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51047 Hits
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84.17% Score
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18 Votes
Page Type:
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Mountain/Rock |
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Lat/Lon:
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36.36970°N / 120.6443°W |
County:
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San Benito |
Activities:
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Hiking |
Season:
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Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
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Elevation:
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5241 ft / 1597 m |
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Overview
Warning: as of Fall 2010, much of the Clear Creek Management area remains closed due to hazards from the natural asbestos in the area. The area in the temporary closure map seems to include all access to San Benito Mountain. The closure is temporary, but I do not know if anyone has estimated an opening date. These areas have been closed since at least Spring 2008. However,the map is difficult to read accurately, and Diggler reports he was able to access the peak in 2009.San Benito Mountain is the highpoint of the Diablo Range, reflected in its rank as the 29th most prominent peak in California. San Benito is also the highest point in San Benito county, which is what attracts most of the non-OHV crowd to this area. The peak is located in a remote but accessible area on the west side the Central Valley. The peak is surrounded by the San Benito Research Natural Area, which is in turn a part of the Clear Creak Management Area (CCMA) operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
San Benito is located in a mass of serpentine soil, producing a bizarre landscape that is devoid of life in some locations and full of a unique blend of plant life in others. Serpentine soils are characterized by high levels of magnesium and nickel but very low levels of calcium. The serpentine mineral also contains chrysotile, a long, fiberous mineral. That’s the bad stuff you know better as asbestos.
Welcome to New IdriaAdmittedly, San Benito Mountain is a drive-up, but I wouldn’t try it with a 2-WD. From New Idria, The OHV roads are passable by 4WD, with the occasional mudhole in winter and spring. Of course, that isn’t quite as much fun as getting out and enjoying a hike in the area. Well, depending on your persuasion and available time, of course.
Getting There
Driving ApproachesOne can also reach this area from Interstate 5, taking the Little Panoche Road exit and driving approximately 20 miles to the aforementioned intersection of Panoche and Little Panoche Roads.
There is another approach from the King City area. Clear Creak Road, designated R001 in the CCMA, is a 4WD road with mud and stream crossings that accesses the area from the west. If you have some information from that approach, I can include it here.
Red Tape
Warning: as of Fall 2010, much of the Clear Creek Management area remains closed due to hazards from the natural asbestos in the area. The area in the temporary closure map seems to include all access to San Benito Mountain. The closure is temporary, but I do not know if anyone has estimated an opening date. These areas have been closed since at least Spring 2008. However,the map is difficult to read accurately, and Diggler reports he was able to access the peak in 2009.San Benito Mountain is located in the Clear Creak Management Area (CCMA), operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The management area is open year round, without seasonal closures. Their web site suggests that some areas may close temporarily after rains.
The area is open to day and overnight use, without fees. Campfire permits are required, but free.
Asbestos
Asbestos are naturally occuring in the serpentine soils. The BLM does not recommend use of some areas, particularly during dry and dusty parts of the year. Like most exposure-related risks, "how much is too much" can be tough to answer. CCMA provides a recorded update at (831) 630-5060.
Camping
Camping is allowed in CCMA, but avoid the dry, dusty parts of the year. Be prepared to share your camping area with members of the OHV crowd, as they are plentiful in this area.There are also some BLM areas along Idria Road. Griswold Hills (scroll down in this link) is a 10,000 acre parcel with a parking area on New Idria Road located 3 miles south of Panoche Road. If you're coming from I-5, Tumey Hills along Panoche Road may also be an option. Thanks to jakefrisbee for this info.
External Links
General Clear Creak Managment Area InformationCounty Highpointers Trip Reports
Bob Burd's trip report
Matt Worster's Trip Report
1 Routes
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.