A listing of those requirements may be found
Eurasian Milfoil
Palm Springs Field Office
(760) 833-7100
1201 Bird Center Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262-8001
(Riverside Co.)
Freshwater Fishing license issued by the State of
Hyacinth
Needles Field Office
(760) 326-7000
1303 So. Hwy. 95
Needles, CA 92363-4217
(San Bernardino Co.)
Even though fishing is a tremendous recreational
license, you are required to possess a California
Arcata Field Office
(707) 825-2300
1695 Heindon Road
Arcata, CA 95521-4573
(Humboldt Co.)
While you are not required to have a “BLM” fishing
Aquatic Invasive Species include
Bakersfield Field Office
(661) 391-6000
3801 Pegasus Drive
Bakersfield, CA 933086837 (Kern Co.)
Safety
Barstow Field Office
(760) 252-6000
2601 Barstow Road
Barstow, CA 92311-6653
(San Bernardino Co.)
License Requirement
water to another.
Redding Field Office
(530) 224-2100
6640 Lockheed Drive
Redding, CA 96002
(Shasta Co.)
Never release plants, animals, or fish into water bodies. Never move fish or plants or bait from one
Bishop Field Office
(760) 872-5000
351 Pacu Lane, Suite 100
Bishop, CA 93514-3101
(Inyo Co.)
Dry – Completely dry equipment and gear between visits to fresh water systems.
Ridgecrest Field Office
(760) 384-5400
300 So. Richmond Road
Ridgecrest, CA 93555-4436
(Kern Co.)
Drain – Empty coolers, bilge pumps, and buckets of all water before leaving a water body.
Central Coast Office
(831) 582-2200
940 2nd Avenue
Marina, CA 93933-6009
(San Benito Co.)
Clean – Rinse and remove all mud and plant materials from boats, fishing equipment, and clothing.
Ukiah Field Office
(707) 468-4000
2550 N. State Street
Ukiah, CA 95482-5194
(Mendocino Co.)
serious and irreversible harm to aquatic habitats in California if allowed to spread unchecked.
Eagle Lake Field Office
(530) 257-0456
2550 Riverside Drive
Susanville, CA 96130-4710
(Lassen Co.)
Take measures to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive plants and animals. They can cause
El Centro Field Office
(760) 337-4400
1661 So. 4th Street
El Centro, CA 92243-4561
(Imperial Co.)
Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
f you have any questions, feel free to contact
ny of the following BLM offices in California:
uestions?
Catch and Release
A large percent of California freshwater anglers are catch
and release fishermen — meaning they are very careful
with the fish after they catch them and they release them
back to the water as quickly as possible. It is always a
good thing to keep your fish in a “fish friendly” net in the
water until you are ready to release it. Barbless hooks
Leave No Trace
How to photograph your catch
Take only pictures and leave
artifacts where you find them.
The Archaeological Resources
Protection Act of 1979 makes
removal of cultural resources
punishable by fines and jail
time.
When it’s a catch and release fish species or regulation,
that creates a challenge for getting a photo of your prize
catch.
Remember if you’re in a catch and release scenario keep
the fish in the water at all times and take the photo of you
also harm fish less that barbed ones. The use of live bait
holding the fish in the water.
is also a detriment to catch and release fishing. Please
If it’s a not catch and release and it’s a keeper then you
remember, the fish you catch and release today may be
can have it out of the water.
the fish yo