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Hollister Hills offers recreation for motorcyclists, 4-wheelers, picnickers, and campers in the Gabilan Mountains just an hour's drive from San Jose. Park elevations range from 660 feet to 2,425 feet.
The Upper Ranch
This 800-acre area, which has about 24 miles of trails, is used for 4-wheel drive recreation and for 4-wheel drive and motorcycle special events; a fenced motocross track is also located here. Four-wheel drive operators should call before coming, especially on weekends, to make sure that the area isn't reserved for a special event. To use the area for the day, register first at the park office. If your vehicle gets stuck or breaks down, you are responsible for removing it. The Upper Ranch may be accessed for day-use from 8am to sunset. Vehicle operation is allowed only between sunrise and sunset.
The Lower Ranch
This3,300-acre area, set aside for motorcycle and ATV use only, has about 128 miles of trails and several hill climbs. There are also two picnic areas, a practice Motocross Track, an ATV Track for three and four wheeled vehicles, a TT track, a mini-bike trail, and a mini-track. Riding is allowed from sunrise to sunset.
Getting There
The park is located at 7800 Cienega Road, Hollister CA 95023, six miles south of Hollister.
The park is located at 7800 Cienega Road, Hollister CA 95023, six miles south of Hollister.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Summer temperatures are in the low to mid 90s.
Winter temperatures are in the low 60s - upper 70s.
The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.
Summer temperatures are in the low to mid 90s.
Winter temperatures are in the low 60s - upper 70s.
The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.
Operating Hours & Contact
The park is open from dawn until dusk, 7 days a week. Four-wheel drive and dune buggy visitors should call ahead as this area can be closed for special events.
Red Sticker Season
Open: October 1 - May 31; Closed: June 1 - September 30
Telephone: 831-637-8186 (district office) or 831-637-3874 (ranger station)
The park is open from dawn until dusk, 7 days a week. Four-wheel drive and dune buggy visitors should call ahead as this area can be closed for special events.
Red Sticker Season
Open: October 1 - May 31; Closed: June 1 - September 30
Telephone: 831-637-8186 (district office) or 831-637-3874 (ranger station)
Camping
Facilities: The Upper Ranch has two family campgrounds, Sycamore and the Obstacle Course Camp. Each campground accommodates about 60 people. The Lower Ranch has five campgrounds. All camp sites have restroom facilities. Walnut Camp in the Lower Ranch and Sycamore Camp in the Upper Ranch have showers. Camping at Hollister Hills requires no reservations and all sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The camping fee is $10 per night. Check-in at the Ranger Station for available camp sites and to pay your fees. No hookups are available in the campgrounds.
Accessibility: Campers with disabilities should contact the park office to inquire about current site availability and accessible park features to determine if they meet their specific needs.
Fire/Firewood Restrictions: Fires are allowed in fire rings only. You may purchase firewood at the Park store or bring your own wood. Collection of downed wood for firewood is prohibited.
Max Camper Length: 26 Feet
Max Trailer Length: 18 Feet
Facilities: The Upper Ranch has two family campgrounds, Sycamore and the Obstacle Course Camp. Each campground accommodates about 60 people. The Lower Ranch has five campgrounds. All camp sites have restroom facilities. Walnut Camp in the Lower Ranch and Sycamore Camp in the Upper Ranch have showers. Camping at Hollister Hills requires no reservations and all sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The camping fee is $10 per night. Check-in at the Ranger Station for available camp sites and to pay your fees. No hookups are available in the campgrounds.
Accessibility: Campers with disabilities should contact the park office to inquire about current site availability and accessible park features to determine if they meet their specific needs.
Fire/Firewood Restrictions: Fires are allowed in fire rings only. You may purchase firewood at the Park store or bring your own wood. Collection of downed wood for firewood is prohibited.
Max Camper Length: 26 Feet
Max Trailer Length: 18 Feet
Resource Management
Resource Management is a priority at Hollister Hills and all other OHV Trust Fund Areas. Effective resource management requires: proper trail layout and design; monitoring wildlife habitat; implementing erosion control measures; maintaining roads and trails; suppressing excessive dust; and protecting riparian areas, among other things. Please help us be good stewards of the land by staying on the trails and riding responsibly.
Resource Management is a priority at Hollister Hills and all other OHV Trust Fund Areas. Effective resource management requires: proper trail layout and design; monitoring wildlife habitat; implementing erosion control measures; maintaining roads and trails; suppressing excessive dust; and protecting riparian areas, among other things. Please help us be good stewards of the land by staying on the trails and riding responsibly.
Tips & Rules
• The gates to the Upper Ranch area must be attended or kept locked at all times.
• Remember, others are using the area, so always expect to meet another vehicle.
• Motorcycles and ATV's are not allowed to be taken into the 4-wheel drive area, except on special event motorcycle weekends.
• Campers with disabilities should contact the park office to inquire about current site availability and accessible park features to determine if they meet their specific needs.
• It is recommended that all ATV operators take part in a formal safety training course under supervision of a certified ATV instructor.
• Proper riding equipment is essential to the safe operation of an OHV. Each ATV rider must wear a helmet and should wear proper protective clothing.
• Before starting out, familiarize yourself with the terrain. AVOID SURPRISES.
• Inexperienced riders should thoroughly acquaint themselves with all vehicle controls before starting out.
• Drive within the limits of your ability. Don't go faster or climb higher than you can safely handle.
• Watch out for other riders. When in doubt, take time to think and look the situation over before you proceed.
• The gates to the Upper Ranch area must be attended or kept locked at all times.
• Remember, others are using the area, so always expect to meet another vehicle.
• Motorcycles and ATV's are not allowed to be taken into the 4-wheel drive area, except on special event motorcycle weekends.
• Campers with disabilities should contact the park office to inquire about current site availability and accessible park features to determine if they meet their specific needs.
• It is recommended that all ATV operators take part in a formal safety training course under supervision of a certified ATV instructor.
• Proper riding equipment is essential to the safe operation of an OHV. Each ATV rider must wear a helmet and should wear proper protective clothing.
• Before starting out, familiarize yourself with the terrain. AVOID SURPRISES.
• Inexperienced riders should thoroughly acquaint themselves with all vehicle controls before starting out.
• Drive within the limits of your ability. Don't go faster or climb higher than you can safely handle.
• Watch out for other riders. When in doubt, take time to think and look the situation over before you proceed.
Accessible Features
Camping
Area 5 is a group camping area that is generally accessible. The restroom with showers is accessible and offers one accessible shower stall.
Parking: Accessible parking is available. Routes of travel are usable.
Lodge Camp has two (2) accessible camp sites, accessible restrooms and an accessible camp store.
Picnic Area
Howard Harris Lower Day-Use Area, Main Road, Radio Ridge and Grand Prix have generally accessible picnic areas. Restrooms are accessible and are located near the picnic area. Parking is accessible next to the restrooms. Route of travel from the picnic areas to the restrooms are usable with uneven terrain. Along the main road in the day-use area across from the MX & TT Tracks are 4 newly renovated accessible picnic sites with access route to the restroom.
Other Information
There is accessible parking available at the kiosk. The main office has an accessible service counter and accessible parking.
Camping
Area 5 is a group camping area that is generally accessible. The restroom with showers is accessible and offers one accessible shower stall.
Parking: Accessible parking is available. Routes of travel are usable.
Lodge Camp has two (2) accessible camp sites, accessible restrooms and an accessible camp store.
Picnic Area
Howard Harris Lower Day-Use Area, Main Road, Radio Ridge and Grand Prix have generally accessible picnic areas. Restrooms are accessible and are located near the picnic area. Parking is accessible next to the restrooms. Route of travel from the picnic areas to the restrooms are usable with uneven terrain. Along the main road in the day-use area across from the MX & TT Tracks are 4 newly renovated accessible picnic sites with access route to the restroom.
Other Information
There is accessible parking available at the kiosk. The main office has an accessible service counter and accessible parking.
Community Trips
A Sunday run to Hollister Hills with the Geocachers of the Bay Area. Pictures here.
Went to Hollister Hills OHV and rode some trails
Riding at Hollister Hills with Ed Sherman and Shaun Hill. Awesome conditions!! :)
