shotwellian

I'm planning a trip from SF most of the way to LA in late March. I'm planning to take the inland route, including Soda Lake Road and Elkhorn Grade through Carrizo Plain. I've seen various blog posts about riding there, but I'm wondering if anyone here has done it? I'll be on a road bike with 28 mm and am experienced riding on dirt, but I'm hoping the roads in Carrizo aren't excessively sandy or loose? Thanks for any intel.

nothardcore

My main concern would be water: there is no water available for at least 50 miles of riding, perhaps as much as 75. It is very hot in the summer, and often in the spring and fall too. And there is almost no shade. I wouldn't try to ride through there unless I had at least 3 gallons of water starting out. Also, it's very isolated, so you would have trouble getting help in an emergency.


Having said that, if you like deserts (I do) the Carrizo Plain is an awe-inspiring place. Supposedly, it's like what much of California was before the advent of cities and farming. A must-see is the view of the dry Soda Lake from a Overlook Hill a few hundred yards south of Soda Lake Road. Also, the visitor center is quite informative. There are many side roads (mostly dirt) to explore. One in particular heads up the southern hills toward Caliente Mtn: great views if you like climbs.


I car-camped in the Carrizo Plain one night a couple of years ago. I watched the sunset from my (primitive) campsite, then turned my chair around and watched the full moon rise. An owl flew about 10 feed over my head. I then pulled out my hardtail MTB and did a moonlight ride on some dirt roads; it was awesome.


I think the bike you described would be fine on Soda Lake Road: all but about 20 miles is paved. The dirt section is pretty well maintained, although some of it may have washboard, depending on the time of the year and how recently it was graded. I don't know about Elkhorn Grade Road; but you could just take Soda Lake Road to 166.


Your trip sounds exciting. Let us know how it goes.

PeregrineA1 

I have spent many days on the Plain, though only in my truck. I would have no problem riding it with 28's, unless it had rained in the last few days. In fact I think a bike may be one of the best ways to see the plain.

You should be able to get water at the visitor center. There is water at Selby campground, which is about 3 miles off of the valley floor. There may be water at KCL campground-I would call the visitor center and inquire. South of KCL your next water would be in Maricopa or New Cuyama, which is ~40 miles if memory serves correctly. North of the Plain I think water would be from ranches and houses. Most of the people I've interfaced with in that country are quite nice, though quiet/private. There is also a CDF Fire Station in California Valley, just south of 58 and an elementary school on 58 near the Plain.

It is truly a special place. In March the wildflowers should be in full bloom. When I was there in December it was very green. Greener than I've ever seen it, so the show should be spectacular. Look for the Elk, Antelope and Wild Boar.

Also, I would add Bitter Water Road coming down from 46 to 58 to the ride as well. It's lousy asphalt, but very lightly trafficked and beautiful.

shotwellian

Thanks very much for the info on the Carrizo Plain.

I had a great trip -- if you're interested, I wrote up a trip report that was published in the SF Chronicle's bike blog, here.

diphthong

wow! what a great write-up! i could definitely picture myself there. it's simply incredible that such a beautiful place gets lost in the embarrassment of riches we have in california.

mht7159

Nice photos and write up driven it in my car, by bike would be another complete outlook.

diphthong

finally made it out there. i must admit i had been curious about the place for years and shotwellian's write-up
pushed it near the top of my must-do list. just did a little east end nibbling:


https://www.strava.com/activities/517879837


rode an old 80's steel masi w/28's which worked fairly well considering the variety of terrains i encountered:
new pavement, old/bomb-cratered pavement, mud, sand, light gravel, smooth hard-packed dirt,
rutted hard-packet dirt and washboard dirt/gravel. a cross or mountain bike would have been best but my setup
worked decently. did hafta dismount a few times here and there-mostly for the elkhorn grade rd ascent near the summit.
the 8 miles or so that i rode on soda lake rd featured some annoying washboard. actually preferred riding
on elkhorn grade rd which was skinnier but hard packed and without the washboards west of the summit (till i turned
off and headed south to connect with soda lake rd.)


3 varieties of wildflowers were "out" and it was plenty green (no calif poppies yet). didn't see anyone else while on elkhorn grade rd
and only had 3 cars pass me while on soda lake rd. the sun wasn't out till i left the national monument (go figure) so the pics didn't
turn out all that great but enjoyed it all the same. the quiet, desolation, vastness and utter simplicity of the place
ensures that i'll visit again soon. have a few days off this upcoming week and was planning on riding the santa barbara/ojai
area or san luis obispo/paso robles area but i may tackle a different ride on/in the carrizo plain at least one of the days.

shotwellian

Great to hear you enjoyed my write-up and that you made it out there! The sheer vastness and emptiness of Carrizo really makes it a unique experience, and wildflowers are quite a treat.

diphthong

enjoyed so much that plans are now calling for another visit during the
2nd week of april