Carrizo Plain National Monument Tours
The tours meet at the Goodwin Education Center off of Soda Lake Road at 10 a.m. and will caravan up to the ranch. The El Saucito Ranch has the distinction of having the oldest standing historic house on the Monument and is the only ranch on the monument to have been occupied from the pioneer period to modern time. Historic sites such as the El Saucito Ranch are special places that tell us a story about the heritage of California. The tour includes a short hike around the grounds of the ranch, descriptions of the facilities and the operation of the historic ranch, and stories about the way life was 100+ years ago on the Carrizo Plain.
Saucito Ranch Tour will only be offered on April 19, 2020.
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This is a remote area with minimal facilities available. Handicapped accessible, public rest rooms are located at the Goodwin Education Center, Soda Lake Overlook, Selby Campground, KCL Campground and the Traver's Ranch (see map for locations). There is no drinking water available. The nearest public phone is in California Valley, 15 miles north of the Goodwin Education Center on Soda Lake Road. Gas is available in Maricopa and Santa Margarita (50 miles away). Be sure to start your trip to the CPNM with a full tank of gasoline. Emergency services are available year round at the California Division of Forestry (CDF) Station at California Valley by dialing 911. Note: Cellular phone service is not available throughout the entire Carrizo Plain.
Wear sturdy shoes for hiking. Bring lunch and plenty of water. Carpool whenever possible. Be prepared for all types of weather; bring a Jacket a hat and sunscreen.