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Latest Report

Barrett Lake
Sept 11-15

Trailmaster Agenda: Clear Creek

Clear Creek - January 17-18, 2004

Decided at Thursday's meeting (Jan 15, 2004) to be an overnight...

There is probably no place in California quite like Clear Creek for vehicle recreation. The old roads provide an infrastructure for exploring Clear Creek. Whether you enjoy four-wheeling or dirt-biking, you will be able to find a trail to enjoy. There are technically difficult routes and there are easy routes, and most are ruggedly spectacular throughout.

Located in southern San Benito County in the Diablo Mountains that separate the Salinas Valley from the Central Valley, Clear Creek is a 50,000 acre management area run by the Bureau of Land Management. Elevations range from about 2,200 ft. in the staging/camping areas to 5,241 ft. on San Benito Mountain, the highest point in San Benito County. Most of the riding area is between 3,000 and 4,500 ft. elevation.

The riding area is open year round for public use. There is no fee to use the area. Your tax dollars and the California Green Sticker Program fund the management of the area. Most OHV use occurs between November and April. This is because the soils throughout most of the riding area contain naturally occurring chrysotile asbestos and most users prefer to ride during the rainy/wet season.

LOCATION: Clear Creek Management Area, CA
COST PER NIGHT: N/A
FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR: Camping is permitted throughout the area, with the exception of the San Benito Mountain Natural Area, which is closed to camping. There are also some stream terraces in the Clear Creek canyon, which are closed to vehicle use and car camping, in order to protect rare plant habitat and occurrences. The six Staging Areas and the Oak Flat Campground are all open to camping and have dumpsters and pit toilets. There is no running or potable water in the area.
TYPE AND DIFFICULTY OF TERRAIN: Possible mud, optional large hills, and difficult side trails. Will focus on main trails suitable for everyone.
GOOD FOR VEHICHLE TYPE: 4x4 vehicles, Can bring motorcycles if desired
SPECIAL SUPPLIES NEEDED, IF ANY: Tow ropes, tools, and spare parts are always a good idea.
TIME OF DEPARTURE: 7:30 a.m.
DEPARTURE LOCATION: 41st Ave. Kmart parking lot
COMMENTS: About a 2 hour drive from Santa Cruz.
Visit the BLM's website for CLEAR CREEK
CONTACT INFO: Cindy & Perry (jeepercindy@yahoo.com)
HOW TO GET THERE:

From the San Jose area, travel south on Highway 101 to Gilroy. Just past Gilroy, take the Highway 25 exit towards Hollister. Continue through town (Hwy. 25 runs through the town of Hollister) and head south for about 35 miles. You will pass by the Pinnacles National Monument. Turn left onto the Coalinga-Los Gatos Creek County road. Continue approximately 14 miles. At the BLM sign indicating the entrance to the Clear Creek Management Area, turn left. You will then be on the main road, Clear Creek Road, which is an unpaved road bisecting the Management Area. From Coalinga, take the Coalinga-Los Gatos Creek County Road to the turn-off to the Management Area, which will be a right-hand turn.

From I-5, take the Panoche Road exit, and head west approximately 25 miles (the road turns to dirt within 2 miles of the highway, and turns back to pavement again after 14 miles). Continue on Panoche Road to the Idria Road, and left. This road will lead you to the north entrance of the Clear Creek Management Area.

ADDITIONAL INFO: Call the Clear Creek Management Area hotline for current road and recreation conditions, at (831) 630-5060.
More Info



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