Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
California’s Premier Off-Road Playground — 7,000 Acres of Dirt
Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area is one of the largest and most popular off-highway vehicle parks in California — nearly 7,000 acres of diverse terrain in the hills of San Benito County, about 50 miles south of San Jose. Unlike simple sand dune areas, Hollister Hills offers an extraordinary variety of riding environments: from tight single-track motorcycle trails through oak woodlands to wide-open hill climbs, technical rock gardens, and flowing dirt roads.
The park is divided into two distinct riding areas — the Motorcycle Area and the Four-Wheel Drive Area — each designed for different types of vehicles and skill levels.
Motorcycle Area: Technical Single-Track and More
The motorcycle area features over 100 miles of trails ranging from beginner-friendly fire roads to expert-only single-track that winds through steep, forested hillsides. The terrain includes:
- Single-track trails — narrow, winding paths through oak and madrone forest
- Hill climbs — steep ascents that test both bike and rider
- Motocross tracks — maintained practice courses for jumping and cornering
- Open riding areas — for practicing basic skills and warming up
The motorcycle area is open to two-wheeled vehicles only — no ATVs, UTVs, or 4x4s allowed, which keeps the trails in better condition and reduces conflicts between different vehicle types.
Four-Wheel Drive Area: Rocks, Ruts, and Real Trails
The 4WD area caters to ATVs, UTVs, Jeeps, and four-wheel-drive trucks on a network of trails rated from easy cruising to extreme rock-crawling. The terrain takes advantage of the natural geology — sandstone outcrops, clay hills, and seasonal creek crossings create genuinely challenging obstacles that test both vehicle capability and driver skill.
The 4WD area also allows motorcycles, creating a shared-use environment on wider trails. A separate staging area keeps the two populations organized.
Camping and Facilities
Hollister Hills offers campgrounds in both riding areas — unusual for an SVRA — allowing riders to set up base camp and ride directly from their campsite. Facilities include drinking water, restrooms, and staging areas with adequate space for trailers and support vehicles.
California OHV registration or a non-resident permit is required. The park charges a day-use fee (currently $5 per vehicle) and separate camping fees. The riding season runs year-round, though winter rains can close trails temporarily to prevent erosion damage — always check conditions before making the drive.
Park Location
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