February 8, 2023
We decided to take a drive to the Carrizo Plain National Monument for a quick visit Last year we spent a few day near New Cuyama at the southern end of the Monument. This time we headed to the northern end for a view of Soda Lake. The 80 mile drive from Cayucos to the Soda Lake is very pretty with the green hills. We didn’t have any great expectations, though after the recent rainstorms we figured the Lake wouldn’t be dry. We noticed the sign for an overlook of the Lake and pulled in. After a short climb up a hill, we had a great view of the Lake. It was larger than we had imagined. We then drove down to the Lake itself and walked along the boardwalk. I stepped into the muck bordering the Lake and tasted the water. I almost lost my boots in the muck and I can vouch that the Lake is salty. The posted signed informed us that the Lake is 3,000 acres of alkali wetlands.
We wanted to see a little more of the environment around the Lake, so drove to Simmler Rd. There was a posted sign that warned against driving the road, so we parked and took a walk. It was interesting to see what alkali “creeks”. We walked a ways, smelling and viewing and then headed back to the car.
We then went in search of the affects of the San Andreas fault by viewing Wallace Creek. But the road got too rough for my little car, so we headed back to Cayucos after a stop for a meal at The Porch in Santa Margarita.
The Carrizo Plain is a very interesting place. The prime time to visit is during a super bloom, which is expected soon. I’ll have to think about making the drive back.
Los Angeles Excursions 