The remote Carrizo Plain National Monument is a worth-it destination for a run. Located a 1.5 hour drive from Bakersfield or San Luis Obispo, or 3 hours from Los Angeles, this National Monument is known for its vast grasslands, and, in season, spectacular wildflower displays. Prominent features on the monument include the white alkali flats of Soda Lake, Painted Rock, vast open grasslands, and a broad plain rimmed by mountains. PRO TIP: The park website has updated information on annual wildflower displays, which happen in spring.
Most visitors to the Monument opt for a driving tour. Soda Lake Road is the main road through the park. It’s possible to run on this road, but note there is NO SHOULDER and the road can be busy, especially during wildflower season. There are 460 miles of existing public roads on the Carrizo Plain, mostly unimproved and with less traffic. These can be run on and are also popular for mountain biking.
There isn’t a large network of developed trails, but there are some trails that can be run. Best bet is the Caliente Ridge Trail, which is a hike/trail run. This 7-mile long trail is accessed from a small trailhead located at the top of Caliente Ridge and provides panoramic views of the Carrizo Plain as well as the Temblor Range and parts of Cuyama Valley. This trail also provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. There are also several shorter interpretive trails. INFORMATION & TRAIL MAP
The remote Carrizo Plain National Monument is a worth-it destination for a run. Located a 1.5 hour drive from Bakersfield or San Luis Obispo, or 3 hours from Los Angeles, this National Monument is known for its vast grasslands, and, in season, spectacular wildflower displays. Prominent features on the monument include the white alkali flats of Soda Lake, Painted Rock, vast open grasslands, and a broad plain rimmed by mountains. PRO TIP: The park website has updated information on annual wildflower displays, which happen in spring.
Most visitors to the Monument opt for a driving tour. Soda Lake Road is the main road through the park. It’s possible to run on this road, but note there is NO SHOULDER and the road can be busy, especially during wildflower season. There are 460 miles of existing public roads on the Carrizo Plain, mostly unimproved and with less traffic. These can be run on and are also popular for mountain biking.
There isn’t a large network of developed trails, but there are some trails that can be run. Best bet is the Caliente Ridge Trail, which is a hike/trail run. This 7-mile long trail is accessed from a small trailhead located at the top of Caliente Ridge and provides panoramic views of the Carrizo Plain as well as the Temblor Range and parts of Cuyama Valley. This trail also provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. There are also several shorter interpretive trails. INFORMATION & TRAIL MAP
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