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Carrizo Plain National Monument Tours

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Carrizo Plain National Monument Tours

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal agency established by Congress to handle the settlement of newly acquired land to the west in 1946, has seen a shift in its original purpose. The BLM now handles different aspects of US public land usage, such as recreation and development and preserving both national and state parks.

Within California's Central Valley, you can find the 204,107 acres of land that are part of the Carrizo Plain National Monument. This national monument is a Bureau of Land Management site, which makes it public land. The beauty of this site is not wholly reliant on the natural aspects of the land, such as the famous Soda Lake, since it also holds pictographs created by Native Americans. Though this BLM site was once settled, it is now a remote location with the nearest community an hour away. There are many activities available for visitors, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting, and sightseeing. Additionally, this national monument is only a few hours away from the famous Sequoia National Park.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Selby Campground Loop Trail

The Selby Campground Loop Trail is a looping trail that sees an elevation gain of 1,167 feet and will take hikers around two hours and 30 minutes to finish. Most of the elevation gain on the trails occurs at the start of the hike, and the rest is downhill walking with a view from a nearby ridge.

Length: 4.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Wallace Creek San Andreas Fault Line Hike

The Wallace Creek San Andreas Fault Line Hike is an out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of 203 feet and an estimated completion time of 50 minutes. This hike shows a deep tear in the San Andreas fault line caused by an earthquake.

Length: 1.7 miles

Intensity: Easy

Soda Lake Overlook and Boardwalk

The Soda Lake Overlook and Boardwalk trail is a quick and easy trail that offers visitors a great view of Soda Lake and wildflowers in bloom when they are in season.

Length: 1.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Painted Rock Trail

The Painted Rock Trail is a short and easy out-and-back trail, but it is subject to closure to protect the area's habitat, which means that you might have to register for a guided tour if you wish to visit it.

Length: 2.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Wildlife Viewing

Carrizo Plain National Monument is host to plenty of beautiful wildlife, some of which are endangered. Some of the endangered species include the San Joaquin fox, the giant kangaroo rat, and the Gambelia sila. Additionally, you can catch a glimpse of species such as falcons, owls, sparrows, and quails. While some birds are only seen during certain seasons, others, such as waterfowl, are extremely rare.

Hunting

One good hunting area is the Caliente Mountain trailhead, where hunters can enter the nearby public lands from the national monument. Some of the most commonly seen quarries in the area include quail and deer though you may also encounter an occasional wild pig. Naturally, hunting is not permitted in designated campgrounds or other monument areas, so please be sure to check with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to verify any hunting plans.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is not readily available throughout the Carrizo Plain National Monument though you can find some primitive sites where you can park an RV. The closest RV park to the area is Lost Hills KOA, which offers amenities such as pull-through sites with full hookups, 30- and 50-amp hookups, showers, a pool, restrooms, and Wi-Fi. The rates for this RV park start at $55 per night, but you are allowed to have up to six people in your party along with pets.

Free Camping

If you are looking for Bureau of Land Management free camping, then you have a greater range of selections near the monument. You can choose to stay at the KCL campground, which has 12 campsites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are planning to visit this site during peak season, then you'll want to be extra early to secure yourself a spot. While the campground is primitive, there are some vault restrooms available. You can find similar Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the area, such as the Selby Campground.

If you are looking to get away from all civilization, then you are in luck since dispersed camping is permitted on over 100,000 acres within the national monument grounds. Dispersed camping sites, while lacking amenities, offer visitors a great deal of privacy, natural beauty, and genuine wilderness exploration.

RV Rentals Near Carrizo Plain National Monument Tours Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Carrizo Plain National Monument Tours BLM trip

Planning your Carrizo Plain National Monument trip should center on you being able to view the wildflowers bloom during their peak in the spring. The wildflower fields found in the national monument are some of the most breathtaking sights in California. The wildflowers will typically bloom anywhere from March to the start of May, but it will depend on how much rain has fallen during that period.

You also don't want to miss out on the Painted Rock, which is home to Native American depictions of sacred images. The towering rock is over 250 feet wide and 45 feet tall, which makes the sight all the more imposing. This attraction is one of the main selling points for the national monument, so be sure to book your tour online or obtain a self-guided tour permit beforehand.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

The Carrizo Plain National Monument is a BLM site that holds great historic value, and that means any visitor must leave no trace after they clean up their campsite. Dispose of any waste properly and be mindful of both wildlife and other campers. Observe proper camping etiquette by following local regulations for when you can start a campfire and how you should deal with cleaning one up. You can search for "BLM camping near me" for more information about what the BLM expects of campers.