Carrizo Plain National Monument - Nature preserve in Santa Margarita - , USA

Epic Adventure riding experience in the vast land of California’s Serengeti! Numerous mild OHV trials along soda lake and Elkhorn road. Take a glimpse of the San Andreas Fault line and the super bloom in spring time!!! One of my Top 5 places to visit!

Super bloom is here as of 4.7.2023 and not too crowded. On the way from entrance towards Soda lake, there is many spots where you can see mountain covered with wildflowers. There is few spots that are accessible too. There is some off-road which can take you to more secluded but majestic view points. You will have to take a high clearance car or hike to those points. Also, don’t miss the drive from soda lake to CA58 via 7mile road. Please be careful and don’t damage the flowers.

This spectacular landscape is a remnant of the grasslands of the Central Valley. I visited 20th April 2023 when the flowers were in full bloom and the normally dry Soda Lake and ponds were full of water. The sections with unpaved roads aren’t for the faint-hearted, but there was plenty to dazzle the senses entering from State Route 58 (the north entrance). Do the short hike at Wallace Creek to see the San Andreas Fault!

Visited in time for the peak of the super bloom and it was spectacular. We came in from the Santa Margarita side and stopped first at the overlook. Then we ventured to the visitor center. The best part was taking the unpaved road on the other side of soda lake. The flowers were covering the hillsides like a patchwork quilt. Bring water and snacks there are no services out here.

On 4/11/2023 we drove through the Carrizo Plain and visited the National Monument while searching the Plains for this years super bloom. We came in off of highway 101 just North of San Luis Obispo and drove through Santa Margarita to the Monument and then to Goodwin Education Center. It was a fantastic trip and due to the record breaking rains there was a profusion of wildflowers. It was simply breathtaking and it seemed at times like we were driving through a landscape of impressionistic paintings. There were plenty of places to pull off of the road and see the wide variety of flowers. The drive takes you past Soda Lake which is now full due to the rain. The profusion of wildflowers among the foothills behind Soda Lake was breathtaking and not to be missed. We stayed on paved roads and found the road conditions to be very good. There are a number unpaved roads to explore some in decent shape and other more appropriate for 4-wheel drive vehicles. This vast plain offers magnificent views of our rugged California landscape and as an added bonus offers simply fantastic wildflower viewing, at least for now. The views will be very different with each season. There are no gas stations or restaurants or other services so come prepared. Pack your own food, water and other necessities. Cell phone service is very poor and nonexistent in many areas. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys natural landscapes, rugged countryside, and a profusion of native wildflowers. Add this to your bucket list.

Carrizo Plain National Monument is an incredible experience that's well worth the trip. The camping here is great and the Soda Lake is something special - it's always beautiful, empty with its salt deposits or full after a winter of heavy rain. This place feels remote and truly out of this world. If you're lucky enough to visit during a springtime super bloom, you're in for a real treat. About 1-2 hours from the central coast depending on where you're located. There are no services once you get out there. Make sure you fill up with gas/battery, plenty of drinking water and snacks before you go. This place is worth the trip for anyone looking to experience the beauty of nature in a unique and unforgettable way. Highly recommended!

Went there on April 9th 2023 on Easter weekend.. the roads were dry… it was awesome to see that much flowers in one place.. it must visit during blooming season..hwy 58 east of 7 mile road was awesome.. no service inside the park.. I didn’t see any restroom too… stayed in Taft.. closer to the park..

Signs state all vehicles must be street legal or registered. This is a gorgeous place to visit right now (March/April) as the flowers are just vibrant and scattered throughout the hills and valley. The visitor info booth has maps and a ranger happily giving info during the day. Public restrooms at the visitor/info place too. The main Soda Lake Road spans about 45 miles from 58 to 166 and mostly a dirt road with washboard so cars can make it, just bumpy. Plenty of side roads that many cars can make. Then there are even more trails for off-road climbing motorcycles and jeeping . Recommend going during the week as many trails are single lane and weekends tend to get more people out there causing backup on the trails.