Hiking, Bicycling, & Equestrian
Nature Area (hiking & bicycling) – Located in the Lower Ranch, this 300-acre area has approximately 5 miles of non-motorized trails for hiking and bicycling. Dogs on leash are welcome.
Go on a tour of the Nature Area with the Beck Trek Self-Guided Trail Brochure.
Directions: Enter the main entrance located at 7800 Cienega Road in Hollister. Drive to the end of the main park road, and the entrance to the Nature Area is located at the back of Madrone Campground.
Mudstone Ranch (hiking, bicycling, & equestrians) - This 850 acres parcel of Hollister Hills SVRA offers 13 miles of non-motorized trails and is shared by equestrians, hikers, and mountain bikers alike. The park created this buffer area in order to reduce the potential for noise and dust reaching the neighboring communities from motorized trails. Dogs on leash are welcome.
*Please be aware of the electric fence. Hollister Hills SVRA utilizes cattle grazing for resource management of invasive plant species, and to minimize the severity of wildfires through fuel reduction. During peak grazing periods, cattle herds are rotated through designated pastures with an electric wire fence. Please leave the gates as you find them (either open or closed).
Basic Park Information
Fees: day-use for all areas is $5. (There is a self pay station (iron ranger) located in the Mudstone Ranch parking lot.)
Park Hours: sunrise to sunset. Park is open 365 days a year including holidays.
(*Please note, Mudstone Ranch closes during wet conditions due to the unique adobe clay soil for public safety and natural resource protection.)
Events: We offer a variety of ranger-led education activities and special events. For a list of upcoming events, click here.
Dogs are allowed on a tended leash (leash maximum is 6 feet).
Equestrians are allowed in Mudstone Ranch.
Fireworks are prohibited.
Drones are not allowed in the park. To protect wildlife and cultural resources, and for the safety and welfare of visitors and staff, the park is closed to the use of Model Aircraft, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and Gliders in flight.
Loaded firearms and hunting are not allowed in units of the State Parks System. Possession of loaded firearms or air rifles is prohibited.
e-bicycles Class 1 and Class 2 are allowed to ride at Mudstone Ranch and in the Nature Area. To learn more about California State Park's e-bike policy please click here.