Super bloom mania has hit with full force and people have been flocking to areas to see the carpets of wildflowers. Some places though, are a little more off the beaten path and provide more stunning displays without the manic crowds. Although weekend crowds will certainly increase, they aren’t as numerous as the places around the L.A. region. While many places throughout California provide wonderful opportunities to take in the wildflowers, some places provide beauty that is too good to ignore. One of the best places to see the super bloom is in the southern coast hills around Carrizo Plain National Monument. Through most of the year, Highway 58 is a road in the middle of nowhere with little to see. However, when spring hits, and particular after a wet winter, Highway 58 comes alive with color. Right now, from early to mid April is the best time to go and experience the super bloom for yourself.
Carrizo Plain
Carrizo Plain National Monument is an odd place giving a good representation of the diversity of California. In 2001, 200,000 acres of the valley and hills south of Soda Lake were designated as a national monument. A curious feature just North of the monument, is a lattice of roads on the map. However, most of the roads don’t really exist on the ground and are simply road name signs standing alone amidst the grassland. Throughout the area there are scatterings of run down buildings and camper trailers giving the area a ghost town feel. The area though, has been reborn with solar farms which now dominate the valley. Just South of this area is Soda Lake which is a shallow, ephemeral lake which has a recognizable white bottom. Beyond the lake is the protected area of Carrizo Plain National Monument.
There are a few roads that are actually drivable in the valley, along with places to park and hike. Making sure you have good information beforehand is helpful in planning a trip.
The maintained roads are 7 Mile road, Soda Lake Road, Simmler Road, and Elkhorn road. These roads create a figure 8 that you can drive along and include the best wildflower viewing. Elkhorn Road and Simmler Road are gravel roads but don’t require 4 wheel drive or high clearance and the rest of the roads are paved.
Itinerary
To begin your sightseeing, head to the juncture of Highway 58 and the 7 mile road. At this point and further East along highway 58 are some of the best displays of wildflowers. From there, head West along Highway 58 and take your time to enjoy the scenery. Turn left down Soda Lake Road which will take you past Soda Lake. Make your way to the Soda Lake View point and the Soda Lake Trail. The elevated viewpoint gives a great vantage point to see the valley and Soda Lake. This is a popular spot to sightsee and hike so stick to the trails so that others after you can enjoy the views as well.
One of the most impressive parts of Carrizo Plain are the variety of flowers. While Goldfields dominate the landscape, there are some small pockets of numerous other flowers which are an incredibly beautiful sight. Heading South along Soda Lake Road, turn left onto Simmler Road which provides an access point to Soda Lake which is neat to see the contrast of the flowers with the white lake bed. Continue North along Simmler road which will meet Elkhorn Road. This will take you closer to the hills which are a great canvas to see the smattering of flowers. If you want to do some hiking turn right on Elkhorn Road towards Wallace Creek which is an interpretive hike of the San Andreas Fault. If you turn left, North-West, onto Elkhorn Road, that will lead you back towards Highway 58 and the beginning of this journey.
Points of Interest
I didn’t go here but it seems like a great spot to explore
Not great wildflower viewing unless you hike quite a ways.
More Exploring
If you want to do some more exploring off the beaten path then I would recommend driving down Elkhorn Road past the Wallace Creek Trail or driving further down Soda Lake Road which goes the length of Carrizo Plain to join highway 33/166. Much of this area further South is less traveled and can provide some solitude along with opportunities to explore the Carrizo Plain.
Be sure to take it all in and appreciate the super bloom as no one knows when the next super bloom will take place!
