Gateway to the Los Padres National Forest, Atascadero’s hiking opportunities abound. Within city limits, several hikes exist for the beginner to intermediate hikers. These hikes can be lapped or done as easy in-and-outs.
Carissa Plains
The Carissa Plains offer a stunning landscape in which to hike, wander and photograph the wonders of the eastern side of San Luis Obispo County’s open spaces.
Hiking in the Carissa Plains just east of Santa Margarita, CA begins with the long, meandering Highway 58 as it juts its way eastward from the old farm town through rolling oak hillsides, chaparral and then the starkness of the Carissa Plains.
For the hiker, this area has all sorts of day hikes and longer excursions including being sure to check out the local Goodwin Education Center at Painted Rock, as well as several arterials through and around Selby Campground, Soda Lake and surrounding arterial roads.
Wildlife-wise, if you’re lucky enough in the spring wildflower blooms in the California Valley are one-of-a-kind with a wide array of colors, covered hills and photo-worthy moments as the yellows, purples and orange hues dominate spring landscapes in full color splendor.
Rugged and wild, always be sure to check with local regulations when visiting this area, and be careful and mindful of local weather conditions, road conditions and backup plans as this area is remote in its beauty,
Be sure to check out the grazing antelope if you’re lucky enough from time to time, as this area also has elk and other large game, natural history and a sense of isolation. Summers can get quite hot, and winters can be difficult to access due to slippery mud road conditions.
Soda Lake, set amidst a stark landscape in stark white, sits just off view of the roadway heading through the Carissa Plains National Monument.
