p.2 #1 · An Afternoon at Carrizo Plain National Monument
I came down Soda Lake Road from 58. Went on a side road or two but not very far, mostly to get off the main road for clear parking. I went to the Visitor Center near the south end of Soda Lake, on one what are several labeled Soda Lake Roads on Google. I crossed over to the east side on Simmler/San
Diego Creek Road. It's warned/closed as impassable in wet weather. At its south end, close to the lake, it's easy to see why with mud and serious ruts. Passable with care and clearance.
At the time, I didn't come across anything that careful driving wouldn't handle on the main roads except maybe the rutty area by the lake for some cars. Having seen slides or rock falls all over SoCal hills and mountain areas, I'd be cautious on Elk Horn but it sounds pretty close to it's usual conditions now. My brother took Elk Horn end to end the next day but he has Chevy Colorado 4x4 pick up. It's a remote and rugged enough area, it makes sense to be careful if traveling alone or with a typical "street" car.
