Harsh and seemingly barren most of the year, the Carrizo Plain represents a unique ecosystem that includes a rich abundance of wildflowers each spring drawing visitors from all over the State.
Wallace Creek is a significant geological feature of the Carrizo Plain's landscape. It is where an ancient stream bed suddenly makes an abrupt right turn north along the San Andreas Fault. After several hundred feet, it makes another abrupt turn left as it returns to its original stream bed. Although this geological detour is most dramatic when observed from a high altitude, this photo shows the phenomenon at ground level.
The landscape is lonely and remains the same mile after mile.
migrating birds each year, now only a 50-mile salt flat remains.
yet the entire valley was once extensively farmed.
by the reintroduction of Pronghorn Antelope and Tule Elk.
quickly retreated to escape the mid-day sun.
Western Rattlesnake coiled in the shade of this burrow.
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