Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
year-round, on Fridays from June to early September and on Saturdays from April through
October.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT
Way out in eastern SLO County, Carrizo Plain National Monument ( GOOGLE MAP ;
www.ca.blm.gov/bakersfield ; Soda Lake Rd; 24hr) is a geological wonderland, where you can
walk or drive atop the San Andreas Fault. This peaceful wildlife preserve also protects a
diversity of species including endangered California condors, tule elk, pronghorn ante-
lope and the San Joaquin kit fox. Pick up 4WD and hiking maps at the Goodwin Educa-
tion Center ( GOOGLE MAP ; 805-475-2131; 9am-4pm Thu-Sun Dec-May), past the dazzling
white salt flats of Soda Lake, near the trailhead for Painted Rock's Native American picto-
graphs. Free guided walking tours are usually offered on Saturdays from mid-March
through May, weather-permitting; book them online at www.recreation.gov (reservation
fee $1.50). The monument is more over 50 winding miles east of Hwy 101 via Hwy 58 and
Soda Lake Rd. Two primitive BLM campgrounds (no water) provide free, first-come, first-
served campsites.
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