Hollister Hills

Anyone going out today?

 

Too short of a notice, I could have.

 

I won’t be there til
Later today

 

Enjoy it!

I only ever go in the mornings, way too hot after that.

 

It looks like it’s been a while. Are any of yall still around and down for a cruise out to Hollister Hills?! I just moved out here and I’m excited to check the place out.

 

Went a couple times this season. Anyone know the progress on the school house entrance reopening?

 

When I used to go, I would simply check their website as it would be updated to let you know what's open and what isn't.

 

There was some construction going on that was supposed to end at the beginning of November. Getting in via Area 5 is pretty easy though--as long as the gate is open. Maybe call them? (831) 637-3874.

 

I realize I'm replying to a pretty old thread - but I'm interested in taking my 5yo son to Hollister Hills for some time on trails.
Or should I say, my son is interested in getting me to take him off road.

I have a 2013 TRD Sport RWD. Pretty close to stock but running 285/70R17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers and about a 2" lift.

Am I getting myself in over my head down there, or would I be OK on some Green trails with 2WD.
What do folks recommend?

 

All green trails are easily done in a 2WD stock vehicle, as well as 90% of the blue trails.

Ask for a map when you arrive, and you can follow the green trails yourself. Just make sure you pay attention at any splits and intersections as trees and/or vegetation can hide the markers that tell you what trail you're on.

 

You should be fine on most of the green trails. They're basically fire roads connecting the other trails to one another, as I remember it.

 

Thanks @Kwikvette and @essjay - appreciate the fast response!
I'll take the plunge so and bring him down. Any particularly recommendation on a time/day to go?
Should I assume this weekend could be a sh*t-show with crowds, or is it generally OK?

 

I haven't been there in 2 years now

Generally speaking, the best times to go have always been during the week.

I don't know what the weather's like out there at this time, but I always preferred going in the mornings too as it's much cooler and there are less people on the trails.

Take some food with ya for lunch, and don't forget to air down as it'll make everything much more comfortable (and more fun for the kiddo).

Lastly, if it's hot out there just make sure you watch where you step as rattlers live out there. They won't bug you but you don't want to scare one by accident if you kick a log over or push over a big rock and one's hiding underneath in the shade.

 

Love the glamour shot!

Thanks for the tips folks - I think I mike try to make the trip down during the week this week.
Any particular trails that you'd recommend for a total beginner?

For airing down - how "down" is down? I run 30psi on the road.

 

You won't need to air down for any green trails at all - I state to do so for the sake of making the drive itself comfortable.

I ran 10 ply on all my vehicles, so I would run down to 15-18psi if it's dry. I've run down to 8-10psi if it's muddy.

If you've got 6 ply, I'd probably take it to 17-20psi myself?

But any green, you choose the route you wish to go as every single one will be an easy drive for you.

Blue, many of them are also possible but if you're just beginning, you're better off going with someone that can wheel. Not that it's difficult, but an off-camber situation + inexperienced driver = can easily lead to a vehicle being damaged or stuck.

Thing is, there is no reason to rush anything at all either. Take a step out of the truck, walk the trail ahead of you before driving down it. There is nothing wrong with being extra cautious and scanning the terrain to see if it's doable or not.

I've run lots of blue trails when I used to have a 1st Gen Prerunner on 32's only. Didn't need to use a 4x4 and/or locker until I was hitting Black Diamond trails.

 

Excellent, thanks for the info. I'll give it a go so and post back here with how it goes.
Appreciate the insight - it makes me a lot more comfortable.

 

As many times as I've gone there, both alone or with friends and members, there always seems to be a new group or new person.

People tend to be respectful of you parking off to the side of a trail, and walking around to scope an area out.

What you could do, is maybe follow the map to take you to the bathrooms (halfway through the west/north side?) and map your route from there.

The route to the bathrooms alone are green (as well as blue if you take an alternate route) so you'll already be running green trails on the way to.

 

Download the Upper Ranch PDF. You can see what's available plus get some great info on the park itself. Hudner Ranch is often closed. If it's open, there are a couple of green trails there.

Hector Heights is always a good one (blue). The trail winds its way to a fantastic view of the park from the top. If you have a fridge/freezer, take ice cream. The Adventure Track is another area to practice your skills and it's all green. The obstacle course is fun to hang around and watch others--do not go in the mud pit! There are some picnic tables if you want to stop for lunch. Take plenty of water.

There are two or three camps in the 4x4 side as well. If you're kid is into camping, Sycamore Camp is in the trees and it has a bathroom and I think shower.

 

Also bring bug spray!

 

Great advice. Yes, it looks like the Sycamore campground is the set of bathrooms half way through the west/north of Upper Ranch.
I think that look like a good start - and take it from there. I just called the Ranger station who said this week is a bit busy but not crazy as he had expected.

Looking at it now I am half tempted to take a quick spin down there tomorrow just to suss it out and organise a day-trip during the week or next weekend.

The little-dude has convinced me to order a winch for the truck (thanks Paw-Patrol) so I figure my day off with be a mix of wrenching and wheeling.