Planning your trip to Carrizo Plain National Monument

THE BEST WAY TO CARRIZO PLAIN NATIONAL MONUMENTFrom Los Angeles, take Interstate 5 to Exit 257. Take State Highway 58 west toward Buttonwillow / McKittrick. In 16 miles State Highway 58 intersects State Highway 33; turn left and pass through McKittrick. In 2.6 miles turn right and leave State Highway 33, continue on 58 west, up and over the Temblor Range. In 27.5 miles turn left (south) on Soda Lake Road toward California Valley and the Carrizo Plain National Monument.

WHERE TO STAY

Holland Inn & Suites, 531 Warren St., Taft; (661) 763-5211,

WHERE TO EAT

Ot Cook House & Saloon, 205 N. 10th St., Taft; (661) 763-1819.

Jo’s Restaurant, 510 Kern St., Taft; (661) 763-4621. Open 8 a.m.-1 p.m

TO LEARN MORE

Carrizo Plain National Monument, (805) 475-2131, https://www.blm.gov/ca. Goodwin Education Center, (805) 475-2131. Open Dec.1-May 31.

March 1-July 15: Painted Rock is available to visitation only by BLM guided tours. No other form of public visitation is allowed during this period. July 16 to end of February: Self-guided tour permits are required for unguided public access to Painted Rock. For information and reservations, go to https://www.recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777.