Carrizo Plains National Monument

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It was my third day at Carrizo Plains, and since it was going to take my friend at least half an hour to pack up his stuff, I decided to go on a short hike to see what laid beyond the point in the trail we had stopped (the rest of the trail was closed to motor vehicles).

After less than a half mile, I found another camp spot that was not as good as the site that we ended up camping at (it was small and angled). I walked up the hill next to this campsite and followed the ridge back to camp. I ended up an existing trail that was probably a quail hunting trail (there were some discarded shot shells).

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What I Learned:

  • I knew Carrizo Plain was popular with hunters, but I had forgotten what they had hunted—birds.

  • There was no super bloom this year due to Carrizo getting 20% of the average rainfall, but there were still patches of flower bloom in many different places.

  • From the hill, I spotted an amazing looking campsite that sits next to a creek (see below).


1 mile, 32 min, 173 ft of ascent

1 mile, 32 min, 173 ft of ascent

Hike Review:

  • Although easy, all of the 150 ft of ascent comes from a steep climb up a hill. The rocks are slippery, so I had to go slow.

  • I was surprised to find that the hunter’s trail was clearly worn and easy to follow. Who knew so many people hike unmarked trails at Carrizo?

  • There was no shade, and it was completely exposed. Thank god I didn’t hike this in the summer.


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General Grant Tree Trail

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Almaden Quicksilver - Hacienda Trail