Carrizo Plain National Monument

A rare glimpse of untouched California as it once was, the Carrizo Plain National Monument spans nearly 250,000 acres (1,000 sq km) east of Santa Margarita in San Luis Obispo County. The area, which was made a national monument in 2001 and was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 2012, is home to a vast array of wildlife, flora and natural phenomena, including North America’s fastest land animal, the pronghorn antelope, as well as condors, kit foxes and the blunt-nosed leopard lizard. Chalky-white Soda Lake stands at the center of the plain and is a seasonal body of water that is one of the largest alkali wetlands in the state; but wildflowers are what this region is perhaps best known for, blazing a riot of color up the hillsides each spring, attracting travelers from near and far.

In addition to silence and solitude, visitors to the Carrizo Plain National Monument will enjoy Painted Rock, an outcropping of rocks painted by the native peoples who once hunted and traded in this area, as well as the nearby seasonal Goodwin Education Center, which offers interpretive displays, exhibits and programs. Campsites and hiking trails are also available; please follow safety precautions and use discretion when entering this rugged and undeveloped region.

CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT

PHONE (661) 391-6000

VISIT WEBSITE

Map

Get Directions

While You're Here

Cambria Dog Park

Dogs are allowed to play off-leash in a designated area of this park, located on Main Street in Cambria. Fully...

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is located along scenic SLO CAL coastline in the village of Cambria. Just 200...

GREENSPACE

Harmony Headlands State Park

Harmony Headlands State Park is a 784 acre coastal park located approximately 5 minutes north of Cayucos on...

Lampton Cliffs Park

Lampton Cliffs Park is a 2.1-acre park with trails and benches overlooking the sea. A sheltered inlet can be...

Leffingwell Landing

Leffingwell Landing is a scenic spot to sit and enjoy the scenery. The park offers BBQ pits, short hiking...

Moonstone Beach

Moonstone Beach is one of Cambria's and the Central Coast's most scenic spots. Romantic, uncrowded, preserved...

Atascadero Lake Park

This park is the destination of residents and visitors year-round. Atascadero's charm is accentuated by the...

Audubon Sweet Springs Nature...

The Audubon Sweet Springs Nature Preserve is located on Ramona Avenue in the town of Los Osos. It offers...

Avila Beach

With its own uniquely sunny and warm microclimate, Avila Beach is a breath of fresh salt air. Only one road...

Baywood Park Pier

The current pier in Baywood Park is the fourth pier to have been built in the small community. The project...

California State Parks

All of these parks provide a great ecotourism experience as well as family fun! Our Mission. To provide for...

Carrizo Plain National Monument

Nationally protected wilderness & ecotourism area deep in the interior of the county. Bird-watching, hiking,...

Cayucos Pier

A large variety of fish and shellfish can be caught from varying spots on the pier, with the coveted halibut...

Cayucos State Beach

The fishing pier is open to all and a license is not required, although limits are enforced. The pier is also...

Centennial Park

City of San Luis Obispo - Parks &...

Offering the City of San Luis Obispo opportunities to take classes, join sports leagues, participate in public...

Clam Digging

Pismo clam populations fluctuate dramatically due to a variety of natural influences. A fragile and valuable...

Clam Digging ~ Pismo Beach

Pismo clam populations fluctuate dramatically due to a variety of natural influences. A fragile and valuable...

Coastal Discovery Center at San...

The Coastal Discovery Center is a joint venture between the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and...

Visitors Magazine

Plan Your Adventure Today

get my guide

book your stay

Destination:

Check-In

Check-Out

search

Carrizo Plain National Monument