Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area wilderness guide
State Vehicular Recreation Area · CA

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area is a popular off-highway vehicle park in California offering diverse terrain for dirt biking, off-road driving, and family-friendly recreational activities.

State Vehicular Recreation Area1,6364+ Trails

Designation

State Vehicular Recreation Area

Total Wilderness Area

1,636

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area is a popular off-highway vehicle park in California offering diverse terrain for dirt biking, off-road driving, and family-friendly recreational activities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), located in San Benito County, California, is a premier destination dedicated to off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. Spanning approximately 1,636 acres of rolling hills and rugged terrain, it provides a variety of trails and riding areas tailored for motocross, dirt biking, off-road vehicles, and beginner riders. The park features over 40 miles of trails ranging from easy scenic routes to challenging rocky tracks designed to test advanced riders. Established in 1973 and operated by California State Parks, Hollister Hills SVRA is strategically situated near the city of Hollister, providing easy access for both locals and visitors from the San Francisco Bay Area. Beyond motorized recreation, the site also incorporates picnic areas, camping sites, and designated wildlife habitat, supporting species such as the California quail and various raptor birds. The terrain showcases chaparral, oak woodlands, and open grasslands with sweeping views of the Central Coast hills. Facilities include a motocross track, hill climb courses, and a youth riding area, making it a destination for riders of all skill levels. Seasonal events and competitive races draw enthusiasts annually, while educational programs promote responsible riding and environmental awareness. With its mix of natural beauty and controlled park management, Hollister Hills SVRA offers a unique opportunity for outdoor recreation focused on motorized sports in a scenic California setting.

Field Guide · State Vehicular Recreation Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Motocross Track with Dedicated Practice Areas✦ Challenging Hill Climb Tracks for Experienced Riders✦ Youth Riding Area Designed for Beginners and Kids✦ Extensive Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System Through Diverse Terrain
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
Park Recreation

Off-Highway Vehicle Riding

Available in Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
Park Recreation

Motocross

Available in Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

OHV use requires a valid OHV sticker and day use fee or annual pass; non-motorized access is free.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Hollister Hills Campground

Located within the park, this campground offers sites close to riding areas with access to restrooms and potable water.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Hollister, California
⌖ 1.46 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hollister, California

Hollister, California offers outdoor lovers rolling hills, challenging bike trails, and peaceful riverside paddling. With state parks and equestrian trails nearby, it’s a quiet, sunny spot for year-round adventure close to California’s Central Coast.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Tres Pinos, California
⌖ 5.28 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tres Pinos, California

Tres Pinos, California is a peaceful rural town ideal for outdoor lovers seeking hiking, biking, horseback riding, and fishing near sprawling natural parks like Henry W. Coe and Pinnacles National Park.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
San Juan Bautista, California
⌖ 7.59 miles
Gateway Basecamp

San Juan Bautista, California

San Juan Bautista offers a peaceful outdoors experience with historic charm. Explore hiking trails, gentle mountain biking, paddling on the Pajaro River, and discover Spanish colonial architecture in this quiet California town.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Paicines, California
⌖ 9.75 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Paicines, California

Paicines offers a peaceful rural escape for outdoor lovers with hiking, biking, paddling, and horseback riding near the San Benito River. Ideal in spring and fall, it’s a quiet basecamp for exploring California’s less-traveled foothills and rugged parks.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Aromas, California
⌖ 14.07 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Aromas, California

Aromas offers a quiet rural escape with gentle hiking, mountain biking, and paddling in nearby rivers and reservoirs. Its location by rolling hills and protected areas makes it a peaceful base for outdoor lovers seeking nature away from crowds.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Prunedale, California
⌖ 15.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Prunedale, California

Prunedale, California offers a peaceful escape for outdoor lovers with easy access to hiking, mountain biking, and paddling spots. This rural town serves as a calm base for exploring coastal hills and nearby forests away from crowded tourist hubs.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Sunset Silence: An Electric Catamaran Through Elkhorn Slough
ADVEXPEDITION
Moss Landing, California
Boat TourADV Bookable

Sunset Silence: An Electric Catamaran Through Elkhorn Slough

A narrated, wildlife-focused cruise at dusk through Moss Landing’s tidal wetlands — this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and where the best wildlife moments happen.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Low-to-Water, Captain-Led Whale Searches out of Moss Landing
ADVEXPEDITION
Moss Landing, California
Whale WatchADV Bookable

Low-to-Water, Captain-Led Whale Searches out of Moss Landing

A private charter on Monterey Bay—half- or full-day options—guided by an experienced captain and licensed drone pilot for an intimate wildlife- and photo-focused expedition.

Whale WatchPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip