Spring Wildflowers at Carrizo Plain National Monument
Happy Monday friends! This week we’re taking time to explore a vast area of federally protected land in central California. Join me as we search for the annual Spring wildflowers at Carrizo Plain National Monument.
Spring wildflowers at Carrizo Plain National Monument
Location
Carrizo Plain National Monument was established in 2001 and is comprised of over 200,000 acres of preserved grassland home to countless plants and animals, many of which are considered endangered here in California. The lush rolling hills here are located about two hours north of Los Angeles and are the remnants of the magnificent grass and wetlands that once covered the Central Valley before the introduction of agriculture, oil drilling, and water diversion.
Waterway near Soda Lake in Carrizo Plain National Monument
San Andreas Fault in Carrizo Plain National Monument
San Andreas Fault
The San Andreas Fault actually runs right through Carrizo Plain National Monument. This faultline is the tectonic boundary between the Pacific and North American Plates, running over 750 miles through California. Inside the monument, it’s responsible for much of the unique landscape, including Soda Lake.
Views from Soda Lake Overlook in Carrizo Plain National Monument
Views from Soda Lake Overlook in Carrizo Plain National Monument
Views from Soda Lake boardwalk in Carrizo Plain National Monument
Soda Lake
Soda Lake is one of the most prominent features inside this monument, and much of the year it’s a fairly dry lake bed...but after the heavy winter rains this year, it’s filled with water. This lake is considered one of the largest remaining alkali wetlands in Southern California. The white deposits seen around the lake’s edge are sulfates and carbonates left behind as the water evaporates.
The Soda Lake Overlook and boardwalk trails are the best ways to experience this unique body of water. Starting at the Overlook Trail, you can hike up the short 1/4 mile round trip dirt path to panoramic views. Then you can head down to the nearby wooden boardwalk for up-close water views. Combining both of these trails makes for a 1.5 mile out and back hike with less than 200 feet in elevation change...and Spring is the perfect time to visit – not only to see the water, but also the Spring superbloom colors of yellow and purple.
Soda Lake is particularly popular with nature enthusiasts and birders who are almost guaranteed to see multiple species here. These trails don’t offer any shade, but the wooden boardwalk has multiple benches and information panels with fascinating facts on the local flora, fauna and geography of the area.
Spring wildflower superbloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument
Spring wildflower superbloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument
Spring Wildflowers
Carrizo Plain’s superbloom only happens for a few weeks each year. The fields appear dry and barren most of the year. However, during April and May, vibrant green, yellow and purple hues light up the hillsides with vivid colors as wildflowers blanket the park as a result of the winter rains.
When coming to see the Spring flowers, the drive north of the monument along Highway 58 shows off hillsides rich with yellow daisies. On the alkali flats you'll see vibrant purple valley larkspur towering above the tall grass along with owl's clover. Along Soda Lake Road, south of the lake, thistle sage blooms can be found alongside desert dandelion. If you visit with a high clearance 4x4 vehicle, both the Temblor and Caliente Ranges light up with vivid yellows, oranges and purples.
4WD roadway in Carrizo Plain National Monument
Roadways
When visiting, it’s important to be aware that many of the roadways located inside the monument are unimproved dirt surfaces. While Soda Lake Road, the main thoroughfare, is open year-round and most cars can comfortably travel on it, higher clearance and four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for most of the other roads here.
American Avocet bird at Carrizo Plain Soda Lake
Know Before You Go
• The Carrizo Plain National Monument does not provide any services, such as water, food, or fuel, so plan your trip accordingly.
• Expect warm, dry Summers and cool, wet Winters. Most rain falls between November and April with occasional snow. Average Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F and average Winter temperatures hover around the mid 60s.
• While allowed in areas of this monument, dogs must be leashed at all developed sites, interpretive overlooks, trails, and camping areas.
• The Carrizo Plain National Monument has two major sources of access. From the north, the access is via Soda Lake Road off of State Route 58. The other access is from the south via Soda Lake Road off of State Route 33/166.
• Please remember all the Leave No Trace Principles on your visit. Take only pictures, leave only footprints, and only travel on the designated trails and boardwalks...going off trail can cause severe damage to the wildflowers.
Spring superbloom at Carrizo Plain National Monument
Spring wildflowers in Carrizo Plain National Monument
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in Carrizo Plain National Monument. For a virtual visit of this area, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Spring wildflowers in Carrizo Plain National Monument
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide to seeing the Spring wildflowers at Carrizo Plain National Monument just a couple hours north of Los Angeles, California. This is top spot to see a flower superbloom, look for wildlife, and bird watch, and is one of the best things to do in Bakersfield. Soda Lake is currently filled with water and the San Andreas Fault can be seen running through the park.