Late Feb 2021, I intend to traverse the San Joaquin Valley after leaving Death Valley. I want to cruise and photograph the area of the Carrizo Plain National Monument. I expect to arrive by mid-morning and spend the entire day before heading to my destination in San Luis Obispo.
I'm looking for suggestions or advice on the following.
1) Road Conditions? I know that this area received a drenching late Jan, but weather has been clear since. I do have 4-wheel drive.
The Elkhorn Scarp area was interesting for it's fault features. It's been quite a while since going up there but believe the best viewing it's towards the southern end of the area (off the 33/166). It's a very isolated area while you aren't likely to have problems, notwithstanding weather changes between now and then, "services" are very limited, approaching non-existent. So you'd want to fuel up and food up, etc. before getting there.
Can't give specific recommendations, as was only there once on kind of a spur of the moment trip, but can echo Craig's comments about its isolation. Do stock up on food and fuel beforehand.
Quicksetter1 wrote:
Late Feb 2021, I intend to traverse the San Joaquin Valley after leaving Death Valley. I want to cruise and photograph the area of the Carrizo Plain National Monument. I expect to arrive by mid-morning and spend the entire day before heading to my destination in San Luis Obispo.
I'm looking for suggestions or advice on the following.
1) Road Conditions? I know that this area received a drenching late Jan, but weather has been clear since. I do have 4-wheel drive.
2) Sites or specific locations to photograph?
3) Any avoidances or cautionary advice?
Thanks in advance for your input.
Tom
February is far too early for the wildflower displays that are the main attraction here, and midday is not quite the most photogenic time.
Perhaps some photography around the Temblor Range and San Andreas fault line could be interesting. There are a few spots you can hike to in the general area of the national monuments visitor center.
Most of the roads to and from the place are paved, aside from one long gravel route that you probably won't take. Getting away from the main features generally requires some gravel road driving.
Bitterwater Valley Road has rolling hills, farms, and very few trees. It's reminiscent of the Palouse region. IMO, it's unique enough to warrant a detour. With luck, you'll have some clouds to soften the mid-day light. https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=bitterwater%20valley%20road
Hwy 229 is a pretty back-road, a little more intimate than 41 or 58.
If road conditions permit (Just try it, but turn around if it's wet. The mud can swallow cows whole!), Simmler and Soda Lake Road make a nice loop. The lake is big with bird people. https://goo.gl/maps/geU1kZyFnEEJKhCK8
Greg Campbell wrote:
If road conditions permit (Just try it, but turn around if it's wet. The mud can swallow cows whole!), Simmler and Soda Lake Road make a nice loop. The lake is big with bird people. https://goo.gl/maps/geU1kZyFnEEJKhCK8
Theres's an obvious hill near Soda Lake that you can climb for a panoramic view. You are unlikely to miss it as you drive past. (There are a few others in less obvious places, too.)
gdanmitchell wrote:
Theres's an obvious hill near Soda Lake that you can climb for a panoramic view. You are unlikely to miss it as you drive past. (There are a few others in less obvious places, too.)
Not too far away on the entry routes from the 58 and 33 is the McKittrick Tar Pits. It's one of a handful of "tar pits" in the world and geologically interesting, if nothing else. From a look from Google, from the road view or satellite, not sure there's anything significant to see, actually. Just one of those places that makes California what it is.
Quicksetter1 wrote:
Late Feb 2021, I intend to traverse the San Joaquin Valley after leaving Death Valley. I want to cruise and photograph the area of the Carrizo Plain National Monument. I expect to arrive by mid-morning and spend the entire day before heading to my destination in San Luis Obispo.
I'm looking for suggestions or advice on the following.
1) Road Conditions? I know that this area received a drenching late Jan, but weather has been clear since. I do have 4-wheel drive.
2) Sites or specific locations to photograph?
3) Any avoidances or cautionary advice?
Thanks in advance for your input.
Tom
I went on a Geology field trip there in 2012. Road conditions were dirt at times 4x4 would help, but passable in a 2WD passenger vehicle.
Prepare to drive ALOT if you want to see other features (Wallace Creek for example) and possibly stop in Parkfield.
