Friends of the Carrizo Plain

About

Atascadero is a Gateway Community to the Carrizo Plain. The Carrizo Plain National Monument, located in southeastern San Luis Obispo County, is a hidden gem of natural beauty and ecological significance. Spanning over 200,000 acres, it is one of the last remaining undeveloped grasslands in California.  The Plain offers a unique glimpse into the State's natural past showcasing a landscape of rolling grasslands, dramatic ridges, and alkali flats.

Painted Rock Nestled within Carrizo Plain National Monument, stands as a testament to ancient artistry and cultural heritage. Adorned with vivid pictographs created by Native Americans centuries ago, this sacred site offers a glimpse into the artistic and spiritual traditions of its creators. Visitors can explore these remarkable images, which depict symbols, animals, and geometric patterns, while also marveling at the rock's natural beauty and the enduring legacy of those who once called this land home. Permits required to visit Painted Rock. Available through Recreation.gov.

Carrizo Plain Super-bloom 

One of the most captivating natural phenomena that draw visitors from far and wide is the super-bloom. During certain years, typically after ample winter rains, the plains burst into a riot of colors as wildflowers blanket the landscape in vibrant hues of orange, yellow, purple, and white. This spectacular display transforms the arid terrain into a tapestry of floral beauty, creating a scene reminiscent of an impressionist painting.

A Crucial Haven for Birds Every year, the Carrizo Plain becomes a vital stopover for migratory birds, offering a crucial haven amid their journeys. Flocks of diverse species descend upon this sanctuary, from Mountain Plovers to colorful waterfowl and raptors. Against the backdrop of its expansive grasslands and wetlands, Carrizo Plain provides essential resources and shelter, drawing birdwatchers who marvel at the spectacle of nature in motion.

Carrizo Plain Endangered Species

Amidst its varied landscapes, Carrizo Plain National Monument serves as a crucial habitat for several endangered species. The San Joaquin kit fox, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and giant kangaroo rat are just a few of the rare and threatened species that find refuge within the monument's diverse ecosystems. Conservation efforts within the monument aim not only to protect these species but also to restore and preserve their habitats against the pressures of human encroachment and climate change.

Soda Lake  An inland lake consisting of salt deposits from sediments draining from the surrounding hills the lake is dry most of the year.  

San Andreas Fault and Wallace Creek                                                                                                                Geologically,  the Carrizo Plain National Monument is situated along the San Andreas Fault, one of the most famous and studied fault lines in the world. This geological feature has shaped the landscape over millions of years, resulting in dramatic landforms such as ridges, canyons, and dry lake beds. By taking the trail from Soda Lake Road to Wallace Creek, visitors can explore evidence of fault activity, including offset stream channels and displaced rock formations, which serve as a reminder of the powerful forces at work beneath the Earth's surface.

Goodwin Education and Visitors Center Newly remodeled and enlarged, the center serves as a museum and gift shop. The museum features exhibits of the unique wildlife, plants, cultural history and geology on the monument.  The Center is open Thursdays through Sundays, December 1 to May 31. Phone (661) 391-6191

Whether exploring the monument's wildflower-strewn plains during a super-bloom, observing rare wildlife in their natural habitats, or contemplating the dynamic forces of tectonic activity along the San Andreas Fault, Carrizo Plains National Monument offers a unique and enriching experience for nature enthusiasts, scientists, and visitors seeking to connect with California's natural, cultural and geological heritage

Friends of the Carrizo Plain  Is a CA non-profit organization working in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management to protect the unique resources of the Carrizo Plain National Monument and educate visitors about this rare and remarkable landscape. Join us. FOCP HCR PO Box 3078, Santa Margarita, CA 93453 www.carrizo.org

Carrizo Plain - Truly a Hidden Gem!