The best cycling routes around Carrizo

Carrizo offers a range of touring cycling routes suitable for various skill levels. You'll find 1 easy route, 6 moderate routes, and 6 difficult routes. This variety allows cyclists to choose paths that match their experience and fitness, from gentle rides across the plains to more challenging excursions with greater elevation changes.

The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are ideal for touring cycling in Carrizo. Summers can be extremely hot with little shade, and winters may bring cold temperatures and strong winds. Spring offers the added bonus of potential wildflower superblooms, transforming the landscape into a vibrant spectacle.

While many routes in Carrizo are remote and feature unpaved roads, there is at least one easy route available. For families seeking a less strenuous option, consider routes that stick to the flatter sections of the plain. Always be prepared for limited facilities and potential lack of cell service in this remote area.

Yes, several circular touring bike routes are available. A popular option is Carrizo de la Ribera passing through Fresno del Camino — circular by Astorga, which covers 27.9 miles (44.9 km) and offers views of the open plains. Another great choice is the Casa Botines Gaudí Museum – Passo Honroso Bridge loop from Villadangos, a 45.0-mile (72.4 km) trail through expansive plains.

The Carrizo Plain is rich with natural and historical sights. You can experience the unique alkaline Soda Lake, witness visible sections of the San Andreas Fault, and explore ancient pictographs at Painted Rock. Nearby attractions include the Alto de la Camparona, the Church of Santa Engracia, and the Valverde de la Virgen Bell Tower and Pilgrim Sculpture.

Carrizo Plain is known as 'California's Serengeti' due to its abundant wildlife. Cyclists often spot San Joaquin kit foxes, San Joaquin antelope squirrels, giant kangaroo rats, and various bird species, including golden eagles and sandhill cranes, especially around Soda Lake. Pronghorn antelope and tule elk are also present, offering unique viewing opportunities.

The Carrizo Plain features extensive networks of roads, many of which are unpaved dirt or gravel, making it ideal for gravel or mountain bikes. While some sections near Soda Lake are paved, be prepared for varied surfaces. The area is remote, offering a traffic-free experience, but also means limited facilities, water, and shade.

For those seeking longer rides, the Carrizo area offers extensive options. One of the more challenging and longer routes is the León – Passo Honroso Bridge loop from Villadangos, which spans 108.5 miles (174.7 km) and features significant elevation changes, making it a difficult but rewarding journey.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 40 reviews. Reviewers often praise the profound sense of solitude, the panoramic vistas of vast grasslands, and the unique natural features like Soda Lake and the San Andreas Fault. The opportunity for wildlife spotting is also a frequently mentioned highlight.

Absolutely. The Carrizo Plain is famous for the visible presence of the San Andreas Fault, which runs along the eastern edge of the plain at the base of the Temblor Range. This active fault has sculpted the landscape, creating distinct ridges and ravines that are evident as you cycle through the area.

The Carrizo Plain is a remote and undeveloped area, meaning facilities are very limited. You should plan to be self-sufficient, carrying all necessary water, food, and supplies. Cell service is often unavailable. There are a couple of established campgrounds (KCL and Selby) with pit toilets, but no drinking water.

Advanced touring cyclists will find challenging routes in Carrizo. The Passo Honroso Bridge – Astorga loop from Villadangos is a difficult 53.2-mile (85.7 km) path that traverses varied terrain with distant mountain views, providing a demanding yet rewarding experience.