A normally dry lake bed, covers an area of about 3,000 acres. It is the
largest remaining natural alkali wetland in southern California and the only
closed basin within the coastal mountains. Soda Lake concentrates salts as
water is evapoarted away, leaving white deposits of sulfates and carbonates.
Despite this harsh envirnoment, small plant and animal species are well
adapted to this setting. In the 1880's, the saline deposits of Soda Lake were
mined for use at nearby cattle ranches as salt licks or for preserving meat.
Prior to 1908 the Carrisa Chemical Company contructed a 600 ton per month
capacity processing plant to recover sodium sulphate. Once the salts were
processed they were sacked and hauled to McKittrick for distribution

A normally dry lake bed, covers an area of about 3,000 acres.  It is the largest remaining natural alkali wetland in southern California and the only closed basin within the coastal mountains.  Soda Lake concentrates salts as water is evapoarted away, leaving white deposits of sulfates and carbonates.  Despite this harsh envirnoment, small plant and animal species are well adapted to this setting.  In the 1880's, the saline deposits of Soda Lake were mined for use at nearby cattle ranches as salt licks or for preserving meat.  Prior to 1908 the Carrisa Chemical Company contructed a 600 ton per month capacity processing plant to recover sodium sulphate.  Once the salts were processed they were sacked and hauled to McKittrick for distribution

Bird's eye view of the park

Soda Lake Overlook

A walk along the boardwalk offers solitude and beauty among the different
plants. Even in summertime, the area has a special beauty with numerous white
dust devils spinning across the dusty alkaline playas. The plastic boards of
the boardwalk are made from recycled milk jugs and is 816 feet long.

A walk along the boardwalk offers solitude and beauty among the different plants.  Even in summertime, the area has a special beauty with numerous white dust devils spinning across the dusty alkaline playas.  The plastic boards of the boardwalk are made from recycled milk jugs and is 816 feet long.

Soda Lake Boardwalk

The Education Center is expanding and currently is closed due to construction.
We ask you to join us in December 2022 for the re-opening of the 2023 season.  
BLM adheres to federal, state and county COVID-19 safety guidance and
practices.

The center offers the visitor interpretive displays and exhibits explaining
the uniqueness of the Carrizo Plain and adjoining Elkhorn Plain. Here you will
learn about the endangered plants and animals of the San Joaquin Valley, the
geology of the San Andreas Fault, the human history of Painted Rock and its
significance to Native Americans and the farming and ranching history of the
area. A diorama as well as interactive interpretive displays are available for
visitor education. Informational maps and brochures are available at the front
door when the center is closed. Wheelchair accessible restrooms at the
Education Center remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the
year. Contact the Education Center or make it your first stop to receive
updated information about your visit to the Carrizo Plain National Monument.
Open seasonally from the beginning of December to the end of May. Normal days
and hours of operation during those months are Thursday - Sunday, 9:00am to
4:00pm. The education center can be reached at 805-475-2131.

**Get permits for Guided and Self-Guided Tours**

**Download the Carrizo Plain National Monument Recreation Map and Guide**

Find the latest 2021 wildflower updates on BLM California social media:

**Facebook**

**Twitter**

The Education Center is expanding and currently is closed due to construction. We ask you to join us in December 2022 for the re-opening of the 2023 season. 
BLM adheres to federal, state and county COVID-19 safety guidance and practices. 
The center offers the visitor interpretive displays and exhibits explaining the uniqueness of the Carrizo Plain and adjoining Elkhorn Plain. Here you will learn about the endangered plants and animals of the San Joaquin Valley, the geology of the San Andreas Fault, the human history of Painted Rock and its significance to Native Americans and the farming and ranching history of the area. A diorama as well as interactive interpretive displays are available for visitor education. Informational maps and brochures are available at the front door when the center is closed. Wheelchair accessible restrooms at the Education Center remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year. Contact the Education Center or make it your first stop to receive updated information about your visit to the Carrizo Plain National Monument. Open seasonally from the beginning of December to the end of May. Normal days and hours of operation during those months are Thursday - Sunday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. The education center can be reached at 805-475-2131. 

<a href="https://www.recreation.gov/tourParkDetail.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72168" rel="nofollow">Get permits for Guided and Self-Guided Tours</a>

<a href="https://www.blm.gov/documents/california/public-room/brochure/carrizo-plain-national-monument-recreation-map-and-guide" rel="nofollow">Download the Carrizo Plain National Monument Recreation Map and Guide</a>

Find the latest 2021 wildflower updates on BLM California social media:
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/blmcalifornia/" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a> 
<a href="https://twitter.com/blmca" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a>

Goodwin Education Center

The El Saucito Ranch house is the oldest standing house in the Carrizo Plain
National Monument, dating back to circa 1878. This is the only ranch house in
the monument to have been occupied from the pioneer period to modern day.
Although the house changed ownership a number of times, it remained mostly
occupied throughout it's history. The last time it was owner occupied was in
1966. In the years that followed the ranch house was used by caretakers or
leased to ranchers intermittently until the ranch was vacated in 1984. The
first post office on the Carrizo Plain was founded in 1882 and was located at
the El Saucito Ranch house. There is an interpretative trail at the ranch, and
each April a guided tour is conducted on the ranch. Reservations for the
guided tour can be booked at www.recreation.gov. .

**Get permits for Guided and Self-Guided Tours**

**Download the Carrizo Plain National Monument Recreation Map and Guide**

**2018 Wildflower Watch**

The El Saucito Ranch house is the oldest standing house in the Carrizo Plain National Monument, dating back to circa 1878. This is the only ranch house in the monument to have been occupied from the pioneer period to modern day. Although the house changed ownership a number of times, it remained mostly occupied throughout it's history. The last time it was owner occupied was in 1966. In the years that followed the ranch house was used by caretakers or leased to ranchers intermittently until the ranch was vacated in 1984. The first post office on the Carrizo Plain was founded in 1882 and was located at the El Saucito Ranch house. There is an interpretative trail at the ranch, and each April a guided tour is conducted on the ranch. Reservations for the guided tour can be booked at www.recreation.gov. .

<a href="https://www.recreation.gov/tourParkDetail.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72168" rel="nofollow">Get permits for Guided and Self-Guided Tours</a>

<a href="https://www.blm.gov/documents/california/public-room/brochure/carrizo-plain-national-monument-recreation-map-and-guide" rel="nofollow">Download the Carrizo Plain National Monument Recreation Map and Guide</a>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/bureau-of-land-management-california/hope-already-wilting-for-wildflower-season-at-carrizo-plain-national-monument-th/1832750326749633/" rel="nofollow">2018 Wildflower Watch</a>

Saucito Ranch

Here you are standing on the San Andreas Fault. At this location it runs
northwest to southeast a the base of the hills. At one time Wallace Creek
drained straight across the fault, but movement by the San Andreas Fault has
offset its drainage course, with the downstream segment about 430 feet
northwest of the upsteam segement. This is one of the best examples of stream
offset across a fault in the world. An interpretive trail is available to
learn more about this portion of the San Andreas Fault.

Here you are standing on the San Andreas Fault.  At this location it runs northwest to southeast a the base of the hills.  At one time Wallace Creek drained straight across the fault, but movement by the San Andreas Fault has offset its drainage course, with the downstream segment about 430 feet northwest of the upsteam segement.  This is one of the best examples of stream offset across a fault in the world.  An interpretive trail is available to learn more about this portion of the San Andreas Fault.

Wallace Creek

The sandstone formation at Painted Rock has long drawn the attention of
Carrizo Plain National Monument visitors. About 3,000 - 4,000 years ago,
Native Americans began to paint their sacred images with the alcove of the
rock. Not surpisingly, the power of this place continues to enthrall, and it
still receives many visitors today. Spiritual leaders and other tribal members
created the rock paintings as an expression of their cultural and religious
beliefs. Please help us protect Painted Rock, a cultural resource of the
American Indians of California and a special place for future generations of
people to enjoy and benefit. Please do not touch, climb, or walk on any part
of the rock to help preserve it. Tread carefully while visiting the site and
do not distrub or collect artifacts, remove plants, or distrub the wildlife.
Reservations are required to visit Painted Rock, if visiting during self-
guided tour season, ensure you get a gate code from www.recreation.gov prior
to visiting the monument..

**Get permits for Painted Rock Guided and Self-Guided Tours**

**Download the Carrizo Plain National Monument Recreation Map and Guide**

**2018 Wildflower Watch**

The sandstone formation at Painted Rock has long drawn the attention of Carrizo Plain National Monument visitors. About 3,000 - 4,000 years ago, Native Americans began to paint their sacred images with the alcove of the rock. Not surpisingly, the power of this place continues to enthrall, and it still receives many visitors today. Spiritual leaders and other tribal members created the rock paintings as an expression of their cultural and religious beliefs. Please help us protect Painted Rock, a cultural resource of the American Indians of California and a special place for future generations of people to enjoy and benefit. Please do not touch, climb, or walk on any part of the rock to help preserve it. Tread carefully while visiting the site and do not distrub or collect artifacts, remove plants, or distrub the wildlife. Reservations are required to visit Painted Rock, if visiting during self-guided tour season, ensure you get a gate code from www.recreation.gov prior to visiting the monument..

<a href="https://www.recreation.gov/tourParkDetail.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72168" rel="nofollow">Get permits for Painted Rock Guided and Self-Guided Tours</a>

<a href="https://www.blm.gov/documents/california/public-room/brochure/carrizo-plain-national-monument-recreation-map-and-guide" rel="nofollow">Download the Carrizo Plain National Monument Recreation Map and Guide</a>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/bureau-of-land-management-california/hope-already-wilting-for-wildflower-season-at-carrizo-plain-national-monument-th/1832750326749633/" rel="nofollow">2018 Wildflower Watch</a>

Painted Rock

### COVID-19

**

### Fire restrictions are in effect as of May 23, 2022 which include no
campfires, barbecues, or open fires, in or outside of developed campgrounds.
Portable stoves with gas, jelled petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are
allowed with a valid California campfire permit available free at all BLM,
U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire offices, or at
www.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/campfire-safety/.

**To read the current fire restriction please visitBakersfield Fire
Restriction Order 2021**

## All vehicles including UTVs on the monument must be street-legal (DMV
plated) and all vehicles must stay on roads.

## 2021 Wild Flowers

Click here for more information on the latest 2021 wildflower conditions

**REMINDER:** Please follow warning signs and respect private property when
visiting your public lands. This is a remote area with limited towing
services, no fuel, food or water nearby.

**ROADS:** Rain showers continue, please be cautious on dirt roads! Don't
drive into the flowers, park alongside the road (parallel) as not to obstruct
other traffic and watch for pedestrians. **Currently Simmler Road and Panorama
Road are open**. High clearance vehicles are recommended, especially in muddy
areas. Soda Lake Road and Elkhorn Road are also open.

## Overview

The Carrizo Plain National Monument, located 100 airline miles (160 km) from
Los Angeles, is an area by-passed by time. Soda Lake, its centerpiece, is a
glistening bed of white salt, set within a vast open grassland, rimmed by
steep mountains. The plain is home to diverse communities of wildlife and
plant species, is an area culturally important to Native Americans, and is
traversed by the San Andreas fault, which has created and moved mountain
ranges, carved valleys and is marked by a subtle alignment of ridges, ravines
and pools.

Goodwin Education Center  
Phone: 805-475-2131  
Open: December 1 - May 31.  
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Thursday - Sunday

Maps and brochures are available at the front door when the center is closed.
Wheelchair accessible restrooms at the Education Center remain open 24 hours a
day, seven days a week, throughout the year.

Contact the Education Center or make it your first stop to receive updated
information about your visit to the Carrizo Plain National Monument.

**Get permits for Guided and Self-Guided Tours**

**Download the Carrizo Plain National Monument Recreation Map and Guide**

Find the latest 2019 wildflower updates on BLM California social media:

**Facebook**

**Twitter**

<h3>COVID-19</h3>

<h3>Fire restrictions are in effect as of May 23, 2022 which include no campfires, barbecues, or open fires, in or outside of developed campgrounds. Portable stoves with gas, jelled petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed with a valid California campfire permit available free at all BLM, U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire offices, or at www.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/campfire-safety/.</h3>



 To read the current fire restriction please visit<a href="https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/docs/2021-05/BKFO%20Fire%20Restriction%20order%20May%202021%20%281%29.pdf" rel="nofollow">Bakersfield Fire Restriction Order 2021</a>


<h2>All vehicles including UTVs on the monument must be street-legal (DMV plated) and all vehicles must stay on roads.</h2>



<h2>2021 Wild Flowers</h2>


<a href="http://theodorepayne.org/learn/wildflower-hotline/" rel="nofollow">Click here for more information on the latest 2021 wildflower conditions</a>

REMINDER:Please follow warning signs and respect private property when visiting your public lands. This is a remote area with limited towing services, no fuel, food or water nearby.

ROADS: Rain showers continue, please be cautious on dirt roads! Don't drive into the flowers, park alongside the road (parallel) as not to obstruct other traffic and watch for pedestrians. Currently Simmler Road and Panorama Road are open. High clearance vehicles are recommended, especially in muddy areas. Soda Lake Road and Elkhorn Road are also open.


<h2>Overview</h2>The Carrizo Plain National Monument, located 100 airline miles (160 km) from Los Angeles, is an area by-passed by time. Soda Lake, its centerpiece, is a glistening bed of white salt, set within a vast open grassland, rimmed by steep mountains. The plain is home to diverse communities of wildlife and plant species, is an area culturally important to Native Americans, and is traversed by the San Andreas fault, which has created and moved mountain ranges, carved valleys and is marked by a subtle alignment of ridges, ravines and pools. 
 
 
Goodwin Education Center Phone: 805-475-2131 Open: December 1 - May 31. 
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Thursday - Sunday 
 
Maps and brochures are available at the front door when the center is closed. Wheelchair accessible restrooms at the Education Center remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year. 
 
Contact the Education Center or make it your first stop to receive updated information about your visit to the Carrizo Plain National Monument.

<a href="https://www.recreation.gov/tourParkDetail.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72168" rel="nofollow">Get permits for Guided and Self-Guided Tours</a>

<a href="https://www.blm.gov/documents/california/public-room/brochure/carrizo-plain-national-monument-recreation-map-and-guide" rel="nofollow">Download the Carrizo Plain National Monument Recreation Map and Guide</a>

Find the latest 2019 wildflower updates on BLM California social media:
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/blmcalifornia/" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a> 
<a href="https://twitter.com/blmca" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a>

Carrizo Plain National Monument is one of the best kept secrets in California.  Only a few hours from Los Angeles, the Carrizo Plain offers visitors a rare chance to be alone with nature.

Carrizo Plain National Monument

Carrizo Plain National Monument Tours

The Machesna Mountain Wilderness now contains a total of 19,882 acres and is
managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. All of the
Wilderness is in the state of California. In 1984 the Machesna Mountain
Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness
Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational
activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of
_"...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing
mechanization,..."_ you play an important role in helping to _"...secure for
the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an
enduring resource of wilderness"_ as called for by Congress in the Wilderness
Act of 1964. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use
Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique
natural and experiential qualities.

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in
different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of
the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.

**Leave No Trace principles:**

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

**Regulations:**  
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally
prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the
use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment,
bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of
aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.
In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or
mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a
specific area. Click here for additional regulations or contact the agency.

**Contact Information:**

> BUREAU OF LAND MANAGAMENT  
> Bakersfield Field Office  
> 3801 Pegasus Drive  
> Bakersfield, CA 93308  
> Phone: 661-391-6000  
> Fax: 661-391-6041  
> Open 7:30 am - 4:15 pm Monday - Friday Closed Weekends & Holidays
>
> OUTDOOR RECREATION PLANNER: Brie Chartier  
> 3801 Pegasus Drive  
> Bakersfield, CA 93308  
> Phone: 661-391-6000  
> Fax: 661-391-6041
>
> LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST  
> 6755 HOLLISTER AVE  
> SUITE 150  
> GOLETA, CA 93117  
> Phone: 805-968-6640

The Machesna Mountain Wilderness now contains a total of 19,882 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California. In 1984 the Machesna Mountain Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the <a href="http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=legisact" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Act of 1964</a>. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.Leave No Trace principles:<ol><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_1.php" rel="nofollow">Plan Ahead and Prepare</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_2.php" rel="nofollow">Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_3.php" rel="nofollow">Dispose of Waste Properly</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_4.php" rel="nofollow">Leave What You Find</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_5.php" rel="nofollow">Minimize Campfire Impacts</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_6.php" rel="nofollow">Respect Wildlife</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_7.php" rel="nofollow">Be Considerate of Other Visitors</a></li></ol>Regulations: Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. <a href="http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=wildView&tab=Area%20Management&WID=335#regs" rel="nofollow">Click here for additional regulations</a> or contact the agency.Contact Information:<blockquote>BUREAU OF LAND MANAGAMENT Bakersfield Field Office 3801 Pegasus Drive Bakersfield, CA 93308 Phone: 661-391-6000 Fax: 661-391-6041 Open 7:30 am - 4:15 pm 
Monday - Friday 
Closed Weekends & HolidaysOUTDOOR RECREATION PLANNER: Brie Chartier 3801 Pegasus Drive Bakersfield, CA 93308 Phone: 661-391-6000 Fax: 661-391-6041LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST 6755 HOLLISTER AVE SUITE 150 GOLETA, CA 93117 Phone: 805-968-6640</blockquote>

Machesna Mountain Wilderness

The Van Matre family owned several farm properties throughout the plain. This
property, known to them as "The Camp" was orginally homesteaded by Jerry
Hagerty in 1930. At the end of World War II he sold it to Jinx and Barbara Van
Matre who used it seasonally when wheat was planted in late autumn and again
during the summer harvests. There is an interpretative trail around the house
and farm equipment.

The Van Matre family owned several farm properties throughout the plain.  This property, known to them as "The Camp" was orginally homesteaded by Jerry Hagerty in 1930.  At the end of World War II he sold it to Jinx and Barbara Van Matre who used it seasonally when wheat was planted in late autumn and again during the summer harvests.  There is an interpretative trail around the house and farm equipment.

Soda Lake Overlook

Directions

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Nearby Parks