Special Rules

Please note: The following are rules written for the Carrizo Plain Natural Area.  See our "Questions & Answers" page for more about management of the Carrizo Plain as a National Monument.

Please observe the following rules during your visit to the Carrizo Plain National Monument.

FIREARMS - Recreational target shooting is prohibited within the entire Monument. Public lands within 1/4 mile of any campground, Painted Rock, administrative facility (including the Washburn, Saucito, Goodwin, and MU ranch headquarters), and all developed overlooks, interpretive sites or pullouts, are closed to the discharge of firearms. 

ACCESS - All public lands within 1/4 mile of Sulphur Springs are closed to public access, except under permit from the BLM, in order to protect sensitive resources. All public lands within 1/4 mile of Painted Rock are closed to public access from March 1 through July 15 each year, except for tours authorized by the Bureau of Land Management, in order to protect sensitive resources. The Washburn Administrative Site, the Goodwin Education Center, the MU, Goodwin, Saucito, and Painted Rock Ranch headquarters, and Painted Rock may be closed to public access as needed to protect resources and facilities.

VEHICLES - Vehicle use within the Monument is limited to designated routes. Designated routes are defined as existing well traveled roads which have been identified and mapped. Except on county roads, or unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 25 miles per hour. Vehicles parked adjacent to any open road must be parked as close to the road as possible without preventing passage of other vehicles. Roads designated as being for administrative use only are open to bicycles and other nonmotorized vehicles, pedestrians, and casual horse use unless otherwise posted. Operation of motor vehicles, aircraft, and boats and flotation devices of any kind, are prohibited on or within Soda Lake and any adjacent stream, channel, dry lake, and body of water.

CAMPING - Overnight camping is allowed only within designated campgrounds and designated camping areas and is limited to 14 days within any 30 day period, for a total of no more than 28 days within any one year period. Camping or overnight parking is prohibited within 200 yards of any natural or artificial water source.

MISCELLANEOUS - Property left unattended for more than three days may be removed and stored at the owner's expense. Pets and pack animals must be controlled by the owner at all times. Organized groups with 20 or more persons or 5 or more vehicles must secure a permit for any activities off county roads. All research and study activities require a permit or written authorization from the BLM.

The use of metal detectors is prohibited.

Enjoy your visit.

Excerpted from Federal Register: October 17, 1997 (Vol 62, No 200)

Carrizo Home