Picking up new OR in Santa Cruz and heading to Fresno

Question, I'm a relative newby to 4wheeling, but I'm driving right past Hollister. Should I stop at Hollister hills and if so, what trail would you all recommend?

 

Go on the one that goes to the top

 

I'm really just looking for something easy and that doesn't sound easy.

 

When you stop at the bottom to grab your permit and a map, talk to the ranger.

Last time I was there they were super helpful and I think the map has little icons to tell you difficulties.

There is basically a dirt road that goes to the top, shouldn't be a problem I don't think.

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/pages/1170/files/hollisterhillstext_upperranch_final.pdf

 

Also for future reference La Grange offroad park is off J59 and is also a good place to "practice". Very open and easy to pull into something then pull out if you don't feel comfortable.

Also good place when you wheel alone because there are usually people around to help if you need it, unlike out in the boonies.

 

I just realized I am super late to the party..

How'd Hollister Hills go?

 

no, your not late. Was going to go Thursday and then head to Fresno, but my wife has tomorrow off so we're going then. We won't be headed to Fresno now but back here to beautiful (even as it is turning brown) Sonora. Still probably going to take the southern route through Los Banos then 59 to Merced and home. Well see...my wife already agreed to go as long as I stop if she freaks out, though I think I might freak out before her.

BTW is there that much to do at La Grange (they got a lot of nice girls, ha)? Seems small when I drive past it.

 

So it's off of j59 a few miles south of the intersection with 132 (that goes Modesto to coulterville through la grange proper).

The ohv park is wide open. Pretty small but there are hill climbs and ruts and mud if you want. It really is just a place where you can drive wherever you want but there are roads and trails already.

I've been meaning to make it down there just to test out my truck but my weekends have been nuts and as it gets hotter... I'm more inclined to go up the hill.

It cost $5 to get in so I'd bring some cash.

Anyway congratulations on finally getting the truck. We should plan a day trip out behind long barn or something. Or if they get the pass open soon the east side.

 

yeah I want to get to Levitt this summer sometime. and even with the closures, there are still plenty of trail to explore.

 

Got to Santa Cruz at noon. Three hours later...why in the world does it take three hours to pay cash for a vehicle that you have already come to a price agreement on?...we're headed out to Hollister Hills. Messed around for a bit in upper ranch staying on the green trails (McCray and Garner flat), then cruised on back to Sonora. Still managed to flex her out a bit...

 

I think mcray is the trail that goes to the top. The trail is easy up to the top, I went up to the top when my truck was stock. Congrats on the new truck.

 

Congrats on the new truck! I got to drive HH in my work truck for off road training but haven't got there with my tacoma yet.

 

I'm going to try and get there this weekend.

 

Leavitt lake will not be accessable until July or later this year so don't waste your trip!

108 won't even be open until late June according to Cal trans.

Unless you mean Lake Leavitt which is further north and I'm not sure about.

 

sweet!!! sweet ride too. longtime lurker here. hella brocomas in norcal and around here! i live pretty close to hollister but never brought any of my trucks out. gonna go ride my new moto (bought in sc) out there monday!

 

According to a local sporting goods store, It was opened last week. That still does not mean I will get there. I'm headed that direction and will be checking it out.

 

Where you at?

Leavitt lake is at the top of 108:
https://www.mymotherlode.com/news/l...remain-closed-until-late-june-early-july.html


Lake leavitt is somewhere north of truckee

 

At the moment I'm in Delhi on the 99. We are talking of the same place. Ken's in Bridgeport told me it was open and I'm not sure why if it is closed. I just used the map app om my phone and from what that said it isnt open as well. So you are probably correct. Maybe I will try Corral Hollow, it's 6700-8100 feet so hopefully that will work out. If not I'm always down to just get off road and explore the Stanislaus National Forrest. Or maybe head up towards Mariposa. Who knows really, I'm pretty fluid with my plans. I'm just trying to get dirty this weekend.

 

Cool. Just don't want you to waste a trip.
I live in sonora right off 108. I'm keeping a close eye on it.

 

But how are you getting to the east side...4, 108, 120 are all closed. So it's either Tehachapi/Walker pass to the south or 88 to the north.