Blunt-nosed leopard lizard

BLM

Bakersfield Field Office

Carrizo Plain

National Monument

Recreation Map & Guide

At less than 100 air miles from Los Angeles, Carrizo Plain 

National Monument is a remnant of a natural habitat 

where antelope and elk grazed and wildflowers swept 

the spring landscape. Within the Plain are vast open 

grasslands, white alkali flats of the ancient Soda Lake, 

and a broad plain rimmed by mountains. Carrizo Plain is 

home to a variety of wildlife and plant species—including several that are threatened or endangered. The area 

has significant cultural and historical resources. Evidence 

of the valley-carving and mountain-moving San Andreas 

Fault can also be seen in the Carrizo Plain.

The Carrizo Plain is approximately 250,000 acres in 

size—or about 38 miles long—and 17 miles wide and 

is jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management, 

California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and The 

Nature Conservancy. 

Seasonal tours are provided of Soda Lake/Painted Rock 

and the El Saucito Ranch. To sign up for a tour you can 

visit, www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777, TDD 

1-877-833-6777.

The Guy L. Goodwin Education center is a great place 

to start your visit. It is open December–May, Thursday–

Sunday, from 9:00am to 4:00pm (closed on 

holidays). You can reach the education 

center at 805-475-2131 during hours of 

operation. 

A natural adventure awaits you at 

Carrizo Plain National Monument.

Before You Visit

Prepare yourself for your adventure. The Carrizo Plain 

National Monument does not provide any services 

such as water, food, or fuel. Plan your trip accordingly 

and insure you get these items in one of the neighboring communities before you come (see Gateway 

Communities). These communities lie 15 miles from the 

south entrance and 60 miles from the north entrance. 

Also, insure you bring the appropriate apparel for the 

time of year you are visiting.

Weather

Expect warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Most 

rain falls between November and April with occasional 

snow. Average summer temperatures range from the 

low 50s °F at night to the upper 90s °F during the day. 

Daytime temperatures often exceed 100 °F, with a record 

high of 115 °F. Average winter temperatures range from 

highs in the mid 60s to lows in the mid 30s, with a record 

low of 0 °F. The Carrizo Plain receives between 7–10 

inches of annual rainfall on the valley floor. 

Pets

Pets must be controlled at all times. In addition, pets 

must be leashed or caged at all developed sites including the visitor center, interpretive overlooks, trail heads, 

and camping areas. No pets are allowed in the Painted 

Rock exclusion zone.

Nearest Highway Access 

The Carrizo Plain has two major sources of access. 

From the north, the access is via Soda Lake Road off of 

Highway 58. The other major access is from the south via 

Soda Lake Road off of Highway 33/166. 

Road Conditions within the Monument 

Many roads within the Monument have an unimproved 

dirt surface and become impassable during periods 

of rain. The main road, Soda Lake Road, is open year 

round. However, rains may make parts of Soda Lake 

Road slippery, muddy, and impassable at times. The 

Caliente Ridge Road can be especially dangerous when 

wet and may be closed periodically during periods of 

heavy rain or snowfall. All roads in the Monument may 

be periodically closed for safety conditions such as fire 

hazard, weather, or unsafe conditions. Panorama and 

Simmler roads often take weeks to dry out after a rain. 

Even though the other roads in the monument are dry, 

Panorama and Simmler roads may be impassable—

proceed with caution on these roads especially during 

winter months, and obey all closed road signs.

Gateway Communities

Gateway Communities located near the Monument help 

inform and educate the public about the opportunities 

on the Carrizo Plain National Monument. They also 

provide services (food, fuel, water) not available on the 

Monument.

Taft is located east of Carrizo Plain and offers Monument 

information at the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor 

Center at 400 Kern Street. You can visit their website: 

http://www.taftchamber.com. Taft offers a variety of businesses, including grocery stores, fuel, and lodging.

Santa Margarita is located northwest of the Monument 

and offers visitors information on Main Street (El Camino 

Real), look for visitor information signs. Santa Margarita 

offers fuel, food, and shops. Visit their website: 

http://www.smcf.org/local_information.html

Carrizo Plain National Monument is a great place to 

enjoy nature and witness human history. People visit 

the Monument to view wildlife, to see the spectacular 

wildflower displays in the spring, to walk along the San 

Andreas Fault at Wallace Creek, to visit the pictographs 

at Painted Rock, and to just enjoy the solitude. Other 

visitors enjoy hunting opportunities in the mountains 

surrounding the plain, camping in the foothills, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and various other 

outdoor activities. 

The majority of recreational activities at the National 

Monument are concentrated around the Goodwin 

Education Center, Soda Lake, Painted Rock, Selby and 

KCL campgrounds, the Caliente Mountains, and along 

the San Andreas Fault. 

The Guy L. Goodwin Education Center is located one 

half mile west of the junction of Painted Rock Road 

and Soda Lake Road and is open seasonally from the 

beginning of December to the end of May. Normal days 

and hours of operation during the winter and spring 

season are Thursday through Sunday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. 

Make this your first stop to receive updated information. Informational maps and brochures are available at 

the front door when the Center is closed. Handicapped 

accessible restrooms at the Visitor Center are open 24 

hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year. 

Auto Touring and other 

Motorized Recreation Use 

Most Monument visitors tour the area in cars, stopping 

at scenic viewpoints, interpretive overlooks, hiking trails, 

and other points of interest along the way. Typically 

these visitors stay on Soda Lake Road. More adventurous 

visitors access the back roads of the Monument with 

pickups and sport utility vehicles. All vehicles must stay 

on designated routes. Popular routes are depicted on 

this map. The speed limit on BLM roads is 25 MPH. 

Hiking

Hiking in Carrizo is generally self-guided and takes place 

on roads, trails, and cross-country. There are only a few 

developed trails within the Monument. These include the 

Caliente Ridge Trail and various interpretive trails: 

Caliente Ridge Trailhead: This 7-mile long trail is 

accessed from a small trailhead located at the top of 

Caliente Ridge and provides panoramic views of the 

Carrizo Plain as well as the Temblor Range and parts of 

Cuyama Valley. This trail also provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird 

watching. Moderate hike.

Caliente Mountain Trailhead: This trailhead is 

located 13 miles west of Cuyama on Highway 

166. Wide open spaces and spring wildflowers 

set the stage for hiking on this 2-mile foot path. The trail 

is not well defined. Hunters favor this trail for access to 

deer and quail on adjacent public lands. Strenuous hike.

Camping 

The Carrizo Plain has two developed campgrounds.

KCL Campground is a semi-primitive campground 

located at what was the headquarters of Kern County 

Land Company. A restroom, picnic tables, fire rings, 

informational kiosk, and horse corrals are available at the 

campground.

Selby Campground is a semi-primitive campground 

located at the base of the Caliente Mountains, the campground is more secluded than KCL. A restroom, picnic 

tables, fire rings, informational kiosk, and horse corrals 

are available on the campground.

Dispersed car camping is also allowed within certain 

areas of the Carrizo Plain. The designated dispersed car 

camping areas encompass approximately 100,000 acres 

where car, tent, backpack, or horse camping is allowed. 

Generally, dispersed car camping is permitted in the 

foothills and mountainous areas. Dispersed car camping 

is not permitted on the valley floor area to protect sensitive biological resources and to prevent obstruction of 

scenic vistas, nor is it permitted at Soda Lake and adjacent areas. There are established dispersed car camping 

areas around the monument, please take advantage of 

these instead of making a new one. Remember... Leave 

No Trace.

Hunting and Shooting 

Hunting in the Monument is managed and regulated by 

the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Areas not open to shooting include a safety zone 

surrounding the Guy L. Goodwin Education Center and 

Painted Rock; all designated campgrounds; administrative and recreational facilities including Painted Rock 

Ranch, Washburn Ranch, and MU Ranch; all pullouts 

and informational kiosks; Soda Lake; Traver Ranch; and 

Wallace Creek. The safety zone is 1⁄4 mile around all sites 

listed above.

Target shooting is not allowed in the Monument.

Equestrian Use 

Equestrian use is permitted on the Carrizo Plain. Trailer 

parking is available, but limited to already impacted areas 

such as campgrounds and parking areas. Equestrians 

are prohibited on most walking trails, including but 

not limited to Painted Rock, Wallace Creek, Soda Lake 

Boardwalk, and Overlook Hill. Portions of some walking 

trails are used for equestrians as allowed and signed, 

such as the Caliente Ridge Trailhead and the Caliente 

Mountain Trail. 

Mountain Biking 

Mountain biking is permitted on the approximately 

460 miles of existing public roads on the Carrizo Plain. 

Throughout the Monument, bikes are treated like 

vehicles and must stay on designated roads. Mountain 

bikes are prohibited on most walking trails, including but 

not limited to Painted Rock, Wallace Creek, Soda Lake 

Boardwalk, and Overlook Hill.

Interpretive Trails 

Painted Rock Trail: The Painted Rock Trail is located 2 

miles south of the Goodwin Education Center. This trail 

gives visitors access to the level 1.4-mile round trip trail 

to the Painted Rock cultural site. The trail is open to 

pedestrians only (no mountain bikes, dogs, or horses). 

Painted Rock is closed from March 1st to July 15th to 

protect the wildlife and resources. During this closure, 

tours are available through the www.recreation.gov.

Travers Ranch Trail: The Travers Ranch homestead has a 

self-guided tour of old farming equipment and discusses 

the history of farming on the Carrizo Plain. 

Wallace Creek Trail: A self-guided .75 mile interpretive 

trail has been constructed at Wallace Creek and along a 

portion of the San Andreas Fault. The trail walks visitors 

through the geological activity of the San Andreas Fault 

on the Carrizo Plain over time. 

Soda Lake Boardwalk Trail: A boardwalk that follows 

the edge of Soda Lake is located on Soda Lake Road 

across from Overlook Hill.

Overlook Hill Trail: The Overlook Hill Trail is located off 

Soda Lake Road 2.1 miles inside the north entrance and 

provides a great view of Soda Lake and the Carrizo Plain. 

The trail is short but steep. 

Guided Tours 

All docent-guided tours are scheduled through 

www.recreation.gov 

Wildflowers and Painted Rock Tour: During the spring 

there are opportunities for a docent-guided tour of the 

wildflowers and Painted Rock. 

El Saucito Ranch House Tour: The El Saucito Ranch 

House is the oldest standing ranch property in the 

Carrizo Plain, dating back to the late 1870s. The house 

and the surrounding buildings are open to special tours 

during certain times of the year. There is an informational 

kiosk and a 0.25-mile interpretive trail on the property. 

The Carrizo Plain is a dramatic landscape in a largely 

undeveloped state. Its designation as a National 

Monument was intended to conserve the Carrizo 

Plain's many significant wild and natural values. Here, 

vast open plains are backed by stark mountain ridges, 

structures from historic and present-day ranching 

operations become integral parts of the valley floor. One 

of California’s most dramatic wildflower blooms colors 

the landscape in the spring, and rare, dark, night skies 

escape the light pollution of sprawling development. 

Locations such as Caliente Ridge and the Soda Lake 

Overlook provide a glimpse into the universe from the 

dark skies of the Monument.

Wild Flora and Fauna

It is common to see wildlife in their natural setting 

on the Monument. Please view them from a distance 

and do not disturb. The Monument offers a refuge for 

endangered, threatened, and rare animal species such as 

the San Joaquin kit fox, the blunt-nosed leopard lizard, 

the giant kangaroo rat and the San Joaquin antelope 

squirrel. Vernal pools support the rare longhorn fairy 

shrimp and other species of fairy shrimp. Reintroductions 

of pronghorn antelope and tule elk have allowed these 

once extirpated native ungulates to once again roam the 

plain together. The area is also home to many rare and 

sensitive plant species, including California jewelflower, 

Hoover’s woolly-star and San Joaquin woolly-threads. 

The diversity and abundance of the Carrizo’s many 

plant species serve as the foundation for the animals 

that thrive here and the beauty that defines the Carrizo. 

Despite past human use the size, isolation, and relatively 

undeveloped nature of the area make it ideal for longterm conservation of a unique ecosystem once common 

in the San Joaquin Valley region of California.

Wildflowers

Carrizo Plain National Monument can boast some of 

the most beautiful wildflower displays around. These 

displays spread across the valleys, over the hillsides and 

down the canyons. John Muir once wrote that in walking 

across the valley in the spring, "...more than a hundred 

flowers touched my feet, at every step closing above 

them, as if wading in water." This is the type of spring 

that wildflower seekers hope for each year. The Carrizo 

still produces these immense fields of wildflowers but 

unfortunately, this does not happen every year.

March

Changing temperatures along with rainfall greatly affect 

the type of wildflower season the Carrizo will have. 

Visitors can usually expect rainy days in March. In dry 

years, the end of March can sometimes be the peak time 

for wildflowers.

April

April temperatures are usually more consistent and are 

often in the 70s or higher, making it often times the 

“peak” for wildflowers. All of the flowers seen in March 

will usually continue to bloom through April. Other species emerge if conditions are right. 

May

May temperatures become increasingly warm, good 

for late bloomers but too warm for the early flowers. If temperatures are mild, expect the April 

flowers to hang on a little longer. More bulbs will bloom, 

and buckwheat species will begin to bud and bloom. 

Expect the end of the season to close with beautiful 

displays of farewell-to-spring. 

Soda Lake

Soda Lake, a normally dry lake bed, covers an area of 

about 3,000 acres, and is one of the dominant geographic features of the Carrizo Plain. It is the largest 

remaining natural alkali wetland in southern California 

and the only closed basin within the coastal mountains. 

As its name suggest, Soda Lake concentrates salts as 

water is evaporated away, leaving white deposits of 

sulfates and carbonates. Despite this harsh environment, small plant and animal species are well adapted to 

this setting, which is also important to migratory birds. 

During most winter months the lake fills with water and 

offers refuge for migratory birds.

 Geology 

The geomorphic and geologic structures of the 

Monument are the product of millions of years of erosion, sediment deposition, faulting, volcanism, and uplift. 

Most of the sediments that consolidated to form the 

Caliente and Temblor Ranges were deposited into marine 

and near-shore basins during the Miocene Epoch. 

The San Andreas Fault is the tectonic boundary between 

the Pacific and North American Plates. The Pacific Plate 

(west of the fault) is moving northwest relative to the 

North American Plate. During the last 11 million 

years, the San Andreas Fault has moved the 

Pacific Plate some 183 miles (295 km). The 

Carrizo Plain is world-famous for spectacular 

exposures of landforms generated by strikeslip faulting. 

In 1857, the strongest earthquake in 

California’s history ruptured the fault through 

the Carrizo, causing some 16–26 feet (5–8 m) 

of offset.

Paleontology 

The Monument is distinguished for its world-class fossil 

assemblages, paleontological resources, and as the 

location of particular type formations of geologic 

strata. Several rock formations were first recognized and defined within the Monument 

such as the Paso Robles, Caliente, and 

Morales formations. 

There have been a series of geological 

mapping surveys conducted in the 

Monument that identify the potential 

for paleontological resources in specific formations within the Caliente and 

Temblor ranges. Both invertebrate and vertebrate fossils occur in these geologic formations.

The Carrizo Plain National Monument contains hundreds 

of significant cultural sites. These include everything 

from prehistoric Native American campsites that are as 

much as 10,000 years old to 19th century homesteads, 

some which were farmed and ranched into recent 

times. Many of the Carrizo sites have been listed on the 

National Register of Historic Places. The values of the 

spectacular Painted Rock site are obvious, but other 

important cultural sites also add to our understanding 

of life on the Carrizo, even if they may not immediately 

appear significant at first glance. Old farm buildings, 

machinery and implements, fence posts, water troughs 

and even historical period dump sites represent aspects 

of a way of life we are trying to preserve.

Native Americans on the Carrizo Plain 

Although the Carrizo Plain appears to be a dry, harsh 

environment, Native American people occupied the 

area for at least 10,000 years. Archaeological evidence 

shows that the peak of this occupation occurred during what is known as the Middle Period 4,000 to 800 

years ago. During this time, the climate throughout the 

West was much wetter, and water was plentiful on the 

Carrizo Plain. Beginning about 1,200 to 800 years ago, 

a drying trend (revealed by studies of Soda Lake soil 

samples) resulted in drought throughout much of the 

world. Not surprisingly, the archaeological record on 

the Carrizo Plain shows fewer sites dating to this later 

period. Settlements appear to shift from relatively large 

sites located along drainages where there would have 

been flowing water during the Middle Period to smaller 

sites at better watered locations. Then, as now, climate 

and water sources were important influences on human 

history.

The Carrizo Plain National Monument lies primarily 

within the historical territory of the Chumash people. The 

Salinian, who lived north of the Chumash along the coast 

to the Salinas Valley, and inland within the Coast Range, 

also visited the Carrizo, as did the Yokuts who lived in 

the San Joaquin Valley to the east. The presence 

of pictograph sites like Painted Rock and other 

Native American spiritual sites on the Carrizo 

Plain indicate that this region has long held 

special values to these people. Their descendants 

continue to revere these places and visit them to 

conduct ceremonies and rituals.

Painted Rock

The sandstone formation at Painted Rock has long drawn 

the attention of Carrizo Plain visitors. About 3,000–4,000 

years ago, Native Americans began to paint their sacred 

images within the alcove of the rock. The power of this 

place continues to enthrall, and it still receives many 

visitors today.

Unfortunately, the site sustained significant damage 

due to vandalism over the last century. Measures have 

been taken to repair some of the damage, but what has 

been lost can never be reclaimed. Management of the 

site is focused upon protection, preservation, and public 

education, while respecting the Native American values 

of this sacred site.

Visiting Painted Rock

Painted Rock may be visited as part of a BLM guided tour 

or seasonally with a self-guided tour permit. Tours or 

permits are available according to the calendar below.

• March 1 to July 15: Available to BLM guided 

tours only. No other form of public visitation is 

allowed during this time period in order to protect 

nesting birds. Tours are docent-led and occur 

Saturdays during March, April, and May from 

10:00am to 3:00pm, weather permitting. The tour 

starts at Soda Lake Overlook where information on 

the natural history of the Carrizo Plain is presented 

and then to Painted Rock.

• July 16 to end of February: A self-guided tour 

permit is available and required for unguided 

public access to Painted Rock. The permit process 

helps better safeguard sacred features while providing public access. Through the permit application 

process, visitors will be provided with information 

about how to appropriately visit Painted Rock to help 

ensure that the site is protected and preserved while 

respecting Native American spiritual values.

BLM Guided Tour and 

Self-Guided Tour Permit Reservations

BLM guided tour reservations and self-guided tour permits can be booked online or by phone at the numbers 

listed below through www.recreation.gov 

Recreation.gov phone numbers

• Painted Rock BLM Guided Tour and Self Guided Tour 

Permit reservations (toll free): 1-877-444-6777 

• International reservations 518-885-3639 

• TDD 1-877-833-6777

Travers Ranch

Travers Ranch is located along Soda Lake road, 18 miles 

south of the Goodwin Education Center and 11.5 miles 

north of State Highway 166. The L.E. Traver Ranch was 

established in the 1940s when the family purchased 

approximately 800 acres and began building the large 

block house that still stands along the edge of Soda 

Lake Road. The family was primarily involved in dry land 

farming of wheat and occasionally barley. Examples of 

farming implements that were used are on display in the 

field south of the block house. The house can be viewed 

from the small parking lot and information kiosk. The 

house provides important habitat for the pallid bat and 

other bat species. Because of this, the house has been 

secured with plywood and metal grates to allow wildlife 

access, but prevent human entrance into the structure.

El Saucito Ranch

The El Saucito Ranch house is the only standing house 

in the Monument from the pioneer period. The house 

changed ownership a number of times but was rarely 

vacant. The last time the house was owner-occupied was 

in 1966. In the years that followed, the ranch house was 

used by property caretakers or leased to local ranchers 

until the ranch was vacated in 1984. Although alterations 

were made to windows, doors, and the interior of the 

house over the years, the original two-story redwood 

house structure remains intact. 

Cultural Resources

The most common historic resources encountered in the 

Monument include ranch buildings, structures, or features associated with sheep and 

cattle livestock operations and 

dryland farming. To a much 

lesser degree, remains from the 

mining of salt, sodium sulfate, and gypsum are found in 

the Monument. These historic remains demonstrate the 

dominant role ranching and dryland farming played in 

the regional history. 

Extraction of sodium sulfate from Soda Lake during the 

1910s is evidenced today by the remaining foundations and earthen berm where a narrow gauge railroad 

transported minerals from Soda Lake to a connecting 

point near present day State Highway 58. 

• Don’t deface cultural sites by carving, painting, drawing or shooting.

• Don’t dig or otherwise disturb the ground surface in 

or near cultural sites.

• Don’t touch or climb sandstone outcrops, many of 

which contain cultural features. Contact with the 

sandstone damages the mineral crust which protects 

the stone from erosion.

• Don’t move, remove or arrange stones, wood or 

other features. The precise original location of 

objects is important to our understanding of their 

significance.

• Don’t damage historical buildings and objects by 

climbing or entering them.

• Don’t disturb nesting birds, bats or other wildlife.

• Don’t place caches in or near cultural sites. 

Supplementary Rules

This special area requires special care so visitors will 

enjoy it for generations to come. Following the guidelines below will make everyone's visit more pleasant.

• Target shooting is prohibited on the monument.

• Any paintball, airsoft, or like weapon is prohibited on 

the monument.

• All vehicles operated within the monument must be 

licensed for use on public streets and/or highway 

travel. Non-street-legal vehicles are prohibited with 

the following exceptions: When used for authorized, 

permitted, or administrative purpose, including those 

used in emergency situations. 

• No off road travel by motorized or mechanized 

vehicles.

• All pets must be controlled by the owner at all times. 

Additionally, all pets shall remain leashed or caged at 

all developed sites including visitor centers, interpretive overlooks, trail heads, and camping areas. 

• The following animals and activities shall be unlawful within the Painted Rock Exclusion Zone: horses, 

dogs, non-motorized bicycles (excluding the Painted 

Rock parking area), cache-type activities (including geocaching and earth caching), discharge of 

firearms, campfires, with the exception of Native 

American ceremonial use. 

• Still and video photography of the pictograph 

images at Painted Rock and other rock art sites 

in the monument are prohibited for commercial 

purposes. 

• Competitive/ recreational activities or events shall 

not include the release of non-native or captive-held 

native species.

• The use of metal detectors is prohibited.

• Organized groups with 20 or more persons or 5 or 

more vehicles must secure a permit for any day or 

overnight use.

• Operation of any vessel, aircraft, boat, or motorized 

vehicle is prohibited on or within 100 feet of Soda 

Lake or any adjacent stream, channel, dry lake or 

body of water.

The BLM manages the Carrizo Plain National Monument 

as part of its National Conservation Lands, also known 

as the National Landscape Conservation System, which 

includes more than 26 million acres of BLM lands “designated for their outstanding scientific values, including 

cultural, archaeological, biological, social, paleontological, and geologic resources.”

The mission of the conservation system is “to conserve, 

protect, and restore these significant landscapes of 

exceptional cultural, ecological, and scientific values for 

the benefit of current and future generations.” Managing 

the natural landscape of the Carrizo Plain National 

Monument helps ensure that it is conserved, protected, 

and restored for the long-term benefit of surrounding 

communities. (Text from The Carrizo Plain National 

Monument; A Stunning Natural Area Sustaining Vibrant 

Communities by the Wilderness Society)

Things to Do

Welcome to 

Carrizo Plain 

National Monument Nature & Science

Heritage Sites

Guy L. Goodwin Education Center

Cultural sites add to 

our understanding of life 

on the Carrizo

Recreation is oriented toward 

enjoyment of the area’s natural 

and historic resources

San Joaquin antelope squirrel

Above: Aerial view of the San Andreas Fault in the Temblor Range

Below: A field of coreopsis with Soda Lake in the background

El Saucito Ranch House

Tidy tips Poppies & Lupine Goldfields Baby blue-eyes Fiddleneck Shooting star Thistle sage Owl's clover

Beetle

Burrowing owl,

(background) 

Giant kangaroo rat 

precincts

National Public Lands Day volunteers

The closer you look,

the more you see.

Pronghorn antelope

Farming equipment 

at the Travers Ranch

Painted Rock cultural site

Soda Lake

San Joaquin kit foxes

Photo by Peter Knapp

The Bureau of Land Management’s 

BLM/CA/GI-2013/017+6200+8300
Leave No Trace

Plan Ahead and Prepare:

• Get information about the CPNM or 

your travel route from the BLM, 

661-391-6000 or the Goodwin 

Education Center, 805-475-2131. 

• Start your CPNM visit with a full tank of gas. • Prepare for bad weather and unsafe road conditions with 

extra food, water, clothing, and first aid kit. 

• Respect private and public road closures. It is your respon-

sibility to know where you are at all times, some private 

property is not posted. 

• If you are hunting, know the California hunting regulations 

and abide by them. 

• Bring maps and a compass, and know how to use them to 

find your way and location even if you have a GPS unit.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces:

Vehicle Use and Travel:

• Appropriate vehicle use protects wildlife and wildlife 

habitat. The speed limit is 25 MPH except on County roads. 

• Protect wildlife and livestock; leave gates as you find them. • Operate motorized vehicles only on designated travel 

routes. A list of open routes is available from the BLM or 

on a map available at the Goodwin Education Center.

• Prevent damage to roads and vegetation; avoid travel 

when conditions are muddy.

On the Trail:

• Walk on established trails when possible. • Ride bicycles on designated roads only. • Prevent erosion and trail widening by using the existing 

tread surface. 

• Hunters—drag any gut piles, skins, etc. well away from 

trails and highly visible and frequented areas. Pick up 

shotgun shells and other debris.

• Hunters—the monument falls within the California condor 

range and it is illegal to use or possess lead projectiles 

while hunting big game and non game species in this 

range.

At Camp:

• Campground quiet hours are 9pm–7am • A good campsite is found, not made. • Place kitchen areas, tents and stock on areas where 

obvious signs of prior use exist. If outside of a developed 

campground, leave vehicles along the edge of roadway 

but not impeding traffic; do not drive to your chosen 

camp site. 

• Camp at least 200 yards away from water sources. • Camp only in developed campgrounds or in designated 

camping areas. 

• Hunters, please remove gut piles or other animal parts 

from campgrounds.

Dispose of Waste Properly:

Pack it In, Pack it Out:

• Pack out everything you brought in with you: trash, spent 

brass, shotgun shells, cigarette butts, etc. 

• Keep wildlife healthy and avoid human food dependence. 

Protect your food from animals by storing rations securely. 

Never bury food or leave it behind.

Properly Dispose of Human Waste:

• Use established restroom facilities when possible. • Bury human waste in catholes 4–8” deep at least 200 

feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the 

cathole. Pack out all toilet paper and dispose of properly.

Leave What You Find:

• If you alter an area in any way, restore its natural appear-

ance before leaving. 

• Historical or cultural artifacts provide clues to help scien-

tists understand history. They belong to all of us. Leave 

them as you find them—it’s the law. 

• Signs are expensive and are paid for by your tax dollars. 

Please don’t use them to sight firearms. 

• Many people visit the CPNM for the scenery and quiet 

they find there. Target practice is illegal within the CPNM.

Minimize Campfire Impacts:

• Stoves are the best option for cooking. Campfires and fire 

rings can scar the CPNM’s beauty and destroy habitat. 

• If you must build a fire, use an established fire ring. • Bring your own wood with you. Do not burn plastics, glass, 

or cans. Haul your trash out with you. 

• Obtain a campfire permit before building a fire outside 

of a designated campground. Permits are available from 

the visitor center, a ranger or the Bakersfield BLM office, 

661-391-6000.

Respect Wildlife:

• Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or 

approach them.

• Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, 

alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators 

and other dangers.

• Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. • Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, 

raising young, or winter.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors:

• Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their 

experience.

• Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail. • Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. • Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

Kit fox artwork by 

Miriam Morrill