Carrizo Plain National Monument
Overview
Carrizo Plain National Monument is managed by Bureau of Land Management and is located near Santa Margarita, California.
COVID-19
Fire restrictions are in effect as of May 23, 2022 which include no campfires, barbecues, or open fires, in or outside of developed campgrounds. Portable stoves with gas, jelled petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed with a valid California campfire permit available free at all BLM, U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire offices, or at www.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/campfire-safety/.
To read the current fire restriction please visitBakersfield Fire Restriction Order 2021
All vehicles including UTVs on the monument must be street-legal (DMV plated) and all vehicles must stay on roads.
2021 Wild Flowers
Click here for more information on the latest 2021 wildflower conditions
REMINDER:Please follow warning signs and respect private property when visiting your public lands. This is a remote area with limited towing services, no fuel, food or water nearby.
ROADS: Rain showers continue, please be cautious on dirt roads! Don't drive into the flowers, park alongside the road (parallel) as not to obstruct other traffic and watch for pedestrians. Currently Simmler Road and Panorama Road are open. High clearance vehicles are recommended, especially in muddy areas. Soda Lake Road and Elkhorn Road are also open.
Overview
The Carrizo Plain National Monument, located 100 airline miles (160 km) from Los Angeles, is an area by-passed by time. Soda Lake, its centerpiece, is a glistening bed of white salt, set within a vast open grassland, rimmed by steep mountains. The plain is home to diverse communities of wildlife and plant species, is an area culturally important to Native Americans, and is traversed by the San Andreas fault, which has created and moved mountain ranges, carved valleys and is marked by a subtle alignment of ridges, ravines and pools.
Goodwin Education Center
Phone: 805-475-2131
Open: December 1 - May 31.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Thursday - Sunday
Maps and brochures are available at the front door when the center is closed. Wheelchair accessible restrooms at the Education Center remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year.
Contact the Education Center or make it your first stop to receive updated information about your visit to the Carrizo Plain National Monument.
Get permits for Guided and Self-Guided Tours
Download the Carrizo Plain National Monument Recreation Map and Guide
Find the latest 2019 wildflower updates on BLM California social media:Things to Do at Carrizo Plain National Monument
Tours & Tickets
Experience guided tours, tickets, and special programs. Advance reservations recommended.
Recreation Activities
Popular activities at Carrizo Plain National Monument include:
Nearby Activities
- Biking
- Camping
- Environmental Education
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting
- Photography
- Wildlife Viewing
Plan Your Visit
Reservation Tips
Carrizo Plain National Monument is a popular destination. Check individual facility pages for specific booking windows and availability.
Getting There
Carrizo Plain National Monument is west of Bakersfield, California.
This area is very remote and undeveloped, therefore it is recommended that you do not rely on GPS or other mapping programs to lead you to the park. All vehicles must remain on roads.
GPS Coordinates: 35.09458000000000, -119.64002000000001
Contact & Resources
Phone: Visitor Center: 805-475-2131
Office: 661-391-6000
Additional Information:
