Comprehensive FAQ

A: Yes, if your vehicle has current registration from a state with an OHV program, no California permit needed. HOWEVER, if your home state requires CA residents to buy permits, you must buy a $30 CA Non-Resident permit. Arizona residents ALWAYS need Non-Resident permit.

A: Green Sticker ($54/2yr) = emissions-compliant OHVs, ride year-round. Red Sticker ($54/2yr) = non-compliant bikes (2003-2021 with "3" or "C" in 8th VIN digit), restricted to specific seasonal dates at certain areas. 2022+ non-compliant bikes cannot be registered for public lands.

A: Yes, all OHVs operated on public land must be registered, including electric bikes. However, DMV currently struggles with electric bike registration - manufacturers are working on solutions. Parks require sticker for entry regardless.

A: You will NOT be allowed to ride. Rangers check at entrance. Spark arrestor must be USFS-approved AND in working order. No exceptions.

A: No. All OHVs must have either CA registration (Green/Red sticker for CA residents) OR current registration from another state OR Non-Resident permit. No "day pass" option exists. The $5 day-use fee is SEPARATE from vehicle registration.

A: Adobe clay trails close first (entire Adobe & Renz areas). Granitic/sandy trails (western sections) drain faster and may remain open. Always check official status before arriving.

A: Park is open 365 days, but specific trails close based on weather. Granitic/sandy sections typically stay open longer. Adobe/Renz areas close during wet weather.

A: Generally NO. Upper Ranch & Hudner Ranch are designated for 4-wheeled vehicles. Check with rangers - there may be exceptions during special events. ATVs/motorcycles belong in Lower Ranch.

A: MX track and some track sections may be one-way during busy times. Most trails are multi-directional. Always yield to uphill traffic.

A: OnX Offroad (paid, most detailed proprietary mapping), Trailforks (community-based, premium for offline), or purchase paper map at ranger station ($5-10). GPS coordinates limited for many trails.

A: Designated campgrounds only (Lodge, Bee, Madrone, Sycamore). Dispersed/backcountry camping NOT permitted.

A: Check current rules at kiosk. Typically allowed during daytime hours, but quiet hours enforced 10 PM-7 AM. Confirm before bringing.

A: NO hookups (electric, water, sewer) at campsites. Dry camping only. Water available at spigots. Dump stations NOT available.

A: Most sites are first-come, first-served. ONLY reservable: 2 remote Hudner Ranch sites (4x4 access) and ADA sites in Lower Ranch. Reserve at ReserveCalifornia.com.

A: Yes, coin-operated showers in campgrounds. Hours typically align with daylight (check current). Bring quarters.

A: LIMITED to SPOTTY. Best at ranger station, Lodge Campground (also has WiFi), and some high points. Many areas have NO service. Plan accordingly.

A: Call 911 for serious trauma. Dispatchers coordinate air ambulance (CALSTAR, etc.). Rangers will direct to designated landing zones. Stay with injured person if safe.

A: Solo riding anywhere has risks. Avoid: hill climbs, remote technical trails, and areas with poor cell service. Stick to main trails (Adobe Road, Ridge Road) if solo. Consider satellite messenger.

A: Wild boars (potentially aggressive with young), mountain lions (rare), rattlesnakes (common in warm months), wild turkeys (harmless). Stay on trails, don't approach wildlife.

A: Informal. Chat with riders at staging areas to find partners. Hollister Hills Off-Road Association (HHORA) organizes group rides for members.

A: Weekdays, especially Tuesday-Thursday. Avoid: holiday weekends, 3-day weekends, October 11 2025 (50th Anniversary). Winter weekdays are quietest (but check trail closures).

A: Yes, Upper Ranch occasionally closed for special events/races. Lower Ranch typically stays open. Check event calendar: ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1179

A: Contact park office for large groups or special events: (831) 637-3874. Upper Ranch can be reserved for groups up to 300 people. Lower Ranch generally available for casual group rides.

A: Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day weekends = maximum crowds. Thanksgiving and Christmas = quieter.

A: No annual full closures, but wet weather closes Adobe/Renz areas seasonally (winter). Hudner Ranch subject to seasonal closures. Check before going.

A: No minimum age for riding on private land, but California law requires: Ages 13 and under MUST be directly supervised by parent/guardian at all times. Ages 14-17 must have ATV Safety Certificate OR be supervised by parent/guardian with certificate.

A: Yes! Mini-track and mini-bike trail specifically for smaller bikes/youth riders. Great for building confidence.

A: No bike rentals at park or nearby (as of Oct 2025). Must bring your own. Gear available at Faultline Powersports (on-site) or Cycle Gear/other shops in larger cities.

A: No formal on-site lessons at Hollister Hills. ATV Safety Institute offers online courses (required for youth). Private lessons available through local riding schools (search "dirt bike lessons Bay Area").

A: Bird Creek Trail → Mini-track area → Peppertree Loop → lower Adobe Road. Stay on green/easy-blue rated trails.

A: No full-service mechanic. Faultline Powersports (on-site) sells parts but limited service. Nearest shops: Hollister area (~15 min). Bring tools/spares - you're your own mechanic.

A: Faultline Powersports (Gilroy location): 90 San Felipe Rd Suite C, Hollister, CA, (831) 637-8550. For major repairs, head to San Jose area shops (1 hour).

A: Yes! Wash racks located in camping and day-use areas. Free to use (bring own soap if desired).

A: Check Faultline Powersports on-site. Otherwise, bring portable compressor or CO2 inflators. Not widely available throughout park.

A: You're responsible for removing your own vehicle if stuck or broken. No official tow service. Fellow riders often help. Serious breakdowns: call friend with truck/trailer.

A: Varies by soil type. Sandy/granitic areas: 1-2 days. Adobe clay areas: 3-7+ days depending on rainfall amount and sun/wind drying. Rangers assess and post status. ALWAYS check before going.

A: 85-105°F+ (June-August). Mornings start 70-80°F, afternoons often exceed 100°F. Hydration critical.

A: Some. Oak groves on higher trails (Old Ranch, ridge trails). Open adobe sections = ZERO shade. Plan breaks in shaded areas.

A: June-October = high fire danger. Spark arrestor MANDATORY always, but especially critical during this period.

A: Not typically for heat alone, but rangers may issue heat advisories. Use common sense - 110°F+ = potentially dangerous.

A: VERY strict. Rangers test with decibel meters at entrance. Fail = no entry. Common citation if caught on trail without proper equipment.

A: Citations ($100-$1,000+), vehicle impoundment (serious violations), park exclusion. Closed trails are marked - respect closures for safety and resource protection.

A: NO. Riding permitted ONLY sunrise to sunset. Vehicle must have headlight/taillight for legal off-highway operation, but park hours are daylight only.

A: Not posted speed limits (as of Oct 2025), but reckless/unsafe operation enforced. Ride responsibly for conditions and traffic.

A: Open containers in OHVs PROHIBITED by California Vehicle Code. DUI laws apply on and off-highway. Camping: alcohol allowed in camp (not in vehicles), follow quiet hours.

A: Hollister (~7 miles): Multiple options on Highway 25 and San Felipe Road. Shell, Chevron, etc.

A: Hollister downtown: Mexican, American, pizza. San Juan Bautista (15 min): Historic mission town with restaurants. Post-ride meal tradition!

A: Hollister: Best Western San Benito Inn, Ridgemark Golf Resort, budget motels on Airline Highway. San Juan Bautista: B&Bs. Reserve ahead for busy weekends.

A: Faultline Powersports (on-site): Parts, some gear. Hollister: Limited options. Best selection: Cycle Gear or larger shops in San Jose (1 hour).

A: Yes! Hollister Hills Off-Road Association (HHORA). Supports park, organizes events, trail committee meetings. hhora.wildapricot.org/