Hollister Hills

LOWER RANCH MOTORCYCLE & ATV AREA Hollister Hills W Elevations in the park range from 660 to 2,425 feet. The average monthly temperature varies from the low-tomid 90s in summer, to the low 30s to upper 50s in winter. The park Red-shouldered Hawk is open year-round and offers day use and overnight camping opportunities. OHV recreation is permitted from sunrise to sunset. Hollister Hills SVRA offers a variety of educational programs including OHV safety training, nature hikes, school presentations, and community outreach. For more information about these programs, please call the Park Office at 831-637-8186. OHV Lower Ranch: This 3,300-acre area has a network of motorized routes set aside for motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Additional OHV opportunities include a vintage track, two practice motocross tracks, ATV track, TT track, intermediate kids track, beginner area, and a track for bikes and ATVs with an engine size of 90cc or less. Next to Walnut and Lodge Camps there are two children’s areas set aside for smaller motorcycles and ATVs with an engine size under 90cc. Areas within the park can be reserved for special events – everything from family reunions, weddings, poker runs, and trail rides, to group camping and club outings. For more information, or to book a special event, please email HollisterHills.Events@parks.ca.gov or call 831-638-3390. Education Nature Area The Nature Area, located in the Lower Ranch, is available for non-motorized recreational opportunities including hiking, mountain biking and nature viewing. This 280-acre area encompasses a network of scenic trails available for exploration and enjoyment. The entrance to the Nature Area is located at the west end of Madrone Camp. Dogs on leash are welcome. Getting Involved Volunteering: Hollister Hills SVRA offers many opportunities for volunteers. For those interested in joining the team, volunteer opportunities include Trail Patrol, education and outreach, resource management, and Trail Watch. For more information about volunteering, please call the Park Office at 831-637-8186. Cooperating Association: Hollister Hills Off-Road Association (HHORA) is a non-profit organization that supports Hollister Hills SVRA and its mission of providing sustainable OHV recreation. HHORA is dedicated to enhancing and promoting the recreational experience of park visitors. For over 30 years, members have assisted in a wide variety of activities ranging from organizing roadside clean-ups to holding family-oriented special events for club members. To get involved or find out more, please visit www.hhora.org. call 831-637-3874. (See Upper Ranch map for location.) Air Compressor: Air for tire inflation is available at no cost near the Ranger Station and Park Store. Fire/Firewood Restrictions: Firewood may be purchased at the park store in the Lower Ranch. Collection of firewood within the park is not allowed. No ground fires are allowed. Park Store A general store is located at Lodge Camp. The store offers a variety of items for park visitors including motorcycle and ATV parts, riding apparel, camping supplies, ice, drinks, snacks, and packaged food. To contact the general store, please call 831-637-9780. Park History A tribe of the Ohlone people that lived, and still live, in the vicinity of Hollister Hills SVRA are called “Mutsun.” During the late 1700s, Spanish explorers encountered these and other Native Americans in the area. Spain established nearby Mission San Juan Bautista in the late 1790s and forced many of the Ohlone people, along with members of other tribes or bands from the area, to build the mission. In 1822, the Mexican government, which was hostile to the mission system, took back the lands from the church, and in 1839, the land was divided into two Mexican land grants: Rancho San Justo and Rancho Cienega del Gabilan. Today, Hollister Hills SVRA is located on parts of both of these former land grants. Howard Harris created the foundation of what today is known as Hollister Hills SVRA. Howard’s great grandfather, Jesse Whitton, was a civilian surveyor for the John C. Fremont expedition that traveled through the area in 1846. After the expedition, Jesse Whitton returned to the area and successfully purchased 600 acres for $50 per acre. The land was passed on through the family and finally to Howard Harris in 1959, who became the last private owner of the property. In the following years, Howard purchased more of the Facilities Day Use/Camping Day use and camping at Hollister Hills SVRA are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Fees are collected at the Main Entrance Station at the Lower Ranch. Day use is allowed throughout the park, including the designated camping areas. Hook-ups and a dump station are not available. Lower Ranch: There are four campgrounds in the Lower Ranch – Walnut, Lodge, Bee, and Madrone – all with flush toilets. Radio Ridge, a day use area that provides overflow parking for the campgrounds, has pit toilets. Showers: Showers are available at Walnut, Lodge, Bee, and Madrone campgrounds. There is no charge to use the showers. Group Campground “Area 5”: This area is a large group campground available for groups and special events. Accommodations include picnic tables, shade ramadas, fire rings, flush toilets, showers, a large barbecue pit, a food prep area, a stage, electricity, and parking. For more information, or to book a group or special event, please OHVs were first used on the ranch in 1947 when Howard established the Bird Creek Hunting Club. Jeeps, motorcycles, and “tote-goats” were used for transportation to get around the ranch. The Bird Creek Hunting Lodge was located at the site of the current general store in Lodge Camp. During the 1950s, private OHV activities were held and by 1970, the ranch was officially opened for public OHV recreation. Howard managed the land as a motorcycle park until October 1, 1975, when the land was sold to the State of California and became Hollister Hills SVRA. Park Resources Hollister Hills SVRA is home to many species of plants and animals, including California tiger salamander and California red-legged frog, both federally-listed as threatened, and Gairdner’s yampah, western azaleas, Park Features The Windmill: Located on the Renz Ranch, the Windmill area is a destination spot with a rich history. Interpretive displays are provided at the site and share some of the history of the Renz family who often had family picnics in this very location. Today, under the shade of majestic oak trees and an operating windmill, visitors can once again carry on the tradition of family picnics in this scenic location. Olive Orchard: Located on Olive Orchard Road in the Lower Ranch, the Olive Orchard was planted in 1865 by retired sea captain David Pierce. Pierce went to Barcelona to purchase olive trees, and brought them back to Hollister. Unfortunately, soon after planting the trees, Pierce died and the orchard was never farmed. each other for 30 million years at a current rate of about 1.5 inches per year. Walnut Orchard: Remnants of a walnut orchard planted by Howard Harris can be seen on the right hand side of the road near the park’s main entrance. This orchard is an excellent example of one of California’s earliest and more successful experimental orchards. The techniques pioneered by Howard were originally criticized but resulted in significantly increased yields and soon were adopted as the industry standard. Rider Responsibilities Be Prepared! OHV recreation is a great way to connect to the outdoors. To ensure you have an enjoyable experience, be prepared for the unexpected. The park is not exclusively used by OHV recreationists but is shared by others, including many species of wildlife. Showing courtesy to all makes the park experience most enjoyable. Drive and Ride Safely Use proper equipment: When operating an OHV, proper protective gear should be used at all times. All operators should thoroughly acquaint themselves with all aspects of their vehicle before starting out. Take a training course: All operators of an OHV should take the appropriate safety training course(s). Drive and ride within your limits: Minimize the chance of injury and maximize your fun by exercising common sense. Take time to evaluate the situation and consider options. Do not attempt to exceed your abilities. Operate your vehicle safely and treat others with courtesy. 25 ATV Laws In California, there are laws specific to operating ATVs on public lands. Passengers: Passengers are only allowed on ATVs designed by the manufacturer to carry a passenger. Helmet: All persons must wear an approved helmet at all times while riding an ATV on public lands. ATV Safety Certificate Requirement 18 years and older: A safety certificate is not mandatory to operate an ATV. It is recommended. Ages 14-17: All riders ages 14 to 17 must possess an ATV Safety Certificate, or be under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or other adult who has completed an ATV safety course and has an ATV Safety Certificate in his/her possession. Ages 13 and under: All riders 13 and under MUST BE DIRECTLY SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES. Either the child or the child’s parent, legal guardian, or someone who is authorized by the parent or legal guardian to supervise the child, must possess an ATV Safety Certificate. ATV Certification Free ATV Safety Training may be available from the manufacturer for adults and their families who have purchased a new ATV. Free ATV Safety Training is also available for all California residents under 18 years of age, including those riding used ATVs. Contact the ATV Safety Institute at 800‑887‑2887 for more information. Accessibility Tule Lake: Located on High Road, Tule Lake is a favorite among visitors to the Lower Ranch offering picturesque views and a shaded picnic area. San Andreas Fault: Cutting northwest through the park, the San Andreas fault zone defines the tectonic boundary between the North American and Pacific plates, marking a divide between two contrasting terrains. The area east of the fault has dark, clay-rich soils on rolling hills covered in grassland and oak woodlands. This portion of the park sits on the North American plate and is slowly moving south. West of the fault, the landscape is higher and steeper and sits on the Pacific plate that is moving north. This portion of the park consists primarily of much older and more weather-resistant granitic rock, with pine, sage and chaparral taking root in the sandy soils. The Pacific and North American tectonic plates have been sliding past 101 180 California State Parks supports equal access. Visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the District Office at 831‑637‑8186 or 711 TYY relay service prior to arrival. This publication is available in alternate formats by contacting the OHMVR Division at ohvinfo@parks.ca.gov. Alternate formats for print media include audio, large font print, electronic files, internet information, and Braille. PARK HOURS: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Vehicle operation: sunrise to sunset Red Sticker Closure: June 1 - September 30 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Hollister Hills SVRA 7800 Cienega Road Hollister, CA 95023 831-637-3874 www.ohv.parks.ca.gov/hollisterhills California State Parks, OHMVR Division 1725 23rd Street, Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95816-7100 916-324-4442 www.ohv.parks.ca.gov © California State Parks, 2019 Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division All rights reserved. Printed on recycled paper. [4-2019] LOWER RANCH MOTORCYCLE & ATV AREA Renz Ranch: Picnic tables, a pit toilet and interpretive displays are located at the Windmill area. surrounding properties and built many of the park’s trails and roads. He used the land for a number of activities including mining, farming, ranching, hunting, scientific studies, and OHV recreation. a variety of hawks, mountain lions, and more. The park’s commitment to protecting these species, while providing high-quality sustainable OHV recreation opportunities, Re dta requires active resource management. ile dH Park staff is constantly working to improve aw k trail design, monitor wildlife habitat, implement erosion control measures, maintain roads and trails, suppress excessive dust, protect riparian areas, and address invasive plant and animal species within the park. Managing natural and cultural resources requires constant vigilance. Throughout the park you may encounter trail reroutes, fencing, gates, and/or closed areas. Please do your part to ensure that Hollister Hills SVRA will be available to you and future generations by staying on trails, respecting wildlife, and staying out of vegetated and closed areas. Hollister Hills SVRA Hollister Hills The Grand Prix Track (GP Track): Adjacent to the Upper Ranch, the GP Track is a classic closed course track set in a natural terrain of rolling hills and oak woodlands. The GP Track is available for use through the special event process. Please call 831‑638‑3390 for further information. (See Upper Ranch map for location.) Salinas Hollister State Vehicular Recreation Area Renz Ranch: Located within the Lower Ranch, this 1,600-acre property features predominately single track trails complete with frequent grade changes and rolling trail contours. Together they create maximum rider interest while minimizing impacts to the natural and cultural resources. Some routes are designed to accommodate ATVs. 156 68 San Luis Reservoir 156 129 7800 Cienega Road • Hollister, CA 95023 • 831.637.3874 Special Events Recreational Opportunities 152 Monterey elcome to Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA)—California State Parks’ first SVRA. Located in the Gabilan Mountains, just an hour’s drive from San Jose, this unique SVRA features over 6,800 acres of scenic and varied terrain. Visitors are drawn to the natural beauty of the park’s oak woodlands, rolling hills, lush canyons, seasonal creeks and the many miles of OHV trails for all vehicle types and skill levels. This map focuses on the Lower Ranch and the Renz Ranch of Hollister Hills SVRA, which is set aside for motorcycles and ATVs. A separate map is available that includes the Upper Ranch and the Hudner Ranch, where opportunities are provided for four-wheeled vehicles. 152 Santa Cruz 600 0 70 800 Hollister Hills LOWER RANCH MOTORCYCLE & ATV AREA 0 0 10 Sa nA nd TO HOLLISTER Fenceline Mudstone (Non-Motorized) 1100 rea 900 36˚48.000’ N 10 00 7800 Cienega Road • Hollister, CA 95023 • 831.637.3874 800 n ce Fe celine en Southw F sF au line lt dow oods Mea 1200 k kT an ge Rid nd Isla Sp ck rin Sp ck Ba Re L ow er ie ld at H ’ s ’s Re t re H o llow at tre Ra y al ry’s ry Ho w Phil llo Main SVRA Entrancege ca Rib rea Ribcag e sF au ne rs Ravi to 100 PRIVATE 0 Locations in park are representations. Actual locations of some PROPERTY features may vary over timeArea as a result 5 of weather, maintenance, and other factors. Observe all signage, and use appropriate 12 when traveling through the park. 0caution 0 oa d Ga rne rL ake Ro 1100 ad Tra il lR SUSPENDED OR REVOKED LICENSE: Anyone whose driving privileges have been suspended or revoked is prohibited from operating any motor vehicle, on- or off-highway. 4x4 Obstacle RANCH UPPER Course nk Ta r a il R ab b i t T Quarry ail t Tr tR o Day Use Area ad Foo t W es Prospec ner Fl a t R oa d 121˚25.000’ W 1200 lt SPARK ARRESTERS: All vehicles operating off-highway must be equipped with either a street legal muffler or a spark arrester maintained in effective working order. VEGETATION: It is never legal to drive or ride over vegetation. Always stay on established trails. nA nd ap SPEED: Please follow posted speed limits throughout the park. In 14 developed areas, keep speeds to 15 mph or less. Never drive faster 00 than is safe for conditions. Sa Tr REGISTRATION: When operating an OHV, you must display either a license plate or an OHV sticker. OHV stickers include “Green Stickers,” “Red Stickers,” California Nonresident OHV Use Permits, and OHV stickers from states that have an OHV program. 1200 d 00 Walnut Orchard RED STICKER RIDING SEASON: Red sticker vehicles are not allowed operate in the SVRA from June 1st - September 30 th . These dates 160to 0 are established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and are 130 call the park for updated information. subject to change. Please 0 0 Hen l en oa 16 150 hil Hidden 125 25 ot 0 180 Spr ing s 00 19 REACH AND OPERATE ALL CONTROLS: All operators of off-highway vehicles must be able to reach and operate all controls. 200 Re R 2000 ’s ll 121˚26.000’ W s hi NOISE EMISSIONS: The law limits noise emissions from all OHVs. Noise emissions for most OHVs are limited to not more than 96 dBA when measured from a distance of 20 inches using standardized test procedures. For more specific information, go to: www.ohv.parks.ca.gov/noise_emissions. Pa s ot a 121˚27.000’ W NIGHT OHV OPERATION: Operation of OHVs is not allowed at night. Hours of operation are from sunrise to sunset. er Fo Tr Trail Ends 100 Fo c Be Bird 00 20 00 DOGS: Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Please pick up after your dog. 1600 il 75 50 (first aid, phone) PSI You are responsible for knowing park rules and regulations. All provisions of the California Vehicle Code are enforced. A copy may be 1500 If you have 17 found at: www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/vc.htm. 00 questions, please contact park staff at: (831) 637-3874. H n ud Ranger Station AIR 19 ise Intermediate Kids Track Beginner Area PRESSURE ATV LAWS: There are laws which apply specifically to the operation of ATVs only. (For more complete information please see reverse page.) 1100 Ch am ld Low Lower Day Use 0 ALCOHOL: Open container and DUI laws apply off-highway just as they do on-highway. Don’t drink and drive. Alcohol is only allowed in your campsite. reek Bird C eF ield t u t Ex it R Radio Ridge oa d Bird C ree k ad ’s F aln 90 W ch Madro ne e Vintage Track an s ock lR 00 Ci e y Ra rR dra 14 rail Fi a Ro HUDNER RANCH1100 pe kT Bec A d o be per Hill Visitor Center 10 The term OHV means off-highway vehicle. Any motor vehicle operated off-highway is an OHV. A highway licensed vehicle is an OHV when operated off of the highway. Vehicles having green and red stickers are OHVs. k er g ne Su ob e Ad Up Hidden Springs T n ur F o0 s Ro c k k il ra id ill H in Tw MX Track 0 PRIVATE PROPERTY dl Ad 1200 s Ad o b e B ac B ’s Be Middl e Fie verl y p Mini Bike Trail Area Walnut Campground 800 Ba c k Ridge Ba s ro 800 n ee tw Be G o dR Ol e Lak ll T ra il a r l y Ou il E ra on Ca ny B e v erly ’ s Minibike MX Track ite Hill Ad o b e n 80T Environmental Camp C re e th N or High rs Ranc ho g 2000 Sa t c Trials Area M ield Park Rules and Regulations the 36˚46.000’ N on ld m ie ne any Bee Campground r Trail Cienega Gate (Emergency Access) in F dle id M T a nk PSI Lodge Campground / Park Store / Air Station rF Up as we per er Basi ee le F l d ie Lo in TT Track 100 Mi dd e ob Erle ld ill Ca s Ba ale gs Rancho H ho oo d 150 0 ck tone nc L on g C an yo n Nature Area W 25 in Ra dral ATV Track 1000 e Conn ct Sa 0 11st0one 125 10 Madrone Campground Ca he at 75 50 1600 Azalea C Trai l l O rchard Retu r n Gran 1700 d Turtle Lake r. D Low AIR ve O r c h a r d rch a r d Adobe Basin Sh nd ’ O li e d Fiel 1300 ly l A d ob e PRESSURE 1500 G ranite e Hil Obstacross Area er 1300 k Ba s ge O l O ive d Go l d L od b il a t Tra Ba 90 100 0 0 Lodge Lake Renz Ranch Entrance Lodge Track mb T rail r r ge i Tra te R oa li ill C eH ard o dg n g R idge Ga op T 2100 ny nch Lo Sycamore Basin Ra d Ca mp ry e dg Harmo (Non-Motorized) S h a le Bev yon R eturn oo Special Use Area gs B a c k Rid g Sands W d Lo Lo n g Ridg San San Andreas Fault Overlook l ate Road rin Ridge D reas r And Sa nA 00 lly Sp Psych Hill Adobe th C an Hil e 13 ee 900 op yG ie Lin N- D Olive O r c h or 121˚28.000’ W on Tr e ey ck ket u c B hi T Roundabout ve h Scale in feet rm Ok Olive Orchard e oop High- ke s rea Anodp 0 n Sa D1r30 r sD ch rea R an nd Old Ha ur L u La (Non-motorized) 2000 d Hive e Oli ke C 1000 ult La ke 1800 0 Fa ve az 00 th 0 La Bo iv e Orc ar Troll Trail #3 n Ba Ol STAY ON TRAILS rn l ho Troll Trail F r e m ont Tule Lake Pa Nor nt High High ra i Ri 120 F remo igh ll ut Hi Tiger Ba G T Troll Trail #2 2H200 Ret u osa w y on Din llo Can Woodwardia Basin sO Ho rth eR oa d . t’s r th Tro Tr Jay’s W ay Gat nc Pea No Trail Ra Rid g r Har mo ny ll M 12 yb lT Troll No ht a t’s Path T ol Lig y nn Pe mi ad Do nd oo p Jay’s Sh e Bee Seasonal Closure Gates rL at Old Ranch 00 e 36˚47.000’ N e Wi ill Maz D inosau il k Tr C anyo High dg 16 Scandia N or t h C a n y o n R e tur n Basin a n yo n rth No PRIVATE PROPERTY il Poppy Ridge Eagle Rocks Manzanita Trail Ri W oo d C Tra 00 n ay Rattlesnake Crossover s 10 p W ny th Ca o n Nor ra G Post Oak Circle y' W indm ail si e ’ s Su e Windmill Tr eT To il 0 Sage ot yo J C am Line OK Corral ay Tra e oll Tr il #1 a Tr 240 Coy e Sag yT rai l ard Ca rro t yo ny Co o rm Ha Liz gh 2100 2200 uan nJ Sa Le od Fault il Ridge High igh K nob Tr a a H Woo d Camp e ners San Juan Canyon Gate (Emergency Access) Wo Be Mudstone Cor Four Ridge Pass e San Andreas Fault Hi o Gate 700 (Non-Motorized) rne PSI Co AIR PRESSURE ur 150 0 Go Fo 10 Ranc h Air Station 125 25 Mini Bike Trail Area 100 n ee tw Be (N cia on l U -M s ot e A or ize rea d) Two Way Trail 75 50 ers an Gu lch Ga rcia One Way Trail h Gate (Non-Motorized) orn ch 13 ge 0 Special Use Area ut Special Use Area rC 00 Telephone 150 Tracks Ba c n Fou First Aid Riding Area n Fo Wheelchair Access HHORA Challenge Loop Service Roads o ny C or (Non-Motorized) 1400 Day Use Area Most Difficult Trails a Ro Ca nyo n Mudstone Camping More Difficult Trails So ur Easiest Trails 0 160 Wa rp s er Showers M w ap Restrooms Park Boundary ds do ge River or Stream 1300 o wo ea R Ranger Station Old Ranch Rid Main Park Road PRIVATE PROPERTY oods Mea nd Point of Interest thw Sou Isla Paved Roads 1300 w do Riding Areas and Trails Vineyar School 121˚24.000’ W McCray