Saucito Ranch Tour
Carrizo Plain National Monument Tours
The tour meets at the Goodwin Education Center off of Soda Lake Road; at 10 a.m. the tour will caravan up to the ranch. Please arrive 10 minutes early to check in with staff.
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.
Join us to learn about the operation of the ranch and hear about the way life was on Carrizo Plain. Our guides will take you through their personal experiences of having lived there, or family memories. You will also be given time to take a short hike around the grounds of the ranch.
Suggested items to bring: Chair, sunscreen, hat, water
Next tour is scheduled for April 12, 2026
Select a date to see a list of times
Need to Know
- Tour Information
The tour meets at the Goodwin Education Center off of Soda Lake Road and will caravan up to the ranch. Tour leaves the education center by caravan at 10:00am, please arrive 10 minutes early for check in.
Suggested items to bring: chair, sunscreen, hat, water.
- General Information
This is a remote area with minimal facilities available. Handicapped accessible, public rest rooms are located at the Goodwin Education Center, Soda Lake Overlook and campgrounds. There are no services (gas, food, water, vehicle charging) available. 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 plenty of water. Carpool whenever possible. Be prepared for all types of weather; bring a Jacket a hat and sunscreen.
