If you're staying in Taft and looking for a day trip filled with natural beauty and quiet solitude, the Carrizo Plain National Monument is an unforgettable destination just about an hour’s drive to the west. Known as California’s largest remaining native grassland, Carrizo Plain offers a stunning mix of wide-open landscapes, wildlife, geological features, and deep cultural history. To get there from Taft, take Highway 58 west and follow signs toward Soda Lake Road. The roads are generally accessible for most vehicles during dry weather, but it’s wise to check road conditions before heading out—especially after rainfall. There are no gas stations or stores in the monument, so be sure to bring water, snacks, sun protection, and a full tank of gas before leaving town.

One of Carrizo Plain’s most remarkable features is its spring wildflower display. In years with even modest winter rainfall, the plain erupts into a vibrant patchwork of orange California poppies, purple lupine, and golden fields that stretch to the horizon. During these so-called “super blooms,” the rolling hills become a photographer’s paradise, drawing nature lovers from across the state. Wildlife also thrives here. Visitors may glimpse tule elk, pronghorn antelope, the endangered San Joaquin kit fox, and a variety of birds including sandhill cranes. Early morning and dusk are the best times for wildlife viewing.

Carrizo is also rich with cultural and geological significance. The San Andreas Fault runs through the area and is visible at sites like Wallace Creek, where you can clearly see the dramatic shifts caused by tectonic movement. Another must-see is Painted Rock, a horseshoe-shaped sandstone outcrop covered in centuries-old Chumash and Yokuts pictographs. Access to Painted Rock is seasonal and sometimes restricted to protect the artwork, so it’s best to check in advance. The Goodwin Education Center near Soda Lake offers interpretive exhibits and serves as a helpful starting point for your visit, though it’s open only from December through May, Thursday through Sunday.

While much of the exploration at Carrizo Plain is self-guided, there are several trails, scenic drives, and two primitive campgrounds—Selby and KCL—if you want to stay overnight. These campgrounds offer picnic tables and vault toilets but no potable water or hookups, so come prepared. Cell phone service is minimal, and it’s a good idea to let someone know your travel plans before heading in. For maps, brochures, and current conditions, you can stop by the Taft Chamber of Commerce on Kern Street before your drive.

Visiting the Carrizo Plain from Taft provides a unique contrast to the town’s oil heritage, offering a glimpse into California’s untamed landscapes and deep ecological and cultural roots. Whether you’re after wildflower vistas, geological exploration, or simply a peaceful escape under a vast sky, Carrizo Plain delivers a quiet majesty that’s rare to find. A morning departure from Taft followed by a day of hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring Painted Rock makes for a perfect outing—and if you stay for the sunset or even camp overnight, you’ll witness one of the most star-filled skies in the state.

For more information visit the Carrizo Plain National Monument site.