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If you are looking for a good day trip out of San Luis
Obispo, then the Carrizo
plains would be a good choice. At a little over an hour driving from San
Luis Obispo the Carrizo plains are a complete contrast from the more
inhabited coastal areas of San Luis Obispo county. The Carrizo Plains is
an area that is almost completely uninhabited by people. It almost
reminds one of the rolling prairies of the Midwest other than the fact
that it is surrounded by mountains.
To get to the Carrizo plains take the 101 eight miles north from San
Luis Obispo to the Santa Margarita exit. Then drive through the quaint
"western" town of Santa Margarita and turn right onto Highway 58 - then
follow the signs for highway 58 and stay on 58 all the way until you
reach California Valley.
Photo to left of Carrizo Wildflowers |
This is the first major valley you reach on
highway 58 - the road drops out of the hills and goes through a serious
of several 90 degree turns. About 8-10 miles after you enter this valley
you will see the road to Soda Lake on your right hand side. From the 58
to Soda Lake it is 13 miles.
The highway 58 drive is gorgeous. It is a seldom traveled road and once
you leave the small town of Santa Margarita it is something like 90
miles before the next services are found (gas, restaurants etc). As you
drive east you will notice the vegetation becomes more and more
indicative of a drier climate. About 15 miles before you reach
California Valley you may see a herd of grazing Buffalo. Good photo op
here.
Most of the year this area is very dry and in the summer months it can
be quite hot here. The absolute best time of year to visit in in mid to
the end of April after a high rainfall year. The wildflowers in this
area are simply breathtaking. Carpets and carpets of yellows and oranges
blanket parts of the Carrizo Plains and especially in the vicinity of
Soda Lake.
Once you reach Soda Lake be sure to drive up the short dirt road leading
to the Soda Lake overlook. A short dirt trail leads from the dirt
parking lot to the top of a small hill which affords one excellent views
of Soda Lake, the Carrizo Plains and the mountains. Sometimes you can see
snow on these mountains way in the distance.
Almost directly across the paved Soda Lake Road from the Soda Lake
overlook is a small dirt parking lot next to a trail.
This 1/4 mile trail leads to Soda Lake and is well
worth the hike. A raised trail made from recycled milk cartons winds
around a short section of the lake. Soda Lake is one of California's
saltiest lakes and is an important migratory stop for birds.
Photo of Highway 58 Wildflowers |
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On your return trip to San Luis Obispo consider taking the old road back
to Pozo which then meets up with highway 58 jut outside of Santa
Margarita. This road leads off of highway 58 about 5 miles west of
California valley - once 58 enters the hills again after climbing out of
California Valley. Its a paved road for a few miles and then becomes a
dirt road all the way to just outside of Pozo. It is a bit rocky
dropping down the grade into Pozo and is not a recommended drive during
rainy weather. It is not a bad dirt road, as far as dirt roads go - Dave
has taken several 2-WD vehicles over this road. If you do drive it,
drive it slow and watch for rocks in the road. |
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