🌤 Weather at Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37–76 °F | 46–86 °F | 36–83 °F | 33–60 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Paicines 4 W, 6 mi away, elevation 905 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
California’s Premier OHV Destination — Upper and Lower Ranch, 150+ Miles of Motorcycle and ATV Trails, 4×4 Routes, Campground, San Benito County
Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area is a state vehicular recreation area at 7800 Cienega Road, Hollister, San Benito County, California. The area features an Upper Ranch with 800+ acres of motorcycle and ATV trails, a Lower Ranch with 2,400+ acres of 4×4 and UTV routes, over 150 miles of combined OHV trails for all skill levels, a campground with 100+ sites, and one of only eight SVRAs in the California state park system.
Hollister Hills is California’s OHV playground — the two-ranch layout separates motorcycle/ATV riding (Upper Ranch) from 4×4/UTV routes (Lower Ranch), creating a safer, more enjoyable experience for each vehicle type.
The Upper Ranch’s 800+ acres feature tight singletrack through oak woodland and grassland, while the Lower Ranch’s 2,400+ acres offer challenging 4×4 hill climbs and rock crawling on rugged terrain. Trails range from beginner-friendly loops to expert-only technical sections.
Riding Areas
| Area | Vehicles | Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Ranch | Motorcycles, ATVs | 800+ ac — singletrack, oak woodland |
| Lower Ranch | 4×4, UTVs | 2,400+ ac — hill climbs, rock crawling |
Things to Do
- Motorcycle trails — 150+ mi, all levels
- 4×4 routes — hill climbs, rock crawling
- ATV riding — Upper Ranch trails
- Camping — 100+ sites on-site
- Wildlife viewing — oak woodland habitat
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 7800 Cienega Rd, Hollister, CA 95023 |
| Total Area | 3,200+ acres — two ranches |
| Trails | 150+ miles — beginner to expert |
| Camping | 100+ sites — on-site campground |
| Managed By | CA State Parks — OHMVR Division |
| Coordinates | 36.7833° N, 121.3833° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Nearby Attractions
Hollister — 7 miles north — has the “Original Biker Rally” town legacy (1947 motorcycle rally). San Juan Bautista — 10 miles northwest — has the mission and Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” filming location. Pinnacles NP — 25 miles south — has condors and caves. Fremont Peak SP — 15 miles west — has astronomy.
What vehicles are allowed at Hollister Hills SVRA?
Hollister Hills SVRA in San Benito County, California, accommodates motorcycles and ATVs on the Upper Ranch (800+ acres of singletrack) and 4×4 vehicles and UTVs on the Lower Ranch (2,400+ acres of hill climbs and rock crawling). With 150+ miles of trails for all skill levels, an on-site campground with 100+ sites, the park is one of only eight SVRAs in California. Located at 7800 Cienega Road, Hollister.
Last updated: May 2026
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Fremont Peak State Park (a short drive away) and San Juan Bautista State Historic Park (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for California state parks online at reservecalifornia.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Maximum 6-foot leash at all times; dogs may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are prohibited on most state beaches; only beaches specifically designated as dog-allowed permit them (varies by park).
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are generally not allowed in buildings or cabins; overnight campers must keep dogs inside a tent or vehicle at night.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly trails and beaches vary park by park; misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor.
Are dogs allowed at Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area?
Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov. More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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