77 replies to this topic

[RandyP]

A place holder and discussion starting point for a spring trip this year to the Carrizo Plain.
I will edit this post as planning develops.

March 31 update:

Just got back from the Carrizo late last night (Thursday).
Roads are all dry and passable. Elkhorn Plain road has beeen bladed with a bull dozed.
Hurricane Road over the Temblors is in good shape.
One of the roads across the valley floor is posted Road Closed, but it is dry and should be opened.
There are two road graders and a rubber tired roller Parked at the south end of soda alke road. The county of SLO has done some work on the south end of Soda Lake road and may do more, it could use some more smoothing out. Everything is green.

The wild flowers are in full bloom. Goldfield ground cover on part of the valley floor and many of the Temblor Range mountain surfaces. Tidy tips, poppies, facilia and some desert candles. Saw a few Baby Blue Eyes also along the Soda Lake road near the boardwalk parking area.

Selby campground was full by 3:30, and KCL was full at 4:30 when I drove thru there.

The boondocking spot near LE Traver ranch looks good, goldfields and lots of grass.

It's time to go and see th Carrizo, right now. Lots of people out there.
No rain predicted, but if it does rain the dirt roads can become a challenge to two wheel drive vehicles.

Edited by RandyP, 31 March 2017 - 05:38 PM.

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

That would be nice as long as the area isn't a swamp from all the rain.

Wildflowers should be great this year.

 

Thanks for doing this.

Frank

[Tuff Guy 62]

Hey Randy, I've been wanting to get out there myself, just waiting for it to stop raining for at least five days in a row. Should be a really good year.

[RandyP]

Probably a late April / May trip would allow for needed drying of the Plain. Only time will tell. I should be out there March 18th with a local 4wd club for an early look at any wildflowers that might be in bloom.

[Vic]

We spent some time there around Thanksgiving last year - was a side trip but turned out to be one of the highlights of our vacation.  Great out of the way uncrowded place to visit.  

[billharr]

I am watching these two sites for an update. Both say check back in March. 

 

http://theodorepayne...flower-hotline/

 

 

https://www.blm.gov/..._NM/plants.html

[gaylon]

Subscribed - I would love to do this trip.

[billharr]

From Desert Wildflower Reports.

 

March 3, 2017 Carrizo Plain National Monument reports: The anticipated peak bloom times are mid-late March but with the high amount of rain we've received this season, it'll be very green and blooms may continue into April.

Read more: http://www.desertusa...l#ixzz4aEUgGhbA

[Tuff Guy 62]

Yep, I'm thinking I'll get out there either the weekend of the 18th or the 25th.

[billharr]

We are thinking about going down either the 22nd or the 29th for a couple of days. Waiting to see some reports.