Just to address the access issue, standard access (as described in Suttle's guide) is currently open (i.e. from New Idria), although when I was there a little less than a week ago, there was an 'emergency closure' to Clear Creek (i.e. on the way, but not the standard access to the mountain).
As of March 2014 the Clear Creek Management Area is open to the public but access to the the central area, the Serpentine ACEC, where San Benito Mountain is, is through a locked gate. You have to get permits online (one for your car, one for each person). Then you have to telephone the BLM office in Hollister for the gate key combination
The best entry route is from the west via Clear Creek, off the Coalinga Road south of route 25 from Hollister. I've been in twice and both times the road conditions were fine, though 4wd is a good idea.
Diggler - Nov 16, 2009 2:23 pm - Hasn't voted
accessJust to address the access issue, standard access (as described in Suttle's guide) is currently open (i.e. from New Idria), although when I was there a little less than a week ago, there was an 'emergency closure' to Clear Creek (i.e. on the way, but not the standard access to the mountain).
davidsanger - Nov 8, 2014 11:37 pm - Hasn't voted
Now openAs of March 2014 the Clear Creek Management Area is open to the public but access to the the central area, the Serpentine ACEC, where San Benito Mountain is, is through a locked gate. You have to get permits online (one for your car, one for each person). Then you have to telephone the BLM office in Hollister for the gate key combination
details are at the BLM page for Clear Creak
And you buy the permits online at recreation.gov
The best entry route is from the west via Clear Creek, off the Coalinga Road south of route 25 from Hollister. I've been in twice and both times the road conditions were fine, though 4wd is a good idea.