Location and Description: The Caliente Range is located along the south and southwest edge of the Carrizo Plain National Monument.  Caliente Mountain is the highest point in San Luis Obispo County.  Physiographically the range forms the south and western border of the Carrizo Plain the northern border of the Cuyama Valley.

Directions:  Caliente Mountain may be accessed from the east via Selby Road (within the Carrizo Plain National Monument) or from the Caliente Mountain Access Trail.  There is no road access from the State Highway 166, since gated roads cross private lands.

The trail head for the Caliente Mountain Access Trail is located on the north side of State Highway 166 just west of the bridge that crosses the Cuyama River (N 35° 6' 35.93", W 119° 51' 9.19" (35.109982,-119.852553)) about 14 miles west of New Cuyama.

Visitor Activities: Hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography.

Permits, Fees, Limitations:  BLM does not charge fees to visit the Carrizo Plain National Monument. Hunting requires a license from the State of California. Vehicle access is limited; visitors must be prepared to hike into many areas.

Handicapped Accessibility: None

Camping and Lodging: Primitive camping is available in the Carrizo Plain National Monument. Developed campgrounds are located in the Los Padres National Forest, 25-30 miles west on State Highways 166 or 58. The nearest lodging is located in Maricopa and Taft just east of Carrizo Plain National Monument.

Food and Supplies: This is a very isolated area with limited services. The nearest food and supplies are located in Maricopa and Taft.

First Aid:  There is a California Department of Forestry (CDF) Station in California Valley, [telephone: (805) 475-2222], and a Santa Barbara County Fire Station at New Cuyama [telephone: (805) 965-5252]. The nearest hospital is located in Santa Maria, 50 miles west on State Highway 166 or in Taft, 55 miles east off of State Highway 119.

Additional Information:  Caliente Mountain is an undeveloped area with no bathroom facilities or potable water. It is hot and dry during the summer, with high wildland fire danger during summer and fall. Snow is not unusual in the Winter.

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