State Parks and National Parks

Painted Rock is the most outstanding geological feature of the Carrizo Plain, a broad, beautiful expanse tucked into the eastern corner of San Luis Obispo County.

Ancient black, white and red line paintings line the interior of the rounded 55-foot rock formation. This gallery of Native American pictography has been damaged by vandals, but was at one time the most outstanding in the nation.

Still considered as very sacred, the site is well protected to prevent additional damage to the paintings.

During spring, a carpet of wildflowers stretches across the plain and Alkali Soda Lake becomes a rest stop for thousands of migrating birds.

Because of nesting birds, the trail is closed from March through July 15. During this period, tours are offered only on Saturdays.

Call the Goodwin Education Center to schedule a tour.

Roads are impassable during wet weather. Fuel and food are 63 miles one-way in each direction.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Bureau of Land Management.