Hiking and Bicycling

Birding/Ethics/Hiking & Biking/
Horseback Riding/ Hunting/Tours/ Wildflowers 

Hiking:
There are four established hiking trails on the Carrizo Plain National Monument : Soda Lake trail and boardwalk, Wallace Creek, Painted Rock and the Caliente Ridge trail.

The Soda Lake trail is a short level trail approximately 1/4 mile long that begins at Soda Lake Road, across from Overlook Hill, and takes visitors to the edge of Soda Lake. Soda Lake is dry much of the year but during the wet season, you may see wildflowers, fairy shrimp, sandhill cranes, avocets, stilts and other shore or aquatic birds. Throughout the remainder of the year, visitors may view one of California´s last remaining alkali wetlands with its unique and rare plant community of very salt tolerant plants. Soda Lake is a massive expanse of alkali and mud with a beauty all its own. The newly constructed boardwalk begins at the edge of Soda Lake and allows visitors to view the Lake up close while protecting sensitive habitat. It is nearly one-half mile in length. Benches are available for sitting. Construction of the boardwalk was completed in the spring of 2001 primarily by a number of the California Youth Authority with help from volunteers and a local Bakersfield boy scout troop. The actual boardwalk is made out of recycled milk cartons. Restroom facilities and parking are available at the Overlook. Please do not drive to the Lake.

The Wallace Creek trail, on Elkhorn Road, takes visitors up a slight incline for approximately 2/10 mile to view the famous offset creek bed along the San Andreas Fault. Information and parking are available at the site but there are no facilities. Check back for more information on this trail. We are in the process of creating an interpretive trail explaining the wonders of the San Andreas Fault.

Painted Rock trail is approximately 2/3 mile of gently sloping trail. Parking and facilities are available at the trail head which leads to the sacred site of Chumash rock art. Please note that special restrictions may apply as to the accessibility of this trail.

The fourth trail takes the hiker on a moderate hike through the beautiful Caliente Ridge providing incredible views of much of the Carrizo Plain National Monument and parts of the Cuyama Valley. There is a parking area at the trail head; limited facilities are available below at the Selby Camping Area at the bottom of the mountains west of Soda Lake Road.

Biking:
Biking in the Carrizo Plain National Monument is a great way to see many of its hidden beauties while getting in a good workout! Keep in mind that much of the CPNM is sensitive habitat, therefore bicycles are allowed on existing roads only. Livestock trails are not considered roads and are closed to bicycle use.

Be aware that winter rains make roads very slick and impassable within the Monument. During these times access to most trails will not be available.