Please join Runners for Public Lands and Los Padres ForestWatch for an astronomy-focused weekend in the Carrizo Plain National Monument from Friday, October 21 - Sunday, October 23! The weekend will include discussions from local experts, astronomers, and a celebration of the LPFW's recent win to permanently close 11 dormant oil wells and restore natural habitats in the Carrizo Plain. There will be opportunities to run, hike, and explore this treasured landscape throughout the weekend.

As a non-profit committed to creating inclusive communities dedicated to protecting the environment, we welcome everyone to join us for this amazing opportunity! 

• LEARN MORE ABOUT SELBY CAMPGROUND HERE
• LEARN MORE ABOUT CARRIZO PLAIN HERE

OVERVIEW

Each day will include an opportunity to run and/or hike, with options ranging in distance and ability level. Throughout the weekend we will offer various activities to learn more about the Carrizo Plain National Monument and ways to engage with the local landscape. On Saturday we will visit Selby Rocks, Wallace Creek, and Soda Lake and hear why these sites are such wonders. Saturday afternoon we will return to camp for an RPL-hosted dinner to celebrate the success of the LPFW effort to curb oil drilling in the area. Food and drinks will be provided for Dinner Saturday night. Post dinner we will kick off the highlight of the weekend: a guided Astronomy experience. 

RUNS

• Saturday: Early morning hilly road run, followed by a hike to Selby Rocks.
• Sunday: Pick your distance! Caliente Mountain Ridge Trail out and back hike or run. This will be the main event for the day so there is plenty of time to go all the way to the summit of Caliente Mountain - the highest peak in the Carrizo Plain National Monument.

SITE VISITS + HIKES

• Selby Rocks: A short hike from the campground.
• Wallace Creek: Get an up-close view of the San Andreas Fault and see how tectonic plates are moving.
• Soda Lake: See one of the largest Alkali Lakes in CA.

 WHAT CAMPERS SHOULD BRING

• BYO reusable water bottle, plates, and utensils
• BYO food and drinks (Saturday night dinner provided)
• Packable Lunch for Saturday (cooler space will be provided)
• Trail-appropriate shoes and running pack (ability to carry hydration while running or hiking is a must!)
• Sunscreen and/or sun protective clothing
• Camp gear: tent, sleeping bag, camp chair, headlamp, etc
• Warm layers: beanie, warm jacket, warm socks
• Contribution to firewood appreciated

IMPORTANT NOTES

• PLEASE CARPOOL: 25 CARS MAX
• THERE IS NO WATER AT THE CAMPSITE. PLEASE BRING WATER FOR THE WEEKEND! 
• REGISTRATION FEES COVER THE COST OF CAMP DINNER  

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

FROM SANTA BARBARA / VENTURA / OJAI
**NOTE: Do not follow Google Maps—it will try to send you up an inaccessible road through the Caliente Mountains from State Route 166. You must go to the Soda Lake Road/State Route 166 junction from State Route 33.

• Take State Route 33 north toward Ventucopa.
• Stay on State Route 33 through the Los Padres National Forest.
• Turn right onto State Route 166 and head east toward Maricopa.
• Turn left onto Soda Lake Road (this is essentially the southern/eastern entrance to the Carrizo Plain National Monument).
• Continue on Soda Lake Road for 29 miles and take a sharp left onto Selby Road.
• Continue south on Selby Road for approximately 3.8 miles and take a left at the fork toward Selby Campground.
• Selby Campground is about 0.8 miles down this road. 

FROM SANTA MARIA / SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
**NOTE: Do not follow Google Maps—it will try to send you up an inaccessible road through the Caliente Mountains from State Route 166. You must go all the way to the Soda Lake Road/State Route 166 junction.

• Take US 101 to State Route 166. Head east on State Route 166 toward Cuyama.
• Stay on State Route 166 for about 67 miles.
• Turn left onto Soda Lake Road (this is essentially the southern/eastern entrance to the Carrizo Plain National Monument).
• Continue on Soda Lake Road for 29 miles and take a sharp left onto Selby Road.
• Continue south on Selby Road for approximately 3.8 miles and take a left at the fork toward Selby Campground.
• Selby Campground is about 0.8 miles down this road. 

FROM SAN LUIS OBISPO / ATASCADERO

• Take US 101 to State Route 58. Head east on State Route 58 toward Santa Margarita.
• Follow signs through downtown Santa Margarita for State Route 58 East (toward California Valley).
• Stay on State Route 58 for about 46 miles from downtown Santa Margarita.
• Turn right onto Soda Lake Road (this is essentially the northern/western entrance to the Carrizo Plain National Monument).
• Head south on Soda Lake Road for 15.7 miles and turn right onto Selby Road.
• Continue south on Selby Road for approximately 3.8 miles and take a left at the fork toward Selby Campground.
• Selby Campground is about 0.8 miles down this road.